Nicole Eikmeier Named Scialog Fellow

Nicole Eikmeier, assistant professor of computer science at Grinnell College since 2019, has been named a Scialog fellow by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement. The Scialog (short for "science dialogue") program brings together interdisciplinary groups of about 50 early-career faculty members around topics of key scientific importance. 

Eikmeier was selected for the Scialog on “Mitigating Zoonotic Threats.” Zoonotic threats are new or emerging infectious diseases that cross over from animals to humans, such as COVID-19. 

In 2020, Eikmeier, along with several co-authors, received a National Science Foundation Rapid Response Research grant. They modeled the spread of COVID-19 in small colleges and found that comprehensive testing and facemasks were the most effective single interventions.  

Over a three-year period, the Scialog will provide guidance from senior facilitators, opportunities to form multidisciplinary collaborations and seed funding for her research. It is cosponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will provide $50,000 grants to fellows who put together compelling project proposals over the course of the Scialog.