As we kick off 2022 and our first week of classes on campus, we are again reminded of just how special Clemson is. As dean, I get to witness firsthand the immense empathy, grace and resilience of our faculty, staff and students as we together navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 omicron variant.

As we look back on 2021, we sure like the view!

We celebrated Louise Franke becoming the first Rhodes Scholar in Clemson’s history! She embodies our pursuit of excellence in Science that is both locally relevant and globally impactful as she sets out for Oxford University to join thought leaders of tomorrow.

We launched the College of Science Catalyst Competition, a special program to develop and showcase student entrepreneurship and innovation in Science. Five teams will develop their business ideas while gaining professional development through coaching and mentoring from faculty and industry leaders. They’ll compete in a pitch competition in March. We can’t wait to see what they dream up!

We recognized six outstanding faculty with inaugural Dean’s Professorship Awards made possible by unrestricted philanthropic support. These awards, along with endowed faculty and chair positions, help us retain our very best talent. We appreciate your continued support for our world class faculty.

On behalf of the College of Science, I wish you good health and happiness as we look to 2022 with hope. 

Go Tigers!

Louise Franke made Clemson history when she became the first University student named a Rhodes Scholar. As a student majoring in biochemistry and minoring in political science philosophy, Franke has a unique perspective on the relationship between the study of science and humanities. ➥ Read more about Louise Franke.

A gamma ray discovery by Clemson astrophysicists could advance understanding of the role UFOs — ultra-fast outflows — play in the evolution of galaxies, including our own Milky Way. ➥ Read more about the research.

Through innovative lab and camp programs, the Science Outreach Center cultivates the next generation of scientists by providing educational opportunities that engage, entertain and encourage middle and high school students. ➥ Read more about what the Science Outreach Center is doing.

Six faculty members have received the College of Science Dean’s Professorship Award. The two-year awards recognize faculty for research that increases the University’s prominence, mentorship of students and significant extramural research funding.

Zoology graduate Brandie Smith has been named the John and Andrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Approximately 1.8 million people visit the public zoo each year.

A team of Clemson scientists led by associate professor of chemistry Sourav Saha has made advances in electrically conducting metal-organic frameworks, which are “smart” materials that have a myriad of potential applications as semiconductors, sensors and energy storage systems.

Students from 41 states and several foreign countries have enrolled in courses offered by the online program designed for science educators.