2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT€¦ · made gifts to support the intellectual and professional enrichment programs that are the hallmark of the NSP. Above: 2015 scholar Aditya Aswani participated

2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Mission Statement

In collaboration with other University offices and programs, the mission of Clemson’s National Scholars Program (NSP) is as follows:

• Recruit and select the top high school students from throughout the United States.

• Provide a competitive scholarship that covers all tuition, fees and other required expenses.

• Coordinate a rewarding summer of study and travel after freshman year.

• Create and program intellectually challenging and rewarding enrichment opportunities.

• Provide individual and group advising that addresses and enhances the National Scholars’ interests and skills.

• Prepare the National Scholars to excel in graduate school and on fellowship applications.

Our Supporters

The NSP is thankful to the Clemson Office of Development for its support and deeply grateful for the considerable generosity of several Clemson alumni and friends, including the following:

• The estate of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Ballenger, Class of 1923

• J. Anderson Berly III, Class of 1978

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bishop Jr., Class of 1965

• Dr. and Mrs. Paul W. McAlister, Class of 1941*

• The E. Smyth McKissick III Class of 1979 Clemson National Scholars Endowment

• Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. McMahan, Class of 1954**

• Dr. and Mrs. R. Roy Pearce, Class of 1941***

• The Smith-Westmoreland Scholars Endowment for Clemson National Scholars

• The von Rosenberg Family Endowment for Clemson National Scholars

• Mr. and Mrs. Matthew A. Lykken

• The estate of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Carroll

Additionally, the NSP family has donated more than $300,000 to the NSP Excellence Fund since 2009. These current scholars, alumni and parents have made gifts to support the intellectual and professional enrichment programs that are the hallmark of the NSP.

Above: 2015 scholar Aditya Aswani participated in the EUREKA! Summer Research program.

On the cover: The scholars took a break while traveling in Ireland.

* Dr. McAlister passed away in January 2007;

Mrs. McAlister passed away in April 2013.

** Dr. McMahan passed away in January 2011.

*** Dr. Pearce passed away in November 2004;

Mrs. Pearce passed away in June 2014.

NSP CHANGES … and Remains Strong If Willie Stargell is correct, there was a lot of life in the National Scholars Program this year! After 13 years of tremendous service to the NSP, Jamie Williams left to become director of the Undergraduate Scholars Program at the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Jamie’s contributions to the NSP, first as assistant director and then as director, are too numerous to count. During his tenure, the NSP Excellence Fund raised more than $250,000 to support programs for scholars; scholars and faculty traveled to over 20 countries through NSP-sponsored trips; and more than 150 scholars benefited from his mentoring as they defined, modified, reached and exceeded their academic, personal and professional goals. Sarah Winslow, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology, faculty-in-residence in the Honors College Living-Learning Community and previous National Scholars Program Faculty Fellow, succeeded Jamie as interim director of the NSP in August 2015. In spring 2016, she was named permanent director. Another member of the NSP family, assistant director Katie Maxwell was promoted within the Honors College to director of advising and recruitment, although she continued her work with the NSP this year.

Times of change such as this offer the opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future. In its 16 years, the NSP has selected 172 National Scholars from 629 finalists. Scholars have excelled inside and outside the classroom, serving as leaders of student government and Greek organizations, participating in intramural sports and service clubs (frequently serving as founders of the latter), being elected to numerous honor societies and winning prestigious awards such as the Norris Medal and Goldwater Scholarship. In the pages that follow, you will see a list of the NSP’s most recent highlights and read about our graduating senior scholars as they reflect on their Clemson and NSP experiences in their own words.

As we applaud those who’ve made the NSP strong and celebrate the accomplishments of our current students, we also look forward to an exciting future. In spring 2016, we will search for a new assistant director of the National Scholars Program and Calhoun Honors College who will continue the hard work of previous NSP assistant directors. In the summer, we will move into our new — and much larger — space in the Core Campus Facility where the Honors College and National Scholars offices will be located along with the Honors Center and Honors College Living-Learning Community, creating a true residential college experience.

Life is one big transition.

– Willie Stargell

Highlights• In addition to serving as interim director of the NSP,

sociology professor Sarah Winslow, Ph.D., continued to teach the freshman seminar course on social inequality — “Who Gets What and Why?” — to our newest cohort of National Scholars.

• NSP Faculty Fellow Michael LeMahieu, Ph.D., returned to Clemson after spending spring 2015 at Yale University as a Faculty Fellow in the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition. In the spring, LeMahieu led a research seminar with senior National Scholars in which they revisited their freshman seminar on the Civil War and the civil rights movement.

• With this year’s donations, the total amount donated to the NSP Excellence Fund since its inception in 2009 exceeded $300,000. The generous financial gifts of National Scholars, NSP alumni and parents help support our intellectual and professional development programs.

• Two National Scholars traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to participate in the Undergraduate Scholars Program Administrators Association’s “Scholar Summit,” a leadership institute bringing together dozens of students from scholar programs around the country to develop ideas for program growth and collaboration.

• Eleven new National Scholars joined our program in August. They hail from five states and are our first male-dominated incoming cohort in six years!

• In light of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service, veteran NSP faculty partner and parks, recreation and tourism management professor Bob Powell, Ph.D., taught a spring course on the historical, symbolic, biological and economic importance of national parks in the United States, using Grand Canyon National Park as a case study. Following the course, 16 scholars will join Powell on a two-week rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

• History professor James Burns, Ph.D., continues to teach a course on African history to prepare the first-year scholars for their travels to Johannesburg, Durban and Kruger National Park in South Africa before their summer study abroad at Stellenbosch University.

Above: Scholars have an opportunity to meet and learn from guest lecturers.

Below: The first-year scholars took a study-abroad trip to South Africa during the summer of 2015.

