Meet The Team
Kylie Rock
Kylie is a Toxicologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University. She received her B.S. in Biology from St. Lawrence University and Ph.D. in Toxicology from North Carolina State University (NCSU). As a graduate student, under the guidance of Dr. Heather Patisaul, she investigated the placenta as an important target tissue of chemical toxicity with consequences for brain development and behavior. She pursued this interest in the placenta as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Tracy Bale at the University of Maryland, investigating the intersections of gene, environment, and development (GxExD) interactions in prenatal programming. She then transitioned back to NCSU as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. Scott Belcher, conducting exposure assessments and investigating associated health outcomes in wildlife and domestic animals. Utilizing her unique research background Kylie aims to implement a One Environmental Health approach in her lab, combining laboratory and field studies to identify molecular, cellular, and physiological changes associated with chemical exposures.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Born and raised in the Adirondack mountains (NY), Boston Bruins hockey fan, marine biology enthusiast, love hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, board games, and dogs!
Assistant Professor
Paige Powell
Paige graduated with a B.S. in zoology from NC state! During her time there, she worked in an evolutionary ecology lab, studying rapid evolution of mosquito fish in artificial light and the effects of increasing hurricane strengths in brown anoles. She is super interested in how anthropogenic forces drive the natural world. Paige's other academic interests include wildlife biology, animal diversity, and parasitology.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Outside of academia, Paige loves to hike, work out, and read. She volunteers with an animal shelter and has a pet turtle named Rihanna!
Lab Manager
Mary graduated with a B.S. in biological sciences from Clemson University! After taking her senior seminar class, which focused on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, she developed an interest in learning more about the effects of environmental chemical exposures on human health. With aspirations of becoming a physician and plans to attend medical school, she hopes to use the knowledge learned in the lab about the impact of EDCs on reproductive health to better understand health conditions and further assist her future patients.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Mary grew up in Malvern Pennsylvania. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking, running, spending quality time with friends and family, and taking trips to the lake.
Mary Boland
Research Assistant
Zachary Padgett
Zach graduated with two B.S. degrees from Coastal Carolina University, one in Biochemistry and the other in Marine Science. During his time there he worked in a research lab using a suite of molecular techniques to detect Pseudo-nitzschia, a marine planktonic diatom that produces a neurotoxin known as domoic acid, in shellfish harvesting grounds. As a graduate student Zach plans to expand upon his prior research experience by investigating how environmental contaminants interact with organismal physiology and contribute to adverse health outcomes.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Outside of the lab Zach enjoys scuba diving and hiking, and is a HUGE Tennessee Titans fan!
Graduate Student, MS EnTox
Melissa Walker
Mel has currently been accepted into the M.S. in Environmental Toxicology program, starting Fall 2024 at Clemson University. She is a non-traditional student, returning to pursue a second career after 20+ years working in business. After obtaining her CPA license in 2012, Mel worked primarily in food and beverage manufacturing for 13 years, with a focus on accounting- and finance-related reporting and responsibilities, as well as education and training of colleagues. Mel is excited to gain experience in and contribute as a team member to lab research for the first time and is interested in expanding her knowledge base as she determines her next steps.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Mel grew up in MN, lived on the West Coast for over 20 years, and had the opportunity to travel the country for over a year, hiking, biking, and enjoying park and forest lands everywhere she went. She also loves cooking, baking and anything that keeps her active.
Graduate Student, MS EnTox
Sasha Suggs
Sasha is a current freshman at Clemson, and is just beginning to become involved in research! She is very excited to learn more about the effects of EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) on hormone action in the body, and expand her knowledge by gaining hands-on experience in the lab. Sasha is also very interested in other health-related research and hopes to use the data gathered in the lab to help her better understand how she can work to improve women’s healthcare.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: In her free time, Sasha enjoys reading, spending time with her family (mostly playing Scrabble or quizzing each other on trivia), and painting. She is also Ukrainian and LOVES the cuisine!
Undergraduate Researcher
Chloe Schmidt
Chloe is currently a junior at Clemson and this is her first time being involved in research. She is pursuing a medical degree in hopes of becoming a physician associate. Chloe believes that the opportunity to conduct research investigating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproductive health will prove invaluable in her future medical endeavors.
Fun Facts/Hobbies: Chloe has a love for animals (especially sharks!), paddle boarding, snorkeling, family time, playing games with friends, and enjoying a good book!
Undergraduate Researcher
Mascots
Booth & Merlin
Booth (left) and his little brother Merlin (right) are the official mascots of the Repro-Eco lab. They are super excited to be a part of the Clemson family and show off their brindle, Tiger-like stripes on campus!
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