FMU Graduate Niklas Plath Turns Undergraduate Research into Graduate Opportunity

Niklas Plath, a native of Albstadt, Germany, arrived at Francis Marion University in August 2022 ready to embrace a journey defined by curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to pursue opportunity far from home. A biology major and dedicated tennis player, Plath came to Florence with years of commitment in both academics and athletics.

His path to FMU began on the tennis court. Plath started playing at just four years old under the guidance of his mother, a coach, and as his skills developed, so did his ambition. Watching friends travel to the United States to compete at the collegiate level inspired him to follow a similar path.

FMU quickly emerged as a top choice, offering strong academics, a beautiful campus, and financial accessibility. A personal connection to South Carolina added to the appeal – his father lived and worked in Anderson three decades earlier. When FMU’s tennis coach at the time reached out with a recruitment opportunity, everything aligned.

While Plath arrived as a committed student-athlete, his academic journey took a defining turn during his sophomore year in a plant anatomy course taught by Dr. Jeremy Rentsch, Associate Professor of Biology. The class gave him the opportunity to begin undergraduate research and sparked an interest that would shape his future.

Over the next two years, Plath immersed himself in hands-on research alongside Rentsch and a fellow student. Their work has examined the gene expression and digestive response of Venus flytraps under varying conditions and explored improved DNA extraction methods for sundews.

His efforts culminated in a major achievement at Research and Exhibition Day (RED) 2026, where he and collaborator Laci Coker earned the top undergraduate student poster award for their project, “Stickier than Expected: An Optimized Approach to DNA Extraction in Southeastern Drosera Species.”

“Through the research experiences I have had with Dr. Rentsch, I have realized I want to continue in this field,” Plath says. “It’s something that really appeals to me.”

This fall, he will take the next step, entering a Master of Science in Botany program at the University of Hawaii. There, he will begin research on an endangered plant species endemic to Hawaii, supported by a research assistantship.

Throughout his time at FMU, Rentsch played a central role in his growth, not only as a professor and mentor in the lab, but as a steady source of encouragement.

“Dr. Rentsch has been such a great support to me during my time at FMU,” says Plath. “I would doubt myself about my skills or ability to go to graduate school, and he has always been right there, encouraging me, never questioning my abilities.”

Rentsch has seen Plath’s growth first-hand.

“Over the past two years working with Niklas on research projects, I’ve seen him transition from simply being happy to assist in any way possible to someone who asks scientific questions and can formulate a plan on how to answer those questions,” says Rentsch. “This kind of development is only seen when a student has a genuine curiosity and aptitude for science, which he has in abundance.”

Beyond the lab and classroom, Plath made the most of his collegiate experience. As a member of the men’s tennis team, he built lasting friendships while developing discipline and resilience.

“Being a student-athlete comes with challenges. You have to balance daily practice, workouts, and matches with schoolwork, but it also gives you discipline and teaches you how to stay committed even when things don’t go perfectly,” he says.

Music has also been a constant in his life. A pianist since age six, Plath performed at numerous university events, including the university’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program, the School of Nursing’s pinning ceremony, and commencement exercises. He even won the 2025 FMU’s Got Talent competition.

Now, as he prepares to leave Florence and begin a new chapter even farther from home, Plath reflects on how much he has grown.

He credits FMU with preparing him not only academically, but personally, teaching him independence, time management, and confidence.

“The classes I took and the research skillset I’ve developed have prepared me so well that I feel confident going into my top-choice graduate program,” he says. “I’m really thankful for all the great opportunities given to me by FMU. The effort I put into my degree has come back to me, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future.”

With aspirations to contribute to meaningful work in ecology, plant science, and conservation, Plath’s journey is far from over, but thanks to his time at FMU, it is a journey he is ready to continue.