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Division of Research

2024 Research Symposium

The Symposium held on May 8, 2024 at the Watt Family Innovation Center highlighted the interdisciplinary breadth of creative and intellectual work undertaken by our community of scholars. The theme was “Envisioning the Future: Engaged Scholarship, Education, and Practice in the Digital Age.”

Abstracts and details on panel discussions are posted within the agenda below. Certain sessions in the auditorium were recorded via Zoom. Those recordings are available at the links on the right, as well as a pdf of the presentation given by Tanju Karanfil, senior vice president for research, scholarship and creative endeavors. 

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Schedule

  • 8:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast

    Bagels, pastries, fruit, coffee, water and tea will be available in the Watt Center atrium from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Please register at the Division of Research table to receive your nametag.

  • 8:15 a.m. Welcome from Symposium Co-Chairs (Auditorium)

    The annual Research Symposium is organized by the Research Advisory Board, which includes a faculty member from each college and the Libraries. This year’s Symposium co-chairs (noted below) will provide a Symposium welcome in the Watt Auditorium.

    Symposium Co-Chairs:  

    • Anjali Joseph, College of Architecture, Art and Construction 
    • Rajan Sekhon, College of Science 
    • Christopher Vidas, University Libraries 
  • 8:30 a.m. Research Update and Clemson Elevate Strategic Plan (Auditorium)

    Provost Bob Jones and Tanju Karanfil, Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors, will discuss Clemson’s research growth and goals under the Clemson Elevate strategic plan, as well as answer questions from attendees.

    Presentation by Dr. Tanju Karanfil (PDF)

  • 9:30 a.m. Keynote Panel: “Ways AI is Changing Research, Teaching, and Practice” (Auditorium)

    Select panelists from upcoming breakout sessions will kick off the discussion with brief presentations followed by attendee discussion on the various ways AI is impacting their work.  

    Panelists:  

    • David Blakesley, Campbell Chair, Technical Communication 
    • Julian Brinkley, Assistant Professor, School of Computing 
    • Sarah Jerasa, Assistant Professor, Education and Human Development 
    • Windsor Sherrill, Associate Vice President for Health Research 

    Moderator: Nathan McNeese, McQueen Quattlebaum Endowed Associate Professor of Human-Centered Computing 

  • 10:45 a.m. Panel Breakout Session 1

    Auditorium

    Using Artificial Intelligence to Enable Human Performance Research

    Panelists: 

    • Jason Avedesian, Assistant Coach, Athletics, and Adjunct Professor, Bioengineering
    • Sarah Bauer Floyd, Assistant Professor, Public Health Sciences
    • Reed Gurchiek, Assistant Professor, Bioengineering
    • Shuchun Sun, PhD Candidate, Bioengeering
    • Tong Ye, Associate Professor, Bioengineering

    Moderators: 

    • Windsor Westbrook Sherrill, Professor and AVP for Health Research
    • Hai Yao, Professor and AVP for Biomedical Research

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 106

    Inclusive Excellence: Transformative Research in Accessible Design and Innovation

    Panelists:

    • Julian Brinkley, Assistant Professor, School of Computing
    • Jody Cripps, Assistant Professor, Languages
    • Gerry Derksen, Assistant Professor, Department of Graphic Communications
    • Emma Dixon, Assistant Professor, School of Computing
    • Kristina Randall, Clinical Assistant Professor, Education & Human Development
    • Robin Tyndall, Director, Research Compliance, and Chair, Accessibility Commission

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 208

    Challenges of Data Collection in the Age of AI

    Panelists:  

    • Shubham Agrawal, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
    • Kelly Caine, Professor, School of Computing
    • Long Cheng, Assistant Professor, School of Computing
    • Shelia R. Cotten, Associate Vice President for Research Development, and Provost’s Distinguished Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Department of Communication
    • Bart Knijnenburg, Associate Professor, School of Computing
    • Amy M. Schuster, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology
    • Emily A. Sidnam-Mauch, Research Scientist, School of Computing
    • Paige Watson, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, Auburn University

