The Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science

09/01/2026

Collaborative research led by Dr. Jim Anderson, director of the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science (BICEFS), is exploring how American alligators can serve as indicators of environmental health. Since alligators are long-lived, occupy high positions in aquatic food webs, and can accumulate contaminants over time, researchers are studying them to better understand contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics in wetland ecosystems. Using both non-lethal sampling and samples from harvested alligators, the research team is working to better understand contaminant patterns across South Carolina and the Southeast.

Please read the full article from S.C. Sea Grant Consortium.

As plastics and other aquatic and marine debris become more present in our ecosystems, alligators’ diets increasingly include items off their natural menu. Either directly consumed or ingested indirectly via prey, plastics and the coatings on plastic materials can be digested by living organisms, ...

08/29/2026

On Tuesday, August 25, students enrolled in the College of Charleston's Biodiversity Management course visited the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center for an educational field experience focused on American alligator biology and conservation. Dr. Thomas Rainwater, Research Scientist with BICEFS, introduced the students to alligator biology, reproductive ecology, and the ecological challenges these remarkable reptiles may face in the future. During the visit, Dr. Rainwater shared insights from his team’s extensive field research, including alligator nesting ecology and factors influencing nest attendance. He also discussed the evolutionary history and resilience of alligators, their ability to respond to changing environmental conditions, and their remarkable physiological adaptations. The visit also highlighted the importance of protected areas such as the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center and Hobcaw Barony for supporting long-term research, wildlife conservation, and the protection of important coastal habitats.

08/28/2026

Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Mažeika P. Sulliván Fellowship, Justin Robbins and Lillian Doll! Justin and Lillian are both conducting research with faculty mentors at The Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science. 👏

This Memorial Fellowship was created to honor Dr. Mažeika P. Sulliván, former Director of the Baruch Institute and Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, and aims to support exceptional master's and doctoral students in pursuing their research interests and reaching their dreams. 💜

Learn More ➡️ https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/baruch/opportunities/sullivan-memorial.html

Make a Donation ➡️ https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving/giving-to-clemson?id=a4f83c3b-89ea-4f30-afad-8d6201ef2a50

08/26/2026

Tytus Torman was a Forest Ecology Intern in Dr. Tom O’Halloran’s lab during summer 2026. As a UPIC student, he assisted with the lab’s biennial vegetation survey, gaining valuable experience in field-based ecological research. Originally from coastal South Carolina, Tytus is an Environmental and Natural Resources major with a concentration in Conservation Biology and has always enjoyed being around water and nature.

In the future, Tytus hopes to continue researching ecology and the factors that influence community assemblages. His favorite part of fieldwork is learning more about the ecosystems being studied, including plant identification, plant growth habits, and patterns in the distribution of fauna.

08/25/2026

Meet our wildlife biology intern, Nina Smith, who worked with us this summer. She collaborated with Ph.D. student Crystal Anderson at the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl & Wetlands Conservation Center, where she conducted pollinator surveys focused on diversity, abundance, and human dimensions. She also gained valuable field experience collaborating with researchers at BICEFS, further developing her skills in environmental science.

Nina is a rising senior at Clemson University majoring in Environmental and Natural Resources with a minor in Political Science. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, she developed a passion for the outdoors through hiking, fishing, and camping.

08/20/2026

Meet our Wildlife Biology Intern, Sarah Roberson, who worked with us this summer. Sarah collaborated with Ph.D. student Crystal Anderson at the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl & Wetlands Conservation Center, where she focused on pollinator diversity, abundance assessments, and human dimensions research. She also collaborated with researchers at BICEFS, gaining valuable experience in ecological fieldwork.

A native of Wi******er, Virginia, Sarah is a rising senior at Clemson University studying Environmental and Natural Resources. Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley fostered her passion for the outdoors and conservation. Following graduation, Sarah hopes to pursue a career in wildlife conservation, with a particular interest in evolutionary biology. Go Tigers!

08/15/2026

Michaela Bramlett was a UPIC student and Forest Ecology Intern at BICEFS in Dr. Tom O’Halloran’s lab this summer. She is an undergraduate student at Clemson University majoring in Environmental and Natural Resources with a concentration in Natural Resource Management and a minor in Public Policy. She assisted with the lab’s biennial vegetation survey. After graduation, she hopes to attend graduate school in environmental policy and pursue a career in environmental and climate policy. Her favorite part of fieldwork is interacting directly with the systems being studied while spending time outdoors, whether in a creek or in the forest.

08/13/2026

Meet our Wallace F. Pate Fellow Intern, Gabriella Faith Beteta. Gabby is a recent wildlife biology graduate from Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina, with a passion for wildlife, particularly aquatic ecology. As this year’s summer intern, she collaborated with Dr. Stefanie Whitmire and Ph.D. student Morgan Chaudry on two projects examining the effects of microplastics on aquatic primary productivity, nutrient fluxes, and water quality. At the Pate Foundation’s Behind the Gate event, Gabby presented a three-minute talk highlighting both projects and a poster showcasing her collaborative research.

08/11/2026

Hi everyone. We are excited to welcome Sam McWhorter as a new staff member. Sam joined BICEFS as a Natural Resource Technician III in Dr. Jamie Duberstein’s Wetland Research Lab, where he supports research in tidal freshwater forests and marshes across Winyah Bay and the Savannah River. His work includes monitoring water levels, vegetation, litter, and tree growth to help evaluate the impacts of sea level rise and human development on these wetland ecosystems.

Sam graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management in 2025. Before joining BICEFS, he worked as a research technician in several labs within Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, contributing to projects in coastal wetland ecology, southeastern grassland biodiversity, and fire ecology.

08/08/2026

Calling our coastal community to contribute survey responses on community ponds in coastal South Carolina. Follow the link to complete the survey!

https://clemson.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3Eju8iA4ztHpYYm?fbclid=IwVERDUATkCpxwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHufGirX1EQ4LR6MXARodIry-B1Aa80jwOl6C2_U_GY98UCr7kREPHLoYnVdU_aem__5eTiHFvgw_NJ1J7yJJcCg

Do you live in a coastal South Carolina community with a pond? We want to hear from you!

Clemson Researchers are looking for residents to complete a short, 10-minute survey that will help improve strategies for creating healthier ponds and stronger communities across South Carolina's coast.

You may be eligible if you:

💧 Are 18 or older

💧 Live in a community with a pond

💧 Reside in Horry, Georgetown, Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, Beaufort, or Jasper County

No prior knowledge about ponds is required. Your feedback will help researchers better understand community perspectives and guide future outreach and management efforts.

Take the survey today using the link in our bio!