UD Department of Natural & Applied Sciences

While interning at UD Wolter Woods & Prairies, student Paige Manning spotted more than just ticks—she made history. Manning identified the first Lone Star tick discovered by UD researchers in Dubuque County and the first Gulf Coast tick in Clayton County. These discoveries highlight how changing environments bring new species into our region.

“We wouldn’t know about these two ‘new’ ticks in the area if it wasn’t for Paige! Truly," said Kelly Grussendorf, head of the UD Department of Natural & Applied Sciences and professor of biology who has researched ticks and tick-borne diseases in Eastern Iowa for eight years.

🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/UDTickDiscovery

A prestigious fellowship carrying a $36,000 stipend over three years—and benefiting rural communities across Iowa—the McElroy Trust has been awarded to alumna Paige Manning (C’25).

Her bachelor of science and double major in biology and medical science set her on a path of research and discovery through her fellowships at UD. As she pursues her doctor of philosophy in ecology and evolutionary biology at Texas A&M University, Manning continues her journey in advancing research and exploration.

🌱: bit.ly/UDMcElroyTrust26

🌎 It was great to see so many members of our community come together at UD for the 2026 Climate Action Festival! Thank you to DMASWA and collegiate members of the Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition who organized the event, to our community partners who shared their amazing work, to Big Blue Sky for sharing their amazing music, UD Dining Services for the low-waste/great-taste food, and Sustainable Dubuque for their support!

Two ways we’re giving back to the Earth and our community 🌿💙

Earth Advocates Spartans rolled up their sleeves for a highway cleanup at the stretch adopted over 20 years ago—showing our continued commitment to keeping our environment clean and thriving.

At the same time, we’re helping spark the next generation of scientists! This month, Department of Natural and Applied Science partnered with the Iowa Waste Exchange to donate gently used microscopes to an eastern Iowa K–12 school science program and a Head Start STEM 🔬 program, encouraging hands-on learning and early scientific curiosity.