     Abstract (More Information)

    Room 218

    How Artificial Intelligence can Enhance Creativity and Streamline Prepress Operations in the Digital Landscape

    Panelists: 

    • Carl Blue, Associate Professor, Graphic Communications
    • Amanda Bridges, Clinical Assistant Professor, Graphic Communications

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 308

    Implementing Video and Visual Tools for Improved Oral Communication

    Panelists: 

    • Rachelle L. Beckner, Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering
    • Ellen Breazel, Principal Lecturer, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
    • Lillie Langlois, Lecturer, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
    • Mary Nestor, Senior Lecturer, Department of English

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 310

    Research Methodologies Applied in AI & Algorithmic Platform Scholarship

    Panelists: 

    • Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens, Assistant Professor, Education & Human Development
    • Brandon Boatwright, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication
    • C.C. Bates, Professor, Education & Human Development
    • Cynthia Deaton, Associate Professor, Teaching & Learning
    • Heather Dunham, Assistant Professor, Education & Human Development
    • Sarah Jerasa, Assistant Professor, Education & Human Development
    • Enamel Kabir, Research Associate, Department of Communication
    • Lindsey Rowe, Assistant Professor, Education & Human Development

    Abstract (More Information)

  • Noon Lunch (Atrium)

    Lunch will be available in the atrium at noon. 

  • 12:45 p.m. Panel Breakout Session 2

    Auditorium

    The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tools in Health Research

    Panelists: 

    • Archis Ghate, Fluor Endowed Chair, Industrial Engineering
    • Sudeep Hegde, Assistant Professor, Industrial Engineering
    • Aaron J. Masino, Associate Professor, School of Computing
    • Kuang-Ching Wang, Endowed Chair, Electrical & Computer Engineering

    Moderator: Thomas Britt, Professor, Health Sciences Center Research Director

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 106

    Interdisciplinary and Inter-Institutional Approaches to AI Research and Pedagogy

    Panelists:

    • David Blakesley, Professor of Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design; Campbell Chair in Technical Communication; Interim Director RCID
    • Gabriel Hankins, Associate Professor, English
    • Douglas Seefeldt, Associate Professor, History 

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 208

    Transformative Role of Battery Ecosystem in AI-Dominated Digital World

    Panelists: 

    • Shubham Agrawal, Assistant Professor, Psychology
    • Shuangshuang Jin, Associate Professor, School of Computing
    • Laine Mears, Smartstate Professor of Automotive Manufacturing and Department Head, Automotive Engineering
    • Rajendra Singh, D. Houser Banks Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Jiangfeng Zhang, Associate Professor, Automotive Engineering

    Abstract (More Information)

    Room 218

    Collaborative Research: Create a Successful Research Team with College of Business Partners

    Panelists: 

    • Michelle Suki Bost Fox, Senior Lecturer, Graphic Communications
    • Larry Fredendall, Professor, Management
    • Benjamin Grant, Assistant Professor, Management
    • Pravin Nath, Assistant Professor, Marketing
    • Jennifer Siemens, Associate Dean, College of Business
    • Erica Black Walker, Associate Professor, Graphic Communications
    • Patrick Warren, Associate Professor, Economics

    Abstract (More Information)

     

    Room 310

    Hallucinatory Practice: Machine Learning and the Boundaries of Creative Production

    Panelists: 

    • Alex Schechter, Assistant Professor, Department of Art
    • Drew Sisk, Assistant Professor, Department of Art
    • Rebecca Forstater, Assistant Professor of Studio Art, Wofford College

    Abstract (More Information)

     

  • 2:15 p.m. Grad 3-Minute Thesis Presentations (Auditorium)

    Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland that challenges graduate students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 

    During this session, two Clemson 3MT competitors will present 3-minute theses:  

    • Vishal J. Thomas, a doctoral student in the Department of Bioengineering, won the regional competition held during the Conference of Southern Graduate School’s annual meeting and will represent Clemson and the CSGS Southern Region at the Council of Graduate Schools’ North American annual meeting.  
    • Megan Pitz, a doctoral student in the Department of Bioengineering, placed 2nd in the competition and won a people's choice award. 

