Jacob Clerc Uses NASA Funding to Conduct Student Research at Presbyterian College

For Presbyterian College physics student Jacob Clerc, research is more than a requirement. It is the gateway to hands-on learning and a future in scientific exploration.

Supported by a NASA-affiliated grant, Clerc’s work on magnetic granular materials allows him to collaborate closely with his faculty mentor, associate professor of physics Dr. Eli Owens, and gain valuable insight into the field while experiencing the depth of a research-focused education.

Clerc, a senior from Aiken, S.C., was awarded a South Carolina NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship to study the behavior of magnetic granular materials—substances that, unlike water, shift between solid- and liquid-like states without temperature changes. The project holds promise for applications in robotics, such as creating adaptive, “soft” grippers that could one day help astronauts manage delicate equipment or samples in space.

This high-level research involves close collaboration with Owens, who emphasizes how important research experience can be in preparing students for careers or advanced studies.

“I started this work last summer under another grant, but now I have the NASA funding to pursue it in a more focused way this academic year,” Clerc said.

Clerc described the project as “a little more of a basic science question,” yet one with vast potential.

“If you can control the jamming transition—the shift from liquid to solid—these materials can perform useful functions, especially in soft robotics,” he explained.

Owens elaborated on the broader impact, noting that NASA’s interest lies not only in the basic science but also in potential applications for space missions.

“Granular materials are everywhere—on Earth, on Mars, throughout the solar system,” he said. “NASA is interested in both the fundamental science level and in how we might use these materials for practical solutions.”

The importance of student research at Presbyterian College extends beyond a single project. For Owens, the mentoring relationship forged through this type of hands-on, high-stakes work represents the core of what Presbyterian College offers its students, especially in the sciences.

At a smaller institution like Presbyterian, faculty have the opportunity to work closely with students on specialized projects that encourage professional and academic growth.

“Research is an essential part of the student experience,” Owens said. “For students considering graduate school, or even jobs in technical fields, engaging in real-world research is critical. Graduate programs and employers expect applicants to have these kinds of experiences.”

Clerc agrees that the mentorship from Owens has been invaluable.

“Working closely with Dr. Owens has allowed me to see what research looks like beyond the classroom,” he said. “Hearing about his own experiences in graduate school and in the field has helped me shape my own career path. This work has exposed me to areas of physics I hadn’t previously considered, from basic science to robotics and medical applications.”

Presbyterian College, Owens said, is intensifying its commitment to undergraduate research across departments, giving students an early taste of what professional research entails and preparing them for the demands of graduate study.

“When students conduct research, they develop hands-on lab skills as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills that complement the more theoretical work done in the classroom” Owens said. “Mentorship allows us to help students bridge that gap between theory and experiment, and to see their unique strengths and interests flourish.”

Working one-on-one, Owens and Clerc have developed a mentoring relationship that goes beyond coursework. For Owens, the benefits are mutual.

“Research gives us, as faculty, an opportunity to stay actively engaged in scholarship, while also contributing to our students’ education and career readiness,” he said.

Clerc’s research on granular materials offers practical insights that extend beyond the lab. His NASA-funded project represents the sort of basic science that, though still in its early stages, could eventually contribute to space exploration and robotics. And for Clerc, the experience has confirmed his interest in pursuing physics beyond his undergraduate degree.

“I initially came to Presbyterian College interested in engineering, but working on research like this has led me to stay here for a full four years, focusing on physics,” he said. “I’m looking at pursuing research in this field after graduation.”

With research programs like Clerc’s, Presbyterian College is creating an environment where students can not only learn but also contribute to important scientific advancements, supported by dedicated mentors like Owens who value the impact of one-on-one guidance.

For Owens and Clerc, the experience highlights the benefits of close faculty-student collaboration in higher education—fostering a deeper understanding of the field, expanding career possibilities, and building a foundation for the next generation of researchers.

Cover photo: Dr. Eli Owens (left), associate professor of physics at Presbyterian College, mentors PC senior Jacob Clerc’s NASA funded research on the behavior and applications of magnetic granular materials.