Jun 25, 2026

Huck staffers recognized at annual awards

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences recognized several staff members for outstanding work over the past year at the annual “Pulse of the Huck” meeting.

The Pulse of the Huck, which will be renamed to the “Huckies” in future years, is an opportunity to reflect on the successes of the past year, recognize service milestones, welcome new staff members, and hear updates on the strategic vision for the unit.

A handful of outstanding contributors were also recognized for their efforts and presented with plaques: Jessica Mondi, who was hired in the autumn as the new director of communications and engagement, was given the Out of the Box Award. The GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Award had a tie—between Rajeswaran Mani, assistant director of core facilities for public engagement and outreach and director of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility—and Kerry Hair, a research technologist in the Genomics Core Facility. Finally, the Teamwork Award was given to the Huck facilities team. Led by director Mike Uchneat, it also includes facilities representative Nathan Hamm, facilities representative Ashley Gallagher, and collaboration and conferencing technology specialist Scott Boor.

"Our staff members are essential to everything that we do at the Huck," said Christina Grozinger, Publius Vergilius Maro Professor of Entomology and director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. "These awards highlight just a few of the many ways their dedicated service, creativity, and teamwork play vital roles in advancing our mission. Congratulations to this year's honorees and thank you to all of the Huck staff for the commitment, talent, and enthusiasm they bring to their roles every day."