Ahlea Forster, research scientist in animal science, is the recipient of the staff 2026 Early Achievement in Research Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. She is part of the Severe Combined Immune Deficient pig project where she works from barn to bench. This includes direct care of immunosuppressed animals and laboratory work in immunology, genetics and cell biology.
In addition to coordinating and managing a research team and activities, Forster is heavily involved in research herself by conducting molecular, immunology and cell biology assays to investigate the immune response of SCID pigs and the inoculation of SCID pigs with various cell types. She is skilled in designing and conducting complex experiments, analyzing a range of data types and translating results into scientific insights. Her accomplishments also include novel husbandry methods to raise immunodeficient pigs.
"Ahlea will continue to bring success to the SCID project with her knowledge of these fragile pigs, her desire to improve protocols and her expertise in training students for the care of these invaluable research models," stated a colleague.