2 HIGHLIGHTS

Kristin BuhrowLexington, Kentucky Major: Anthropology and Modern Languages, Mandarin Chinese

Select Learning Experiences:

• Research with Melissa Vogel, Ph.D., focusing on textile production, trading patterns and gender roles in the Pre-Incan Casma city of El Pergatorio through the analysis of spindle whorl artifacts. This research resulted in a poster and paper presented at the 2016 Society for American Archaeology National Meeting and the 2015 South Carolina Anthropology Student Conference, respectively, and a co-authored article currently pending publication with Latin American Antiquity.

• Research with Susanna Ashton, Ph.D., focusing on anonymous American slave narrative authors and their communities of origin in South Carolina

• Independent research conducted under the mentorship of John Coggeshall, Ph.D., focusing on Tibetan refugee communities in rural northern India

• Volunteer work with Lha Charitable Trust in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, India

• Summer internship with Shenunion Enterprise Development Co., Ltd., in Dalian, China

• Summer study-abroad experience at China Minzu University in Beijing, China, and Dalian University of Technology in Dalian, China

Key Leadership and Recognition:

• College of Business and Behavioral Science Outstanding Senior in the Social Sciences Award

• Department of Languages Chinese Laoshi Award

• Clemson Study Abroad photo contest winner (Landscape and the Natural World category)

• Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Anthropology Travel Grant Award

• American Anthropological Association

• Society for American Archaeology

• Phi Beta Kappa

• Clemson Writing Fellow

• Dixon Global Policy Scholar

• Clemson University Anthropology Club (president)

• Clemson Dholna, Bollywood fusion dance team (co-captain)

• Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Advisory Board (anthropology representative)

The NSP was the reason I came to Clemson, and it has been one of the primary reasons that I have enjoyed my time here so much. The faculty and viewpoints to which I have been introduced, the students with whom I have developed friendships and intellectual community, and the experiences that have prepared me for further study and my future career — they have all centered around the NSP and the opportunities it provides.

3SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS

Key Leadership and Recognition

• Engineers Without Borders (president)

• Clemson Men’s Basketball Club (founder, president)

• CUSG Research (associate director)

• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society (treasurer)

• NSP Retreat Team

• J. Wesley Davis Leadership Award

• Chemical Engineering Junior of the Year Award

Andrew CarlinMason, Ohio Major: Chemical Engineering

Select Learning Experiences

• Research and development internship with Procter & Gamble in process engineering

• Research and development internship with Procter & Gamble in product design

• Engineers Without Borders Creative Inquiry research on potable water system design in La Pintada, Nicaragua

• Two Engineers Without Borders Creative Inquiry trips to La Pintada, Nicaragua, for project assessment and implementation

• Chemical engineering research with Mark Roberts, Ph.D., on activated carbon/lignin supercapacitor cell optimization

• Chemistry research with George Chumanov, Ph.D., on nanoparticle synthesis for sensors in a laboratory instruments

The NSP offers a unique opportunity to add to and take from an intellectual community that is fostered solely by you and your peers. That this opportunity comes with the chance to develop friendships with genuinely interesting people (while in Clemson and while traveling around the world) is what makes the NSP so wonderful.

4 SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOLARS

Andrew CarlinMason, Ohio Major: Chemical Engineering

Kaitlin Carter White House, Tennessee Major: Mathematical Sciences


• Summer internship at the State Farm Research and Development Center in Champaign, Illinois, working in the Property and Casualty Actuarial department researching methodology in calculating catastrophe provisions

• Summer internship at State Farm corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, building a pricing model for single premium immediate annuities

The NSP has given me opportunities I never could have imagined possible. By traveling with the National Scholars, I have been able to expand my views of the world while working with a group of students and faculty that challenge me to see the world differently than everyone else.


• Actuarial Club (president, vice president, secretary)

• Kappa Alpha Theta (ritualist)

• Gamma Sigma Sigma (service coordinator)

• Tigers for Tigers (treasurer)

• Association for Women in Mathematics (undergraduate coordinator)

• Dixon Fellows Program

• Calhoun Honors College (ambassador)

• Order of Omega Honor Society

• RiSE tutor

• Southeastern Actuaries Conference scholarship recipient



• Engineers Without Borders (secretary and historian)


• Clemson Department of Athletic Academic Services (tutor and computer science mentor)

• Calhoun Honors College (peer mentor)

• Clemson Cyber Defense Club

Matt DeAngelisSpartanburg, South Carolina Major: Computer Science


• Summer internship in Boeing’s IT department as a systems integrator

• Research with Pingshan Wang, Ph.D., into high-sensitivity microwave sensors for use in cytometry

• Semester-long study abroad in Lüneburg, Germany, as part of a German minor

Students in the NSP have access to the most individualized advising and mentoring available, and they are afforded the opportunity to have incredible experiences abroad and domestically. However, the program’s greatest attributes by far are the scholars who have shown me what incredible things can be accomplished when talent and intelligence are met with passion and determination.


Aryana DerakhshanFlorence, South Carolina Major: Political Science


• Internship for women, peace and security at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego

• Fellowship with the Vincent Sheheen gubernatorial campaign and the South Carolina Democratic Party

• Internship with the Office of the Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman James E. Clyburn, U.S. House of Representatives


• Study abroad on ethnic conflict and conflict resolution in the Balkans, Department of Political Science


• First place in the Rutland Institute for Ethics J.T. Barton Ethics Essay competition

• Clemson University Debate Team (secretary)

• The Pendulum foreign affairs magazine (Americas editor, Middle East and North Africa editor)

• Foothills Alliance (volunteer)

• Clemson University Student Government (voter registration chair)

• Clemson Elementary School (volunteer)


• Dixon Fellows Program

As a Clemson student, there is a world of possibilities available. I have been encouraged to travel domestically and internationally for study-abroad programs, internships, classes and debate competitions. All of these experiences have shaped my understanding of the world and my future plans, and they have prepared me to work in diverse and challenging settings.


