EPIC is excited to announce the 2025 Seifert Scholars Undergraduate Research program.

The 2025 program will be for ten weeks (May 21 – July 30).
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 14th, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Jim or Kerry.

Bryson Woodard Receives Honorable Mention for Poster Presentation

We are proud to announce that Bryson Woodard, a graduate student in the Meredith Morris Lab, received an Honorable Mention award for his poster titled “Construction and Characterization of Transgenic Cell Lines for the Analysis of Glycosome Heterogeneity in Trypanosoma brucei.” Bryson presented his work at the American Society for Microbiology, South Carolina meeting on November 9th.

This recognition underscores Bryson’s dedication and the innovative research being conducted in the Morris Lab. Congratulations, Bryson, on this well-deserved honor!

EPIC Welcomes Dr. Jessica Larsen

We are excited to welcome Dr. Jessica Larsen to EPIC. Dr. Larsen holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University. Her outstanding contributions to research and mentorship have earned her several prestigious accolades, including Clemson University’s Phil and Mary Bradley Award for Mentoring in Creative Inquiry, the NSF CAREER Award, and the South Carolina Governor’s Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.

Dr. Larsen’s research focuses on addressing the critical challenge of delivering treatments to the brain by developing polymeric biomaterials that can bypass the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Her lab creates polymeric nanoparticles designed to respond to disease-specific stimuli, promoting natural healing processes within the brain. This pioneering work addresses a crucial need, as neurologic disorders represent the largest global health burden. We are thrilled to have Dr. Larsen join us and look forward to her contributions to EPIC.

Undergraduate, Jennifer Covel, Showcases Cryptococcus Research in Flash Talk at UK Microbiology Society Annual Meeting

Jennifer Covel, sophomore genetics major in the Smith lab, presented her research (Exploring the Roles of Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1 and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK2-FBP2) in Cryptococcus neoformans) at the UK Microbiology Society Annual Meeting in Ireland on November 5-6 in Athlone, Ireland. In addition to presenting at the poster session, she was also selected to give one of the Flash Talks.

EPIC Welcomes Dr. Christopher Chouinard

We are excited to welcome Dr. Christopher Chouinard to EPIC as our newest faculty member. Dr. Chouinard earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Florida, where he pioneered ion mobility-mass spectrometry methods for analyzing small biomolecules in complex samples. Following his doctoral work, he pursued postdoctoral studies at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, focusing on Structures for Lossless Ion Manipulations (SLIM). Before joining Clemson in August 2022, he spent four years on faculty at Florida Tech.

Dr. Chouinard’s research aims to enhance analytical sensitivity and selectivity by improving ionization efficiency through targeted chemical reactions, employing high-resolution ion mobility spectrometry for separation, and utilizing mass spectrometry imaging for spatial localization. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to his contributions to advancing EPIC’s mission!

Congratulations to Carrie Baumgardner!

We are thrilled to announce that our student, Carrie Baumgarder, has been accepted to participate in the Workshop on Computational Modeling of Proteins for Infectious Disease Researchers. Held at Seattle Children’s Research Institute from December 9-11, this prestigious workshop will provide Carrie with hands-on training in structural resources and computational tools, equipping her with advanced skills essential for infectious disease research.

In recognition of her achievement, Carrie was also awarded a travel stipend from the workshop organizers. We are incredibly proud of Carrie’s dedication and look forward to seeing her contributions to the field of infectious disease research!

EPIC and The Department of Biological Sciences are Hiring!

The Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University and the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC) invite applications for a tenure-track ASSISTANT PROFESSOR position, to be filled by an innovative scholar whose research is in an area that complements our current department and center strengths. The anticipated start-date is August 2025.

We seek a candidate who will build a research program centered on parasitic and/or fungal diseases, including, but not limited to, mechanistic aspects of pathogen biology, pathogen-host or pathogen-vector interactions, evolution and ecology of infectious disease, drug-delivery, or translational research on communicable diseases caused by eukaryotic pathogens. Applicants who leverage cutting-edge techniques to address questions about host immunity are highly encouraged to apply. Click here for more information and to apply.

EPIC Students Present at REDDI Lab Symposium

Dylan Carroll, a genetics major in the Smith lab, and Sabrina Sutton Pizarro, a PhD student in Jim Morris lab, presented their research at the 4th Annual REDDI Lab Research Symposium entitled ‘Broadening Research at Professional Development in Clinical Diagnostics and Healthcare’ at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, SC on Friday September 13th. Dylan’s poster was entitled “Carnitine Biosynthesis in Cryptococcus neoformans” and Sabrina’s poster was entitled “Exploration of Putative Sodium/Proton Exchangers in Trypanosoma brucei.”

EPIC Researchers Uncover How Glucocorticoids Increase Susceptibility to Fungal Infections

EPIC researchers Dr. Savini Thrikawala, Molly Anderson, and Dr. Emily Rosowski, have published a new study in The Journal of Immunology titled “Glucocorticoids Suppress NF-κB–Mediated Neutrophil Control of Aspergillus fumigatus Hyphal Growth.” The study explores how glucocorticoids, commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs, increase vulnerability to infections caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Using a zebrafish model, the researchers discovered that these drugs suppress NF-κB–mediated neutrophil responses, leading to enhanced fungal growth and increased mortality. This research provides crucial insights into the immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids and their role in heightening the risk of opportunistic infections.

Congratulations to Stephani Martinez Barerra on earning her PhD and Several Awards

Stephani Martinez Barrera recently earned her PhD and was recognized with several prestigious awards. She received the Department of Genetics & Biochemistry’s Outstanding Graduate in Learning (BIMB) Award for her exceptional work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Stephani was also honored with Clemson University’s Interdisciplinary Research Endowed Fellowship for her contributions to research and teaching in the Department of Genetics & Biochemistry, and the Spring 2024 NSF Rising Scientist Award.