From the Dean

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving, a day when we pause to reflect on our many blessings. This year, as always, I am deeply aware and appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and faculty and the generosity of our alumni and friends. We have had a very successful year because of your support and your willingness to share your time, talent and treasure. In this issue we highlight some of our more recent achievements.

We are extremely proud of one of our graduates who played a significant role earlier this month in the launch of Artemis, the first step in returning astronauts to the moon in 50 years. Computer engineering alumna Charlie Blackwell-Thompson, NASA’s first female launch director, led the launch control team including being responsible for the countdown and all operations leading to lift-off. She and fellow college alumna Vanessa Wyche, the first Black woman to serve as director of the Johnson Space Center, are prominent examples of the value of a degree from our college.

We continue to be recognized for our innovative research contributions, and this issue features a few of our more notable ones. As part of an international partnership with industry and colleagues in South Korea, our college is developing new techniques for producing vegetables in areas of food insecurity. Similar to a system proposed by NASA thirty years ago, this project will use less water, energy and land than current methods. It aims to grow produce where it is needed rather than shipping it across long distances.

Our college is also part of an international effort collaborating on sequencing the human reference genome. We have been recognized for developing an algorithm addressing the current gaps and errors to enable a more complete representation of human genetic diversity. Creating a more accurate genome has significant healthcare implications, including the potential for more personalized medical treatments.

This issue also features various activities and award-winning accomplishments of our faculty and alumni in addition to donors who have commemorated members of their family through gifts that ensure we continue to provide the education and professional experiences needed for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders. One of our more recent is the creation of the Distinguished Professorship in Bioengineering, a gift from Clemson alumnus John Gilpin established as a tribute to his six nieces and nephews.

We thank John and our many other supporters whose gifts continue to help us offer new opportunities for our students, staff and faculty. Many of you choose to make donations at this time of year, and if you would like to contribute to the college, you can click the “Make a Gift” tab below. Your support is critical to our success, and as always, I appreciate your generosity but most especially at this time of year.

I hope you had a very Happy Thanksgiving, one filled with family, friends and good food. Stay healthy and safe as we move into the Holiday Season.

Go Tigers!