Christian Blackburn
Wildlife and Fisheries Biology
Christian volunteers with the Clemson Fire Tigers represents Wildlife and Fisheries Biology on the Dean’s Student and serves as an Ambassador. He received the 2023 Stephen Lee Potts Memorial Award for his contributions to the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation. His Honors Thesis investigates image-processing software choice within the field of game-camera research.
Abi-Ruth Jordan
Agribusiness
Abi-Ruth is a passionate student with the drive to leave a positive, lasting impact in CAFLS. She is an Ambassador, Agribusiness Association member, Student Assistant in the Bookhart Center, and small business owner. She studied agribusiness abroad in Greece and was selected for the Agribusiness Academic Bowl team.
Sebastian Sanchez
Horticulture
Sebastian has a capacity and desire to contribute and learn how to help others while maintaining academic excellence. He maintains a 4.0 GPA, serves seniors in the community, conducts research in the Adelberg Research Group, and is participating in the FLORECE! international research program in Spain.
Kathryn McCardle
Agricultural Mechanization & Business
Kathryn is a student with a great attitude and a true will to learn. One of her greatest strengths is her will to reach perfection in everything she does. She is an active member of the Agricultural Mechanization and Business student club and dedicated to agriculture and service to her peers and community.
Outstanding
Graduate Student
in Research
Ph.D. Candidate in Entomology
Plant Virology Lab, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Research:
Mandeep’s research is at the intersection of pollinator biology and vector biology, in which he is researching the role of pollinators in the spread of pollen-borne viruses of peach. It is multidisciplinary, spanning plant pathology and entomology. His research has spurred basic evolutionary ecology questions but is also relevant to stakeholders. He is making strides in advancing our understanding of the role that bees play in spreading viruses in orchards and at the interface of agricultural land and wild systems.
Outstanding
Graduate Student
in Research
Ph.D. Candidate in Plant Bacteriology
Edisto REC, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Research:
Milan investigates strategies for enhancing the control of bacterial spot, a disease that poses significant difficulties for peach production in South Carolina and Georgia. The research focuses on the prevalence and persistence of chemical resistance bacteria on peach, the genetic mechanisms behind the chemical resistance, developing an epidemiological model and studying how the bacterial pathogen overwinters on peach trees. Through meticulous surveys and innovative methodologies, Milan has unearthed invaluable insights into bactericide resistance trends and the overwintering dynamics of bacterial pathogens.
Outstanding
Graduate Student
in Teaching
M.S. Candidate in Forest Resources
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Forestry and Environmental Conservation
Course Taught:
FNR 2040: Soil Information Systems
Research:
Davis showed an unparalleled level of care, dedication, and support for 60 students in four lab sections. He led one of the most critical aspects of the course--hands-on labs providing students with necessary skills for future careers. Davis also helped develop an online teaching module to help students understand the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in relation to course material resulting in a publication highlighting this innovative teaching method. Nominator Dr. Mikhailova writes, “He is a gifted teacher who has helped students comprehend and integrate complex concepts into their education and research.”
Outstanding
Graduate Student
in Teaching
Ph.D. Candidate in Entomology
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Course/s Taught:
BIOL 1050: General Biology I Lab, ENT 4690: Aquatic Insects, and ENT 3010: Insect Biology & Diversity
Research:
Pat has consistently gone beyond the standard duties of a TA to foster student learning and success, giving much of her time outside of class to help students and provide insightful feedback. She has created lab practicals, driven students on weekly field trips in a 15-passenger van on mountain roads to shepherd students to the abode of the wet bug, presented lectures, and led labs. In all her courses, Pat regularly offers additional open lab hours to provide one-on-one help and optional field trips for insect collecting. Students agree that her passion for entomology and individual attention make her an engaging and effective teacher.
Outstanding Ambassador
Christian looks to find the best outcome for all involved and truly exemplifies the core values of the College. His great work ethic, kindness and passion have had a positive impact on the students, faculty and staff that he has interacted with during his time as a CAFLS ambassador.
CAFLS Ambassadors
Outstanding Student Club/Organization
The Clemson Entomology Club provides camaraderie for students interested in insects and coordinates insect-focused outreach activities for local schools and the public. The Club sought and received two substantial grants to establish the Museums in Miniature project, supplying entomological materials, age-appropriate information sheets, and curriculum plans to primary schools across South Carolina.
Cultivate.CAFLS First Place
Deb Hutchins & Merritt Meeks won first place for their startups, Checkerz Gluten-Free Baking Co, which would provide home-baked, ingredient checked, gluten-free goods. Ryan Barber won first place for his startup, Swirly Suds, would allow consumers to grip bar soap with ease, prevents soap from falling off and sticking to the shower shelf, and provides consumers an easily traveled with bar soap–mess-free.
See all Cultivate.CAFLS winners
Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award
Food Science and Human Nutrition: Nutrition
Emma is a true professional demonstrating great leadership skills, high moral standing and integrity, motivation, excellent academic scholarship, and exhibiting an overall team-player mentality. She is a member of CAFLS Ambassadors, Clemson Nutrition Club, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Clemson Remote Area Medical. She volunteers with the Clemson University Paw Pantry and Dance Marathon Fundraiser and was a Clemson Basketball sports nutrition intern and remote nutrition data analyst. Emma conducts atherosclerosis research in Dr. Alexis Stamatikos' Laboratory.
Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit
Horticulture
Sachaly has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her education, personal growth, and Clemson community. Her perseverance and leadership have earned her the respect of her peers, faculty, and staff. Sachaly mentors first year students who identify as a student of color and/or are first-generation students through Clemson Connections, has worked in different research labs, participated in the FLORECE! Program, and completed an Extension internship. Her research conducted during the FLORECE! program was selected for presentation at the 7th Biohydrology Conference and considered for a proceedings paper.
Ashlee Romp
Topic: Alexa, Turn up the Serotonin: The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan (HTP) treatments in sheep on circulating serotonin levels and resulting behavioral changes
Major: Animal & Veterinary Science
Abigail Zirbel
Topic: Energy metabolism in C2C12 myoblast cells exposed to marginal to severe iron depletion is influenced by substrate availability
Major: Food Science & Human Nutrition
Tucker Cribb
Topic: Wild Hogs on the Clemson Experimental Forest: Radio/GPS tracking invasive wild hogs in Clemson, SC
Major: Wildlife & Fisheries Biology