The NSP puts some of the most motivated and ambitious students I have ever met together and helps embody the idea of the Clemson Family from day one. The opportunities for students to excel at Clemson are seemingly unlimited, and I have been able to pursue my passions and shape my interest for my future career in medicine. I am confident that Clemson has prepared me and my peers to be leaders in our fields after graduation, and I’m excited to see all of the great achievements that these individuals will reach in the coming years.


• 2015 Goldwater Scholar

• Engineers Without Borders (internal vice president, president)

• Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society (president)

• Blue Key Honor Society (vice president)

• Intramural sports (basketball, volleyball and soccer)

• Calhoun Honors College (Seniors Advising Sophomores in Honors mentor)

• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

• Engineering World Health

• Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC)

• Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society

• Students Helping Honduras (volunteer)

Austin HerbstEasley, South Carolina Major: Genetics and Biochemistry


• Research with Michael Sehorn, Ph.D., focusing on the characterization of homologous recombination proteins

• Research with Frank Alexis, Ph.D., developing tissue engineering of small diameter blood vessels

• Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program at Emory University in biochemistry

• Water, Society and Health Scholar Research Experience for Undergraduates through the University of Virginia focusing on diabetes and hypertension management in Limpopo, South Africa

• Study-abroad medical experience in Panama and Costa Rica

• FIMRC global health volunteer in Restauración, Dominican Republic

• FIMRC global health volunteer in La Merced, Peru


We may have ‘the most exciting 25 second in college football,’ but we also have the most exciting students. My favorite moments as an undergraduate were watching all of us giving that 110 percent in everything we do, just as Coach Howard asked of his players. As members of the Clemson Family, we’re encouraged to tackle the most challenging problems, but more importantly, we’re encouraged to support each other while we do it. At Clemson, there’s something in these hills, and that’s the continual support and encouragement to make each and every one of our Tigers great.

Laura JamesonGreat Falls, Virginia Major: Industrial Engineering


• Global supply internship for ExxonMobil Chemical in Houston, Texas


• Alpha Omega Epsilon (president, vice president, professional chair, webmaster)

• Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering Honor Society (vice president)

• Industrial Engineering Academic Achievement Award

• Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society

• Clemson University Online Education Committee Board




• Clemson University Student Government (undergraduate student body president, executive secretary and public relations committee member)

• Gamma Phi Beta (Panhellenic Affairs vice president)

• Clemson University Visitors Center (tour guide)

• Blue Key Honor Society (new member educator)

• Order of Omega Honor Society

• Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society

• Mortar Board

• Robert W. Moorman Award

• Greek Woman of the Year

• Industrial Engineering Academic Achievement Award

• Janine A. Bowen Award

Shannon KayGastonia, North CarolinaMajor: Industrial Engineering


• Industrial engineering research with Sara Lu Riggs, Ph.D., “Using Daily Smartphone Notifications to Motivate College-Aged Students to Exercise”

• Manufacturing Operations Leadership Program internship at Campbell’s Soup

• Engineers Without Borders in La Pintada, Nicaragua

• Students Helping Honduras in El Progreso, Honduras

• Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children in La Merced, Peru

When describing Clemson, students sometimes use the phrase ‘it has a small-school feel with large-school resources.’ Different students have different ways that they relate to or sometimes do not relate to this statement. For me, the NSP epitomizes this statement. The program simultaneously establishes unique, meaningful relationships among students, staff and faculty while providing unparalleled academic and experiential resources. The people of the NSP concurrently push you to be your best and help you become your best. Juxtaposing those relationships with those resources, the NSP has helped shape me as a person, provided exceptional opportunities for growth and made my career plans possible.


From my first days at Clemson during the NSP Freshman Retreat, it became obvious that the NSP was more than just an academic scholarship. Throughout my time in the program, I have gained new perspectives through travel, interacted with renowned scholars and received support from the NSP staff. Most importantly, though, I have gained a set of lifelong friends who are passionate about everything from international politics to beer brewing.

Katie StahelNew Orleans, Louisiana Major: Chemical Engineering


• Supply chain engineering internship with Colgate-Palmolive

• TigersTeach chemistry education internship at Liberty High School

• Volunteer computer teacher in northern Namibia through WorldTeach

• Engineers Without Borders Creative Inquiry project on well water treatment and distribution in Nicaragua

• Engineers Without Borders in La Pintada, Nicaragua, for project assessment

• Research with Mark Blenner, Ph.D., on engineering protein post-translational modifications

• EUREKA! research with William Pennington, Ph.D., into potential bio-sensing applications for polydiacetylenes

Key Involvement, Leadership and Recognition:

• Engineers Without Borders (external vice president, Nicaragua project leader)

• NSP Retreat Team (leader and member)

• The Family Effect (math GED tutor)



• School of Architecture Rudolph E. Lee Award

• Blue Key Honor Society

• Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society

• NSP Retreat Team

• Academic Integrity Board (student member)

• Clemson Men’s Club Soccer Team

• Architecture Best Communicator Award

• YMCA Soccer (volunteer coach)

• Colegio San José, Salamanca, Spain (assistant teacher)

• Calhoun Honors College (mentor)

Zachary WhitemanFranklin, Tennessee Major: Architecture and Modern Languages, Spanish (dual degrees)


• U.S. Department of Energy 2015 Solar Decathlon

• New York City Architecture Summer Studio

• Integrated study abroad at the University of Salamanca

• Study abroad at Clemson’s Daniel Center in Genoa, Italy

I could not be prouder to call the wonderful group of people that are the National Scholars my classmates, mentors and friends. My experience in this program has defined my college career. Because of this program, we have all been afforded countless opportunities to travel the world and to learn from brilliant people and each other. More than the outstanding talent, intelligence and determination to accomplish goals that I have seen in this group, I have also seen a passion for giving back, caring for others and lifting each other up. For this, I am honored, thankful and above all humbled to have been a part of the NSP.