  • 2:30 p.m. Research Awards Ceremony with President Clements (Auditorium)

    President Jim Clements and Senior Vice President Tanju Karanfil will announce the Researcher of the Year awards and the University Research, Scholarship and Artistic Achievement Awards.  

    For Researcher of the Year, each college nominated a senior faculty member and a junior faculty member who received their terminal degree within the past 10 years. Researcher of the Year is awarded in both the senior faculty and junior faculty categories.  

    URSAAA recognizes Clemson University faculty who have achieved rare career milestones, such as receiving the highest level of national or international recognition in their field; authoring a paper that has received more than 1,000 citations; or expending more than $1 million on research in a fiscal year. 

  • 3:15 p.m. Networking and Poster Session (Atrium)

    Hors d’oeuvres will be available until 4:15 p.m. and the following research posters will be set up in the Atrium :

    Mostafa Ahmed
    Leveraging Biotechnology for the Development of a Nano-vaccine Against Foodborne Pathogens in Chickens

    Sarah Allen
    Male Children had Less Enamel Caries Compared to Female Children

    Christian Blackburn
    Analysis of Image-Processing Software Choice for Game-Camera Research

    Long Cheng
    A Learning Platform for Enhancing AI-Centered Social Cybersecurity Education

    Long Cheng
    An Integrated Platform for Online Abuse Research

    Andy Duan
    Monocular Panoramic Image Based 3D Scene Modeling

    Alex Feltus
    Case Studies Leveraging Generative AI for Computational Biology Education and Research.

    Sydney Ahern, Wynn Bartee, Charlotte Bodwell, Sayan Gupta, Alex Horton, Pravin Nath, Trey Ridgill and Annette Tower
    A Study of the Effectiveness of Super Bowl Advertising

    Josie Nasekos, Alba J. Collart, Elizabeth Canales and Anastasia Thayer
    U.S. Consumer Preferences for using Blockchain Technology to Track Climate-Smart and Organic Production Practices

    Anuja Sarda and Alexis Sales
    Painting the Path: Leveraging Mural for Stakeholder-Driven Comprehensive Program Evaluation

    Shreeya Sharma and Khaled Abdelaziz
    Employing 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing for Profiling the Gut Microbiota of Probiotic-Treated Chickens

    Katelyn Shumate
    Birthing Methods Impact the Oral Microbiome

    JaCoya Thompson
    Enhancing Data Visualization Literacy in Middle Grades by Exploring a Web-Based Tool in Informal Learning Environments

    Ariel Turner and Elias Tzoc 
    Leveraging AI to Improve Library Services for Students and Faculty

    Hazel Vega
    Building Capacity for Early Multilingual Learners in South Carolina through Online Teacher Professional Development

    Amlan Benerjee (M&N Associates, Inc), Mihaela Gazioglu, Emily Howell, Rebecca Kaminski (Clemson University), Kavita Mittapalli, Victoria Pennington and Nicole Ferguson-Sams
    Advancing Multilingual Learners’ Educational Experience through Digital Tools

    Nora D . Hochstetter, Emily S. Howell and Rebecca A. Kaminski
    Exploring Perceived Competencies of Multilingual Elementary Students and their Teachers in Literacy Teaching and Learning: Implications for Professional Development

    Jones J., Harrison C., Abdelaziz K., Miller B., Griffin S., Rennert L., Wang K., Dean D., Cartmell K., Neault M. and Wu J.
    Applying Digital and AI Tools for Inter-Collegiate One Health Research Collaborations at Clemson

    Poster Overviews (Download PDF)

Division of Research
Division of Research | 230 Kappa Street, Clemson, SC 29634