Clemson University’s STRIDE program is proud to announce the four recipients of the 2025 Seed Translational Research Project (STRP) funding. This competitive funding initiative is designed to accelerate the translation of innovative research into real-world applications, supporting projects that demonstrate clear proof-of-concept deliverables within a use-inspired environment.
The STRP program reflects Clemson’s land-grant mission by transforming cutting-edge research into solutions that benefit society. By creating an environment where innovative ideas can take root and grow, we help ensure that academic discoveries lead to meaningful, real-world impact.”
C. Tycho Howle Chair of Collaborative Computing Environments, Provost Distinguished Professor and STRIDE Executive Director K.C. Wang
This year’s STRP recipients and their groundbreaking projects are:
Fatemeh Afghah, associate professor in the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Digital Twin-Driven UAV Ignition: Revolutionizing Prescribed Fire Planning for Safer, Smarter Wildfire Prevention
Afghah’s research leverages digital twin technology to enhance UAV-controlled prescribed burns, providing a safer and more efficient method for wildfire prevention.
Kaileigh Byrne, associate professor in the Department of Psychology
Developing Scalable Technology and Evaluating Customer Segments for a Novel Mental Health App with a Customizable AI-Driven Virtual Therapeutic Coach
Byrne’s project aims to advance a scalable mental health app featuring an AI-driven virtual therapeutic coach, expanding access to mental health support.
Jessica Larsen, Carol and John Cromer ’63 Family Endowed Associate Professor, Drug Delivery, Biomaterials, and Nanotechnology in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering StressDetect: Real-Time Monitoring CHO Cell Stress to Enhance Biopharmaceutical Production
Larsen’s work focuses on developing real-time stress detection in CHO cell cultures, improving efficiency and quality in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Christopher Post, professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department
Revolutionizing Water Level Monitoring with Intelligent River® Technology
Post’s project enhances real-time water level monitoring using Intelligent River® technology, improving water resource management and environmental conservation.
The STRP program fosters innovation by providing funding early-stage translational research with the potential to make a significant societal and economic impact. Alongside these new recipients, STRIDE is also celebrating the progress of three active STRP teams:
- Workplace injury prevention – STRIDE Co-Principal Investigator Divya Srinivasan, Rahul Narasimhan and their team in the Department of industrial Engineering are developing a smart wearable device that monitors workers’ postures and loads, providing real-time feedback to minimize injury risk and optimize tasks.
- Disaster resilience and workforce development – David Vaughn is leading ResilientSC, an initiative to strengthen disaster preparedness and workforce training across South Carolina.
- Wildfire preparedness through virtual reality – Matthew Browning and Olivia McAnirlin, co-founders of Clemson’s Virtual Reality and Nature Lab, are developing FireReady VR, an immersive wildfire preparedness experience aimed at educating homeowners on preventive actions in case of emergency.
“We had some amazing projects to choose from this year, many of them being Clemson ART academy graduates. Every STRP that has been awarded represents a unique opportunity for translating fundamental science and technology for positively impacting the health, environment, and social welfare in our communities,” said Srinivasan.