The NSP has given me incredible opportunities that I could not have imagined. When I came to Clemson, I had never left the country or even set foot on an airplane. In just four years, I have traveled to six countries with the program, experiences that have bolstered my growth, both academically and personally. The resources of the NSP, the Honors College and Clemson as a whole have helped me achieve all my goals and create so many newer, bigger goals that I never before thought possible.

Jenny WilsonCharlotte, North CarolinaMajor: Plant and Environmental Sciences


• Honors research with Hong Luo, Ph.D., focusing on developing stress-tolerant grasses for human consumption and biofuel production

• Creative Inquiry with Jeremy Tzeng, Ph.D., “Development of a Universal Self-Amplifying Biosensor for Pathogen Detection”

• Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri

• Summer research assistantship with Guido Schnabel, Ph.D.


• 2015 Goldwater Scholar

• Departmental Honors in microbiology and genetics

• Clemson Agronomy Club (founder)

• iGEM Synthetic Biology Team (president)

• Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority (service chair)


• Seniors Advising Sophomores in Honors (adviser)

• Distinguished Agronomist Scholarship

• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society



OTHER SCHOLARSThird-year ScholarsCarter Ellis | Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina| Bioengineering

Amanda Farthing | Indiatlantic, Florida | Industrial Engineering

Aaron Gordon | Bethesda, Maryland | Civil Engineering

Grace Green | McDonough, Georgia | Microbiology

Zach Hawks | Cedar Park, Texas | Computer Engineering

Caroline Hensley | Waxhaw, North Carolina | Preprofessional Health and English

Katelyn Ragland | Knoxville, Tennessee | Bioengineering

Eliza Rhodes | Beaufort, South Carolina | Anthropology

Jacki Rohde | Arlington Heights, Illinois | Bioengineering

Claire Spellberg | Chevy Chase, Maryland | English

Second-year ScholarsKristin Fuller | Daphne, Alabama | Materials Science and Engineering

Zachary Girvin | Simpsonville, South Carolina | Bioengineering

Grace Glenn | Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina | Computer Science and Economics

Patrick Gorospe | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Industrial Engineering

Neha Kumar | Simpsonville, South Carolina | Genetics and Biochemistry

Joseph Litts | Florence, South Carolina | History

Killian McDonald | Columbia, South Carolina | Political Science and Women’s Leadership

Tyler Rodgers | Charleston, South Carolina | Architecture

Ansley Sackett | Greensboro, North Carolina | Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Jessica Schnorr | Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina | Language and International Health

Sarah Timmins | Memphis, Tennessee | Materials Science and Engineering

Sarah Waldvogel | Central, South Carolina | Genetics and Biochemistry

Casey Young | St. Leonard, Maryland | Bioengineering

Eric Zuberi | Lincoln, Rhode Island | Microbiology and Genetics

Looking back to your freshman year, how do you think you have changed? What promoted these changes?

Kristin Buhrow: “I have learned so much about a variety of fields in my college experience that I am now able to better understand the breadth of what I do not know and to be excited by it instead of intimidated.”

Andrew Carlin: “I have gained a deeper understanding of the ideas and beliefs I hold and, therefore, of the person I am. These changes were spurred by my philosophy courses and discussions with friends outside of class, the wonderful people I have befriended and the unique experiences I have had at Clemson and abroad.”

Kaitlin Carter: “I have become more independent and learned what being a leader really means. Taking on projects and responsibilities in various organizations on campus has allowed me to learn more about my strengths, weaknesses and views of the world.”

Matt Deangelis: “I had a vague idea of what interested me, but I was unsure of how to translate that into a major and a career. My professors and the NSP staff helped me explore what I enjoyed in my classes and extracurricular activities, change majors and eventually land a job that I am very excited about.”

Austin Herbst: “I’ve definitely become more focused on working with global health and on an international level. I think a large part of this is due to the opportunities I’ve had at Clemson to travel and work in these communities. Clemson has offered me the chance to pursue my interests and really develop a passion for the type of work I will be doing.”

14 OTHER NATIONAL SCHOLARSOTHER NATIONAL SCHOLARS

First-year ScholarsAditya Aswani | Clemson, South Carolina | Engineering and Sociology

Mary Jordan Carpenter | Charlotte, North Carolina | Industrial Engineering

Jason Erno | Columbia, South Carolina | Biochemistry

Mansi Joglekar | Anderson, South Carolina | Biological Sciences

Rami Major | Orchard Park, New York | Genetics

Haley Meier | The Woodlands, Texas | Bioengineering

Sam Michelich | Frisco, Texas | Chemical Engineering

Kevin Rabinovich | Columbia, South Carolina | Architecture

Lindsey Richardson | Little Mountain, South Carolina | Environmental Engineering

Michael Summers | Greer, South Carolina | Biochemistry

Jonathan Vogel | Tucson, Arizona | Mechanical Engineering

15OTHER NATIONAL SCHOLARS

• Achieng Adongo ’11: Clemson University, master’s in industrial engineering

• Brittany Avin ’15: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ph.D. in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology

• Jill Allen Dixon ’08: Harvard University, master’s in urban planning

• Katharine Amalfitano ’12: University of Cincinnati, medical school

• Damon Andrews ’08: University of Iowa, J.D.

