Student Spotlight
Shaping the future of AI Breakthrough Scholar Kwame André ‘25
When Breakthrough Scholar and Computer Science major Kwame André watched a robotic dog come to life and step across a lab floor in McAdams Hall, he saw more than an engineering feat. He saw the potential of technology designed to enhance human capability. From Greer, South Carolina, André came to Clemson as part of the first cohort of Breakthrough Scholars, an Honors program for high-achieving, in-state STEM students who demonstrate strong potential for graduate-level research and transformational change in their field of study. The program provides early access to Clemson’s research community, mentorship, and professional development to support the scholars’ long-term academic and career goals. André credits Sherece Smith, the program’s associate director, as one of his most influential mentors. “You can go in there and she would tell it to you straight and give you honest advice. You could really tell she’s out there fighting for you.” Smith said André’s constantly showed up when asked. “That has been instrumental in showing the cohorts behind him what it looks like to be a leader in the program and what kind of impact they can all have.” Throughout his time at Clemson, André sought out opportunities to apply his knowledge and grow as a researcher. He completed a solutions engineering internship with Deloitte, conducted research at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and joined Clemson’s TRACE Research Group, led by Nathan McNeese, McQueen Quattlebaum Endowed Professor of Human-Centered Computing.
“My time as a Breakthrough Scholar has defined my Clemson experience. I have experienced so much growth both professionally and as a person. I have ventured out of my comfort zone with the help and support from everyone in the program.” Kwame André While André values his research experiences, he said his most meaningful Clemson memories come from late-night conversations with friends and classmates — moments that deepened his appreciation for community and collaboration. After graduating in May 2025, André started working towards a Ph.D. at Clemson with Assistant Professor Chris Flathmann, exploring how humans and artificial intelligence can best collaborate moving forward. “I don’t think it’s capable of replacing us, not in the next four or five years, especially in creative disciplines as well as more technical disciplines like computing,” he said. “I’ve heard it said the calculator didn’t displace mathematicians, it just helped them do their job more efficiently. So that’s how AI should come into our scenarios.” As Kwame André continues his journey from Breakthrough Scholar to doctoral researcher, he carries forward the spirit of discovery that defines a Clemson Honors education, by building technologies that strengthen human connection and shape a brighter future. Excerpted from a Clemson News story written by Paul Alongi.
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