University of Dubuque Alumna Paige Manning (C'25) Awarded McElroy Trust Graduate Fellowship

DUBUQUE, Iowa - University of Dubuque alumna Paige Manning (C'25) was one of two recipients of the 43rd annual McElroy Trust graduate fellowship. The prestigious fellowship carries a stipend of $36,000, paid over three years, to support graduate study.

"I am so honored to be named a McElroy Fellow," Manning said. "While I was at the interview, I met with eight people on the board. They explained what the McElroy Trust does and supports, and I am proud to be a recipient of something that benefits so many people from rural areas in Iowa. I am also lucky to have such a successful group of individuals believe in my abilities in scientific research. It ignites so much confidence within me and waives some imposter syndrome I sometimes have."

Manning distinguished herself from a competitive pool of finalists representing colleges and universities across Northeast Iowa through her enthusiasm for her field of study, depth of knowledge, and engaging presence.

A native of Mendota, Illinois, Manning graduated from UD in December 2025 with a bachelor of science and double major in biology and medical science. This fall, she plans to pursue a doctor of philosophy in ecology and evolutionary biology from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.

As an undergraduate student, Manning participated in numerous research projects. She first researched ticks in summer 2024 through the Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship. Her project was titled, "Prevalence of the Bacteria, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, in Dubuque County." In summer 2025, Manning was one of the land management interns at Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center through the John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship. She was also awarded a microgrant in 2024 by the City of Dubuque through its participation in Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund to share her research and increase awareness about vector-borne disease in Dubuque County.

Through her research, Manning identified upwards of 1,000 ticks, including the first-ever Lone Star tick discovered by UD researchers in Dubuque County as well as the first Gulf Coast tick to be reported in Clayton County in summer 2025. She worked closely with her advisor, Kelly Grussendorf, PhD, professor of biology and head of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences at UD, an expert in the areas of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Eastern Iowa.

"I can't even explain how much the research at UD has prepared me for my time going forward," Manning said. "I had three different research projects I was a part of, and after each project, I felt more and more confident in my knowledge of scientific research methods. It's amazing to look back and see the growth from my first research project to now. I am so thankful for all the professors and donors at the University of Dubuque that made these projects possible! I would recommend to any incoming STEM students to take advantage of these opportunities."

Established by the McElroy Trustees in 1983, the fellowships are intended to "encourage a person of accomplishment, intelligence, integrity, and leadership ability to pursue challenging academic careers." Pending satisfactory progress toward a doctor of philosophy degree, the annual stipend of $12,000 may be renewed for up to two additional years.

The McElroy Fellowships support students pursuing advanced study in non-professional degree programs. The McElroy Trust benefactor, Ralph J. McElroy, was a pioneer broadcaster who founded the Black Hawk Broadcasting Company in 1947. He passed away in 1965.