• Darcy Austin ’04: Georgia State University, master’s in teaching

• Alexandra Battey ’10: Quad Graphics, placement into highly selective advanced leadership training program

• Ross Beppler ’14: Georgia Tech, Ph.D. in energy policy

• Brent Berkompas ’10: Courier Printing, Nashville, placement into highly selective advanced leadership training program

• Paul Blichmann ’10: Clemson University, master’s in bioengineering

• Bethany Boerckel ’09: University of South Carolina, master’s in library science

• Mark Boerckel ’09: ATD Charleston, trading analyst

• Ben Boone ’11: BB&T bank, placement into highly selective advanced leadership training program

• Caitlin Boone ’11: Wake Forest University, master’s in education

• Colby Brooks ’08: Capgemini Inc., telecommunications development manager, Atlanta, Georgia

• Juston Brown ’08: Clemson University, master’s in civil engineering

• Maeve Budi ’12: University of Florida, Ph.D. in materials engineering

• Kristina Catani ’09: Clemson University, master’s in economics

• Amanda Cheung ’06: University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Clarice Clemmens ’05: University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Matt Clemmens ’07: Consultant for Blackbaud Inc.

• Jeff Clinkscales ’07: University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Chris Covey ’13: University of Denver, Ph.D. in microbiology

• Judith Crews ’11: Clemson University, master’s in architecture + health

• Ashley Denney ’04: University of Alabama-Birmingham, M.D.

• Rebecca Deery ’12: Clemson University, master’s in education/teaching

• Nadine Luedicke Dispenza ’13: Yale University, Ph.D. in bioengineering

• John Dixon ’08: Harvard University, Ph.D. in the history of American civilization

• Rob Dixon ’07: Carnegie Mellon University, master’s in robotics

• Shannon Edd ’10: Stanford University, Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

• Colleen Eils ’08: University of Texas-Austin, Ph.D. in English

• Brian Eyink ’06: Duke University, J.D.

More than 115 National Scholars have graduated, and each has moved on to pursue further studies at leading universities around the world and employment with Fortune 500 companies, including the following:

ALUMNIWhat do you hope to have accomplished by the time you graduate from Clemson?

Laura Jameson: “By the time I graduate from Clemson, I hope to espouse the ideals Thomas Green Clemson had for members of this institution as a ‘high seminary of learning.’”

Shannon Kay: “With less than a semester left in my college career, I do not have very many concrete goals left. I have experienced a lot of things in 3.5 years by traveling the world, participating in different organizations and events, and taking exciting risks that I never would have taken before attending Clemson. I do have one notable goal left to achieve: I need to finish the Clemson bucket list I created as a first- semester sophomore.”

Katie Stahel: “I hope to have established a strong foundation on which I will build the rest of my academic and professional career by the time I graduate from Clemson.”

Jenny Wilson: “I hope to be ready for the next chapter of my life. There are still a few loose ends to be tied up, such as getting accepted to graduate school and training new officers in the clubs I’m involved in, but beyond that, Clemson has either met or exceeded all of my expectations for college. I’ve accomplished everything I’ve set out to do here and so much more.”

Kristin Buhrow: “Before graduating from Clemson, I hope to establish the trajectory in which I would like the next phase of my life to go. I hope to lay the groundwork necessary to follow that trajectory and to recognize and seize an even better idea when it arises.”

16 ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS

• Brown Farinholt ’13: University of California, San Diego, Ph.D. in computer science

• Ben Garrison ’09: Clemson University, master’s in computer engineering

• Randy Gelhausen ’10: Accenture Inc., technology labs consultant

• Elizabeth Glaesemann ’10: Virginia Tech, master’s in accounting

• Joseph Godsey ’04: International Institute for Management Development, MBA; Adidas Group, senior business solution manager, Herzogenaurach, Germany

• Allison Godwin ’11: Clemson University, Ph.D. in engineering and science education

• Stephen Gosnell ’07: University of California, Santa Barbara, Ph.D. in biology

• Mark Gramling ’05: Vanderbilt, Postdoctoral Research Fellow; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in immunopathology

• Michael Griswold ’09: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, master’s in public administration

• Casey Hancock ’06: Sonoco Products Co., research and development chemist, Hartsville, South Carolina

• Lauren Harroff ’12: Fulbright Scholar, Uganda

• Laura Hart ’07: University of Cincinnati, M.D.

• Jacob Hicks ’05: University of Georgia, Ph.D. in mathematics; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in computer science

• Kate Hicks ’07: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.; Clemson University, master’s in biosystems engineering

• Lauren Hock ’12: Fulbright Scholar, Ecuador

• Katherine Chisholm Horton ’05: Emory University, M.P.H. in global epidemiology

What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned during your time at Clemson?

Zachary Whiteman: “You cannot do everything, but you can do a lot. My time at Clemson has shown me above all that at a certain point you have to make choices that mean sacrificing certain things for others, and the say-yes-to-everything mentality from high school is no longer feasible. However, if you learn to prioritize, become efficient and manage your time, you are capable of much more than you might think.”

Andrew Carlin: “The great lesson I’ve learned at Clemson is to continually re-evaluate life.”

Kaitlin Carter: “When I started at Clemson, I never thought I could make a difference or leave behind a legacy, but the faculty at Clemson has taught me that I can take an idea, implement it and make an impact that will last for years to come.”

Matt Deangelis: “I’ve learned to always pursue new opportunities and experiences. I’ve picked up new hobbies and skills and traveled around the world, all a pursuit of new experiences.”

Austin Herbst: “Success comes in all shapes and forms, and there’s no one set path to getting to it. It’s important to treat my own accomplishments with a sense of humility and to always strive for more in my work.”

Laura Jameson: “The greatest lesson I’ve learned at Clemson is how much we can accomplish when the Clemson Family comes together. There’s no way I would have made it through breaking legs and a concussion without the full support of the Clemson Family, and it was inspiring to see how much we will do for each other.”

17ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS

• Taylor Hughes ’12: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Lucas Hurd ’10: University of Wisconsin, master’s in nuclear engineering and engineering physics; Clemson University, Ph.D. in physics

• James Hyde ’12: Clemson University, master’s in bioengineering

• Susie Irizarry ’11: University of Idaho, master’s in conservation social science

• Zan Isgett ’12: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ph.D. in psychology

• Liz Johnson ’13: Vanguard, placement into highly selective advanced leadership training program

• Kelly Jones ’07: West Virginia University, medical school

• Olivia Keane ’15: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Jamie Kearns ’06: Columbia University (N.Y.), M.D.

• Matt Kerr ’04: University of Washington, Ph.D. in physics; Cambridge (U.K.), advanced studies in mathematics

• Rachel Kimrey ’06: Clemson University, master’s in education

• Matthew Kofoed ’13: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Nathan Kwan ’08: Johns Hopkins University, master’s in electrical engineering

• Stephen Lareau ’08: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D.

• Jessica Lau ’14: Harvard University, Ph.D. in bioengineering

• Rahul Loungani ’10: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Michelle Malecha ’04: General Electric, placement into highly selective advanced leadership training program; Duke University, MBA

• Robert McCowen ’04: Western Michigan University Mallinson Institute for Science Education, Graduate Research Fellow

• Jennifer Moffitt ’11: Eastman Chemical Company, research chemical engineer

• Ahmed Mohiuddin ’06: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Kelly Moran ’15: Los Alamos National Laboratory, post-baccalaureate research associate

• Erica Morrison ’10: Clemson University, master’s in graphic communications

• Zach Musgrave ’11: University of Michigan, Ph.D. in computer science and engineering

• Meredith Myers ’10: Boston Conservatory, master’s in musical theater

• Ashley Neal ’04: Yale University, M.D.

• Ariel Nissan ’12: Clemson University, master’s in bioengineering

• Jessica Dean Owens ’11: Florida State University, master’s in higher education, student affairs

• Andrew Park ’09: Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in chemical engineering

• Suzanne Parks ’09: Clemson University, Ph.D. in bioengineering

• Lori Pindar ’09: University of Georgia, master’s in journalism; Clemson University, Ph.D. in educational leadership

• Laura Pollock ’09: Cornell University, veterinary school

What has been your most enlightening or favorite moment as a National Scholar?

Laura Jameson: “My favorite moment as a National Scholar was our freshman study-abroad trip to South Africa. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we’ll all cherish forever.”

Shannon Kay: “I remember sitting on ‘Secret Beach’ with several members of my cohort debating the definition of ethics and the existence of a god and other hugely philosophical questions. For the first time in my life, I was exposed to thoughts both nearly identical and radically different from my own, and I understood the different perspectives. I remain in awe of the variety of intellectually backed viewpoints that exist.”

Katie Stahel: “My favorite moments as a National Scholar occurred on our freshman study- abroad trip to South Africa. I was able to build strong relationships with friends in my cohort, and I will continue to cherish them for the rest of my life.”

Zachary Whiteman: “There have been so many equally incredible moments throughout my National Scholars experience. However, there have been times when I have seen the people of the NSP go out of their way to help each other and anyone else at Clemson. It is these moments that I have been most proud to be a National Scholar.”

Jenny Wilson: “Honestly, I would have to say it was the long bus rides in Bhutan. We were laughing, singing and listening to some of our tour guide’s (awful) jokes with the backdrop of the Himalayas whizzing by our windows. I was in awe of the place in which we found ourselves and with the connections we built with those around us, as well as the cultural exchange that was taking place. That truly was a special trip.”

18 ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS

• Paige Pribonic ’15: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, M.D.

• Jennifer Rahn ’10: Vanderbilt University, medical school

• Jenny Reeves ’05: University of Georgia, master’s in marketing research

• Chelsea Reighard ’08: University of Michigan, medical school; Bank Street College of Education, master’s in education

• Michaela Reinhart ’15: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, medical school

• Will Sams ’05: Georgia Tech, master’s in physics; North Carolina State, Ph.D. in physics

• Reid Sanders ’11: Textbookia startup company

• Elizabeth Sloan ’11: University of Tennessee-Southwestern, medical school

• Christen Smith ’07: Princeton, master’s in economics and public policy; Peace Corps assignment in Ethiopia

• Lauren Smith ’07: General Electric, corporate auditor

• Ray Smith ’11: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ph.D. in chemical engineering

• Will Spink ’05: Covenant Theological Seminary, master’s in divinity

• Ryan Spurrier ’08: Duke University, master’s in divinity

• Michael Stadnisky ’05: University of Virginia, Ph.D. in infectious disease

• Jeremy Stovall ’05: University of Vermont, master’s in natural resource management; Virginia Tech, Ph.D. in forestry

• Edward Sullivan ’13: University of California at San Diego, Ph.D. in computer science

• Jenny Tumas ’14: University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), master’s in international relations

• Joshua Von Fange ’11: Fluor Corp., account manager, Shanghai, China

• Medha Vyavahare ’15: Yale University, master’s in public health

• Jessica Feltracco Wade ’15: Medical University of South Carolina, M.D.

• Ben Ward ’09: Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in economics

• Elizabeth Ward ’04: University of Tennessee, J.D.

• Lisa Watkins ’15: Cornell University, master’s in biological and environmental engineering

• Suzanne Weaver ’07: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, medical school

• Taylor Wells ’13: Washington University at St. Louis, Ph.D. in mechanical engineering

• Chris Welch ’04: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, medical school and Ph.D. in pharmacology

• Yousef Yasin ’07: Wake Forest University, M.D.

