From the Dean
As the college, the nation and the world are adjusting to the new normal as a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, our students, staff, and faculty have once again shown exceptional resilience, ingenuity, and goodwill in rising to this challenge in a remarkably short amount of time. We share some of their achievements with you in this issue of IDEAS Monthly.
Several research groups in the college are volunteering their time and resources to address some of the healthcare needs resulting from this pandemic. They are testing, searching for new treatments and finding safe ways of reusing personal protective equipment. These groups exemplify the service and outreach our college is known for as they work closely with industry and healthcare providers to bring their innovations to the communities and clinical settings where they are needed most.
In addition to these projects, we are also announcing three new research projects, two focused on smart materials and one on improving supercomputers. All three are focused on potential solutions to real-world problems, such as developing cars and airplanes with improved fuel efficiency.
In early April we celebrated the achievements of several of our outstanding students. We honored some of the college’s top students for their excellence in academics, research and service, and a milestone of this semester is the graduation of our first Ph.D. student in biomedical data science and informatics, a program jointly offered by Clemson and the Medical University of South Carolina. You can read about their accomplishments in this issue as well as the innovative ways our faculty are holding online classes and dissertation defenses.
As you can see, we have dedicated and innovative students, staff, and faculty who not only can address challenges facing us like COVID-19 but who also freely give of their time and resources to help others. The support of our alumni and friends has played a key role in our being able to rise to this current challenge and, more importantly, to have the resources to be prepared for future ones, and I want to take this opportunity to express my wholehearted gratitude.
Many from the Clemson Family have asked how they can support the college, particularly given the current situation of the COVID-19 virus coupled with the tornado that impacted the campus area in mid-April. The support from our community is remarkable, especially in this moment when so many are facing their own set of challenges. It is a true gift that many have a desire to make a meaningful impact for our students, staff, and faculty. Gifts through the Dean’s Excellence Fund provide flexible support to meet many changing and varied needs. If you wish to include the college among your philanthropic priorities, you can contribute directly at https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/cecas. Additionally, you may contact Amy Hunt, Senior Director of Development, at ahunt6@clemson.edu. The Clemson Family has always been willing to support our college, and as always, we appreciate your generosity.
I hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe and remain that way.
Anand K. Gramopadhye, Dean
