Department News and Events
The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University focuses on undergraduate and graduate education in genetics and biochemistry. As part of a land-grant University, we understand the value of being locally relevant and globally impactful — and preparing our graduates to be leaders in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Find out more about departmental activities on this page.
Department of Genetics and Biochemistry News
Newsletter/Blog
The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry in the College of Science regularly publishes an online newsletter as well as a blog that feature the news, research and goings-on of the people in the department. Have a suggestion for something that should appear in the newsletter or blog? Submit items for consideration to kgthoma@clemson.edu.
Department Newsletter
The most-recent issue of Molecular Connections, the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry newsletter, was published in Fall 2024.
Department Blog
Explore blog posts from the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry. Recent posts include:
- Faculty and staff win college-wide awards
- Caldwell receives 2025 Norris Medal
- Mackay honored with Darwin-Wallace Medal
Visit the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry blog site.
Upcoming Events
Dr. William Marcotte Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award
Elizabeth Caldwell named 2024–25 winner
National Scholar Elizabeth Caldwell has been named the 2024–25 recipient of the Dr. William Marcotte Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. She graduated in May 2025 with a genetics major and a biochemistry minor.
Since her freshman year, Caldwell has worked with Michael Sehorn, associate professor of genetics and biochemistry, focusing on DNA damage repair pathways in various disorders, including a rare immunodeficiency disease. Her passion stems from her own underresearched disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Her love for research led her to the highly selective pediatric oncology education program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the summers of 2023 and 2024, where she researched rare, cancerous mutations related to leukemia. On campus,Caldwell founded the Tigers 4 Accessibility club and volunteered at the Clemson Free Clinic.
Caldwell has been named a Truman Scholar and has received Clemson’s Norris Medal, the Matt Locke Leadership Award, the College of Science Outstanding Senior in Science Award, the Riley Institute’s Upstate Diversity Leadership Award and the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry Outstanding Senior in Genetics Award.
Named for the longtime department chair of the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, the Dr. William Marcotte Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award fund supports an award to top undergraduate students in the disciplines.
Support the Marcotte Award
We hope you will support our continued commitment to the Dr. William R. Marcotte Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award and past, present and future recipients. Gifts may be designated to the Marcotte fund on the giving page.