• Amanda Youell ’07: Vanderbilt University, master’s in math education

• Jeff Young ’05: Georgia Tech, Ph.D. in computer engineering

• Joe Ziska ’05: Clemson University, master’s in economics

What has surprised you most about your experience as a Clemson student and National Scholar?

Kristin Buhrow: “I have been most surprised by the seemingly endless support of the staff and advisers. The National Scholars advisers have always encouraged me to take a risk, and they have shown me how to make that risk even more advantageous than the conventional routes to success.”

Andrew Carlin: “I was genuinely surprised by the community that the NSP students foster. Though we were told about this many times during NSP weekend, it still blew away my expectations. Though Clemson is far from perfect, I have been amazed at how much the common bond of a university can bring people together.”

Kaitlin Carter: “I have been impressed by all the accomplishments other students have made. Their successes make me feel proud to call them my peers, and they motivate me to be successful as well.”

Matt Deangelis: “I have been pleasantly surprised at how well the NSP and Clemson have prepared me for my career. In my internship at Boeing, I worked with students from some of the top engineering schools across the nation, and my Clemson education more than prepared me to keep up and even excel in my work.”

Austin Herbst: “Having grown up in the area and with my mom working in the athletic department, the primary knowledge I had about Clemson was its focus on football and athletics. I wasn’t necessarily surprised, but very pleased to see that the academic side of Clemson is just as strong and dedicated!”

19ALUMNI NATIONAL SCHOLARS

• Raquel Anido, Ph.D., languages professor

• Scott Baier, Ph.D., economics professor

• Stephanie Barczewski, Ph.D., history professor

• Alma Bennett, Ph.D., English professor

• Richard Blob, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• A.B. Bodine, Ph.D., animal and veterinary sciences professor

• James Bottum, vice provost and chief information officer

• Richard Brooks, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor

• James Burns, Ph.D., history professor

• Neil Burton, Ph.D., cooperative education program

• Neil Calkin, Ph.D., mathematical sciences professor

• Bruce Clark, 2008 Obama campaign deputy director

• Patti Connor-Greene, Ph.D., psychology professor

• Murray Daw, Ph.D., physics professor

• Delphine Dean, Ph.D., bioengineering professor

• Angela Dills, Ph.D., economics professor

• Roy Dodd, Ph.D., bioengineering professor

• Sherry Dorris, FIRST program coordinator

• Michael Dorsch, Ph.D., marketing professor

• William Dougan, Ph.D., economics professor

• Caye Drapcho, Ph.D., bioengineering professor

• Jonathan Beecher Field, Ph.D., English professor

• Jeffrey Fine, Ph.D., political science professor

• David Freedman, Ph.D., environmental engineering and earth sciences professor

• Robert Geist, Ph.D., computer science professor

• C. Lane Glaze, Wesley Foundation campus minister

• Charles Gooding, Ph.D., chemical engineering professor

• Rusty Guill, associate dean of students

• Traci Harrington, former program coordinator, College of Business and Behavioral Science Office of Student Engagement

• Harry Harritos, architecture professor

• Chris Heavner, Lutheran campus minister and Habitat for Humanity adviser

• Robert Hogan, architecture professor

• Stephen Hubbard, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor

• Cheryl Ingram-Smith, Ph.D., genetics and biochemistry professor

• Dana Irvin, Honors College adviser

Since our first graduating class, each cohort of National Scholars chooses faculty and staff to honor with the National Scholars Program Award of Distinction. This recognition goes to individuals for their tireless commitment to the intellectual, professional and personal development of each graduating class of scholars. These are our recipients.

MENTOR AWARDSHow do you feel about moving on to another school after graduation or into a job after your time at Clemson?

Jenny Wilson: “I’m both excited and terribly sad to be leaving. I’m ready to take more advanced classes and really dive into my research as I begin the long climb toward a Ph.D., but I will sorely miss this place.”

Shannon Kay: “Moving on to a job after graduation makes me feel bittersweet. The past few years at Clemson have shaped me and prepared me to succeed in the workforce. I know that the time has almost come for me to move on to the next step. However, I do not feel as prepared to leave the people and the atmosphere at Clemson, to leave what has been my life for the last four years.”

Katie Stahel: “I’m a bit apprehensive about leaving behind the supportive NSP community and beginning anew at another school. However, I know that my experiences as a National Scholar have given me the tools that I need to be successful in the next stages of my academic career.”

Zachary Whiteman: “Moving on from Clemson is the most bittersweet experience of my life. While I am ready for the next stage of my life, I will miss every aspect of this school and the NSP. I feel so prepared for the next phase of my career and so thankful to the NSP and Clemson for all they have given to me. I owe so much to this wonderful school, and I am eagerly waiting for the day when I can begin to repay a small portion.”

20 NATIONAL SCHOLARS MENTOR AWARD

• Karyn Ogata Jones, Ph.D., communication studies professor

• Karen Kemper, Ph.D., public health sciences professor

• Toshiko Kishimoto, languages professor

• Leidy Klotz, Ph.D., civil engineering professor

• Robin Kowalski, Ph.D., psychology professor

• Martine LaBerge, Ph.D., bioengineering professor

• Miguel Larsen, Ph.D., physics professor

• Patricia Layton, Ph.D., environmental and natural resources professor

• Michael LeMahieu, Ph.D., English professor

• Nancy Leininger, graphic communications professor

• Jeff Love, Ph.D., languages and humanities professor

• Steven Marks, Ph.D., history professor

• Vladimir Matic, J.J.D., political science professor

• Todd May, Ph.D., philosophy professor

• Rachel Mayo, Ph.D., public health sciences professor

• Meredith McCarroll, Ph.D., English professor, director of Clemson Writing Center

• Bobby McCormick, Ph.D., economics professor

• James McCubbin, Ph.D., psychology professor

• Tamara McNealy, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• Tamara McNutt-Scott, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• Thompson Mefford, Ph.D., materials science and engineering professor

How has participation in the National Scholars Program prepared you to meet your academic, personal and professional goals?

