Ikumi Ellis earns NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (7/22/2025) – Department of Chemistry PhD candidate Ikumi Ellis recently earned a fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). The NSF GRFP supports fellowships for outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time graduate study in science, technology, engineering, math or STEM education.

Ellis, a member of the Boiteau Lab, came to the University of Minnesota in Fall 2023 after completion of her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University. “I've always been drawn to environmental chemistry because the challenges it addresses can have immediate, tangible impacts on both local communities and global systems,” she says. “I find it incredibly motivating to know that the questions I'm asking in the lab contribute to real solutions in agriculture, energy, and ecosystem health.” Ellis is currently working on a project that explores how fungal partners help biofuel crops, like switchgrass, acquire micronutrients, like iron, more efficiently. She uses Ultra High Resolution Mass Spectrometry to study trace metal interactions at the root-soil interface. “I chose to work with Rene because his research sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry and environmental science,” she says. “I really liked the systems-level approach (how chemical interactions drive ecological outcomes) he takes with his work.” In addition to the hands-on work, she is working towards getting her very first first-author paper published.

When she’s not in the lab, Ellis participates in a few different outreach efforts, including Letters to a Pre-Scientist, STEM Saturdays, and various departmental events. “One especially meaningful experience was writing to a middle school student through Letters to a Pre-Scientist, which pushed me far outside my comfort zone as I had to write each letter in both Spanish and English,” she says. “While those were hands-down some of the most stressful letters I’ve ever written, I was deeply moved to receive a kind note from my student and an unexpected award for “Excellent Explanations” at the end of the year. It reminded me how important it is for students to interact with scientists who can show them that their dreams aren’t out of reach, and how valuable it is to keep nurturing that curiosity early on. Outreach goes both ways, and this experience showed me that there’s something for everyone to gain from these connections. I'm excited to participate again this year!”

As she reflects on the honor of earning the NSF GRFP, Ellis writes: 

“Receiving the NSF GRFP is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my journey as a scientist. It not only supports my research on nutrient acquisition strategies for biofuel crop growth, but also affirms the importance of interdisciplinary, sustainability-focused chemistry. As someone who began their path in community college, this kind of support and recognition is especially meaningful. This fellowship gives me the flexibility to keep pursuing my current research while exploring tangential projects I’m very excited about, all while continuing my outreach work. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what the next three years will bring!”

About the NSF GRFP

From the National Science Foundation website

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.