CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025

Preparing students for a data-driven world

Data is all around us and there’s a real need for professionals who can make sense of it all. Students enrolled in the undergraduate Data Science and Analytics program must complete a capstone project that connects the classroom to real industry challenges. In the video above, Ellen Breazel, assistant director of data science, program development & industrial relations, explains how alumni can help.

Find out more about the data science program

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Daniel Whitehead is appointed chair of the Clemson Department of Chemistry

Daniel Whitehead is an organic chemist who has been on the Clemson faculty since 2011. He’s also the new chair of the Department of Chemistry, effective January 1, 2026.

Read about Whitehead’s priorities as chair

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A taxidermied lion stands in the hall of a high school

Clemson University museum’s lion finds its new pride at local high school

The D.W. Daniel High School Lions have a new member of their pride. Weighing 60 pounds with a 10-pound wooden base, the newly restored taxidermied African lion is from the vertebrate collection of the Clemson University Bob and Betsy Campbell Museum of Natural History.

How three scientists are advancing human health through the gene-editing technology CRISPR

Research scientists — including Clemson’s Stephen Dolan, Jennifer Mason and Qing Liu — use the powerful gene-editing technology CRISPR to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms so they can study gene function in disease, develop diagnostic tests and identify novel treatments.

Learn how the professors are using CRISPR

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Alumni Spotlight: Rhett Ricard ’12

Rhett Ricard ’12 found Clemson University to be the perfect place to nurture his love of learning. He double majored in chemistry and history and turned it into a law career, first as a judge advocate in the United States Marine Corps and now at a national law firm.

Read more about Rhett Ricard’s journey

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A quick look around the College of Science…

Help students discover careers in science

The College of Science is hosting an in-person SCIENCE Career Discovery event on the evening of February 4, 2026, and we’re looking for volunteers to join us for an evening of meaningful conversations with students exploring their future paths. This is not a recruitment event, so you do not have to represent your company or promote open roles. The event is geared toward individuals working in non-health care professions. Deadline to register to participate is December 15.

Tigers on Call scheduled for February 5-6, 2026

Join us for the 11th annual Tigers on Call event, where Clemson students interested in pursuing careers in health care connect with members of the Clemson Family currently working as health professionals. To participate, register by January 5, 2026. Please email tigersoncall@clemson.edu if you have questions.

Students support STEM in schools through new nonprofit

Biochemistry major Ryan Mehlem is the co-founder of a nonprofit initiative called ARCS-Ed (Advancing Rural Communities through STEM Education), aimed at transforming how middle schoolers across South Carolina engage with science. The project started as a competition entry for a group of Clemson University Honors College students.

Join ScienceNet

ScienceNet is a platform for connecting our SCIENCE family — students, alumni, friends, faculty and staff. It is where you can exchange ideas and experiences, engage in professional development and explore careers in the life, physical and mathematical sciences. Join Scie nceNet.

We want your news!

Let us know what you’re doing. Share your professional accomplishments with the College of Science, and your news may be featured on our website or in this newsletter. Share your news with us.

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