Jenny Wilson: “The NSP has provided me with both the opportunities and the encouragement to achieve at the highest level. In addition to classes, trips and discussions that have opened my mind to new and exciting things, I was given all the resources to be the best in my particular field. As Jamie (former NSP director) once said, ‘We’ve never had a you before,’ but he and the program did everything they could to help me become the best ‘me’ possible.”

Kristin Buhrow: “Participation in the NSP has introduced me to faculty, advisers and students who challenge me to expand my thinking and to pursue interesting thoughts and goals, which has helped me develop into a competent and directed scholar.”

Andrew Carlin: “Dr. LeMahieu’s seminar, all the trips abroad, and the interesting and intelligent people in NSP have helped me develop into a better thinker and writer, to become more aware of the importance of what all lies beyond my direct sight and to better grasp the value of chasing meaningful passions.”

Kaitlin Carter: “The NSP has given me the confidence and support to feel capable of achieving my goals. It has also served as a sounding board for my ideas and encouraged me to dream bigger.”

Matt Deangelis: “The NSP has helped me plan what I wanted out of my college experience and how to achieve it. This has allowed me to study abroad four times. Both the advisers within the NSP and the other scholars have offered advice that has helped me choose a major and land an exciting job.”

21NATIONAL SCHOLARS MENTOR AWARD

• Jim Morris, Ph.D., biochemistry professor

• Jiro Nagatomi, Ph.D., biomedical engineering professor

• Liam O’Hara, Ph.D., graphic communications professor

• Gary Powell, Ph.D., biochemistry professor

• Krista Rudolph, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• Robert Schalkoff, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor

• Eric Seiber, Ph.D., public health sciences professor

• Kerrie Seymour, performing arts professor

• Windsor Sherrill, Ph.D., public health sciences professor

• Kelly Smith, Ph.D., philosophy professor

• Kerry Smith, Ph.D., genetics and biochemistry professor

• Melissa Smith, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor

• Elizabeth Stephan, Ph.D., general engineering professor

• Zeynep Taydas, Ph.D., political science professor

• Lesly Temesvari, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• Mark Thies, Ph.D., chemical engineering professor

• Charles Thomas, Ph.D., economics professor

• Terry Tritt, Ph.D., physics professor

• Jerry Waldvogel, Ph.D., biological sciences professor

• Petrea Warneck, performing arts lecturer (oboe)

• Lance Young, College of Business and Behavioral Science adviser

• Yanhua Zhang, Ph.D., languages professor

• John Ziegert, Ph.D., mechanical engineering professor

• David Zumbrunnen, Ph.D., mechanical engineering professor

What do you think you will miss most about Clemson and the NSP?

Austin Herbst: “The people. Everyone I have met at Clemson and NSP has been incredible, and one of my favorite parts about being at Clemson has been being surrounded by so many passionate and motivated peers.”

Laura Jameson: “I will miss the ‘something in these hills’ that makes Clemson, Clemson. It’s indescribable.”

Shannon Kay: “Undoubtedly, I will miss the people. Not just the people themselves because I know our relationships will extend well beyond the four years we spent together at Clemson, but really the fact that all the people are in one place at the same time. I will miss the frequency of seeing each other and the ease of staying in touch.”

Katie Stahel: “The community that the NSP fosters is incredible, and I will certainly miss constantly being surrounded by people who are passionate about ideas and the world around them.”

Zachary Whiteman: “Without a doubt, I will miss the people of the NSP. I have made lifelong friends with whom I have experienced the world. I cannot express how thankful I am to have these wonderful, humble people as my friends and mentors.”

Jenny Wilson: “I will miss the incredible support system. I can’t help but feel that I’ve been spoiled by Jamie, Katie, Steph and now Dr. Winslow, not to mention all the other excellent faculty in the Honors College and the University as a whole. Clemson is certainly a very special place, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another institution or program that cares about its students like this one.”

22 NATIONAL SCHOLARS MENTOR AWARD

Clemson’s Premier Scholarship Program

The Clemson University National Scholars Program provides a select number of extraordinary freshmen with an extraordinary educational experience that includes the following:

• A competitive four-year scholarship• Summer study abroad• Academic seminars that explore critical thinking and

leadership• Ongoing enrichment opportunities throughout the year

The Clemson National Scholars are also members of Calhoun Honors College, which provides advanced coursework and research opportunities as well as support in competing for major national and international fellowships. Clemson University is committed to providing an unmatched undergraduate experience to each of our Clemson National Scholars.

A Great University

For the past eight consecutive years, Clemson University has been ranked in the top 25 national public universities by U.S.News & World Report. Clemson is a student-centered community where students are engaged, spirited, highly competitive and — according to one guidebook — the nation’s happiest. The University offers a teaching and learning environment more common to private, liberal arts colleges, but with the increased academic, community service and social opportunities found at a major public university, all on a beautiful campus surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains. Clemson’s enrollment is more than 22,000. Students can select from more than 82 undergraduate degree programs and 119 graduate degree programs.

23A GREAT UNIVERSITY

Contact Us

Sarah WinslowDirector [email protected]

Katie MaxwellAssistant [email protected]

Michael LeMahieuFaculty [email protected]

William LasserExecutive Director, Calhoun Honors [email protected]

Megan MorganGraduate [email protected]

Clemson National Scholars Program232 Brackett HallClemson, SC 29634-5108Telephone: 864-656-6160Website: clemson.edu/national_scholars

24 CONTACT US

Documents

2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT€¦ · made gifts to support the intellectual and professional enrichment programs that are the hallmark of the NSP. Above: 2015 scholar Aditya Aswani participated