Jessica Tucker, PhD
Jessica Tucker, PhD
Assistant Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
Postdoc, UC Berkeley
PhD, University of Georgia
BS, University of Alabama
I am beyond excited to be a new PI. I love taking walks, drinking good beer, and playing with my two young kids.
Sheila Gonzalez
PhD student, Microbiology
Project: The role of tRNA splicing machinery in MHV68 replication
Kyle Rapchak
PhD student, Microbiology
BS, University of Pittsburgh
Project: Restriction of MHV68 replication through RNA polymerase III activity
I love doing experiments, listening to music, and watching sports!
Rylie Elbert
PhD student, Microbiology
BS, Buena Vista University
Project: Transfer RNA cleavage during KSHV infection.
I love all kinds of science, playing video games, and raccoons.
Olivia Heller
Undergraduate, Biochemistry
CROI 2026
Project: The role of the RNA Kinase, Clp1, during gammaherpesvirus infection.
Outside of being a human centrifuge, I enjoy yoga, spending time on the lake, and dragging my friends to new spots around Iowa City.
Harli Herrington
Undergraduate, Microbiology
Project: Characterization of a dual-reporter MHV68 virus
When I’m not in lab I enjoy going on walks for pup cups with my dog, reading books, and learning new things about the world!
Previous Tucker Lab Members
Ashley Gallion- CROI summer researcher 2026, current student at IA State
Libby Nyberg- Undergraduate researcher 2025-2026, current pharmacy student at UI
Lauren Johnson- postbac 2023-2024; lab manager 2024-2026, MS in public health, current-Peoria City/County Health Department
Alaina Lundquist- Undergraduate researcher 2024-2025, UI employee- banquets and catering
Calyssa Huff- 2023 Summer REU, ICARE postbac 2024-2025, current NSF-funded PhD at UWM
Courtney Woodruff- 2025 Master's degree, current Biologist/Analyst II at Eli Lilly
Jack Clark- Undergraduate Researcher 2025, current Dental student with HPSP US Army Scholarship
Mahmoud Bashir-Undergraduate Researcher 2022-2023, Postbac Research Intern 2023-2024, MS student in Interdisciplinary Studies, current Technician II at IDT
Bailey Baumert- Undergraduate researcher 2023-2024
Zach Grissom- Undergraduate researcher 2023-2024, current a medical student at UI
Jasmin Mendoza- Undergraduate researcher 2022-2023
Ariana Jimenez- 2023 Master's, Translational R&D Scientist at IQVIA Laboratories
Ricardo Espinoza-Hernandez- 2022 Summer REU, BS Chapman University, EMT Ambulance Operator