The Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa is excited to announce that Undergraduate Research Fellow, Calyssa Huff, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) award. This honor is a testament to Calyssa's dedication, hard work, and passion for science.

Assistant Professor Jessica Tucker of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, who has mentored Calyssa through a summer REU internship and her postbac training, expressed her pride in her achievements.

The success of our students is a collective effort, and we extend our gratitude to the REU, ICARE, and her research mentor at her undergraduate institution New Mexico Tech, Dr. Daniel Jones, for supporting Calyssa's development as a scientist. Their contributions have been instrumental in helping her achieve this award.

Congratulations, Calyssa, on this outstanding accomplishment! Your journey is inspiring, and we are excited to see where your research will take you next.