EPIC: At the forefront of biomedical research on eukaryotic pathogens
EPIC: At the forefront of biomedical research on eukaryotic pathogens
Eukaryotic pathogens cause some of the most devastating and intractable diseases in humans, including malaria, amoebic dysentery, sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and fungal meningitis. Globalization has increased such infections in the U.S. Many eukaryotic pathogens are classified as bioterrorism agents and/or neglected tropical diseases.
Clemson University’s Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center — EPIC — is an interdisciplinary research cooperative founded in 2013 that is at the forefront of biomedical research on these devastating pathogens.
EPIC scientists have a lengthy track record of major contributions in this globally important area of research.
EPIC News Bites
Dr. Sourabh Dhingra Awarded NIH R01
Congratulations to Dr. Sourabh Dhingra for his recently award NIH R01 award entitled, “Long-noncoding RNAafu-182- A novel regulator of fungal triazole tolerance”. The five year award for $2,109,560 focuses on understanding how the pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigates responds to drug treatments as they develop resistance, with the ultimate goal being identifying means to interfere with these mechanisms so that treatments are successful.
Dr. Meredith Morris Awarded Fulbright Specialist Grant
Dr. Meredith Morris has been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to strengthen international research and training partnerships between the Institute of Parasitology in the Czech Republic and the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC) at Clemson University. This project brings together two globally recognized centers focused on understanding parasites that impact human and animal health.
The Fulbright award will support scientific exchange, collaborative research, and shared training opportunities for students and early-career researchers. By building a sustainable bridge between the two institutions, the partnership will expand international opportunities, foster innovation, and strengthen global networks in infectious disease research.
Beyond advancing laboratory science, this collaboration emphasizes professional development, cross-cultural engagement, and preparing the next generation of scientists to work across borders to address complex global health challenges.
Undergrad Wins First Place at SC American Society for Microbiology Meeting
Congratulations to Jennifer Covel, who won first place for undergraduate oral presentation at the SC American Society for Microbiology meeting in November at the University of South Carolina.
Historic Chemistry Exhibit at Clemson Highlights Roots of Modern Mass Spectrometry
A new exhibit highlighting the development of mass spectrometry commissioned by the American Society for Mass Spectrometry will be on display at Clemson University until next summer. Learn more about EPIC faculty member Dr. Chris Chouinard’s mass spectrometry research and Clemson’s historic mass spec exhibit here.
EPIC is excited to announce the 2026 Seifert Scholars Undergraduate Research program.
The 2026 program will be for ten weeks (May 20 – July 31).
Each Scholar will receive a stipend of $4200 (paid in three installments), and the Center can provide the Scholars lab with up to $500 for the purchase of supplies and materials.
Please see the pdf announcement for more information and for the Scholar application. The application deadline is February 13th, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Kerry Smith or Nicki Clark-Mount.
Dr. Jessica Larsen Receives R01 Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Jessica Larsen on her NIH R01 grant,Noninvasive nanoparticle-directed therapy to the peripheral nervous system, and graduation from the COBRE!
Caroline Palmentiero Wins at FLAM!
Congratulations to Caroline Palmentiero for winning the prize for best talk at the 20th International Free Living Amoeba Meeting in Puerto Morelos, Mexico!
Brain-eating amoeba case confirmed in South Carolina
After a recent case of brain-eating amoeba in South Carolina, Caitlin Ashbaugh from WYFF4 came to talk to Dr. Jillian McKeon about the amoeba, naegleria fowleri. Read more at WYFF4.
Dr. McKeon also had a chance to speak with Fox Carolina. Read more here.
Dr. James Morris receives Dean’s Distinguished Professor Award
Dr. James Morris has been recognized with the College of Science Dean’s Distinguished Professor Award, one of only two awarded annually. This prestigious honor celebrates faculty who have demonstrated outstanding career achievement in research, mentorship, and impact within their field.
Three members of Dr. Stephen Dolan’s lab were recognized for outstanding presentations at the Spring 2025 South Carolina Branch Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
Jessica Aycock, a second-year Ph.D. student, won Best Graduate Student Poster for her presentation on how Pseudomonas aeruginosa activates a novel defense cascade in response to fungal toxins. First-year Ph.D. student Muhammad Shafiul Alam Mondal earned Best Graduate Student Talk for his research on species-dependent physiological changes in Aspergillus fumigatus during polymicrobial biofilms. Freshman Cameron Kennedy received Best Undergraduate Student Poster for her work on parallel evolution in P. aeruginosa during fungal interactions and chronic lung infections.
Congratulations to all!
Griffin Thomas Named Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry
Griffin Thomas, a former Seifert Scholar from Dr. James Morris’s group, has been recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Mallory Murphy Receives Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award
Congratulations to Mallory Murphy, microbiology major and psychology minor, on receiving the prestigious Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award. This honor is awarded to one student from each of Clemson’s seven colleges who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership on campus.
Mallory has been a dedicated research team member in Dr. Stephen Dolan’s lab, where she investigates the RTA1-like protein family—potential therapeutic targets against pathogens. She has presented her work at two national conferences and is a co-author on a forthcoming publication.
In addition to her research, Mallory has mentored first-year medical students through EPIC’s MEnTOR program and holds leadership roles in the Honors College as chair of the Student Advisory Board, a curriculum committee delegate, and a peer mentor. She is also a Chapman Leader Scholar and volunteers at the Clemson Free Clinic.
After graduation, Mallory plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.
Questions?
For further information about the EPIC please contact us.