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Delaware State University Student to Receive Fellowship for
Research into Improving Nutrition in Staple Foods
Wilmington, DE (Mar. 4, 2025) – Delaware State University student Nefertiti S. Griffin received the Marie Clark Taylor CGF Fellowship from the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food’s Coalition for Grain Fiber. Senior research scientists at the university selected Griffin from a field of qualified candidates – honoring her potential as a scientist working in plant breeding and biology.
Griffin presented her research on March 3 at the 2025 McFadden Symposium for wheat research. She also met leading plant breeders and food scientists and participated in professional conversations about the most constructive ways to maximize the health potential of wheat.
“As the climate around the world changes, understanding which crops thrive locally isn’t just a great practice, it’s imperative for the long-term food security around the globe,” said Griffin, a senior studying plant science. “I am so excited to have this opportunity to learn more about how to execute my research.”
The fellowship is named after Dr. Marie Clark Taylor, an educator, plant breeder and former dean at Howard University. It honors a bright student dedicated to applying plant science and/or food science for the benefit of all socioeconomic groups—helping them develop a network of mentors and collaborators at R1 universities across the U.S.
“Nefertiti works at the Plant Molecular Breeding Lab of Delaware State University assisting scientists and graduate students with growing plants under controlled conditions to molecular biology research. She plays a vital role in our laboratory,” said Delaware State University Professor Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee.
Delaware State University announced the award during its March 6 men’s basketball game against University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Three leaders of the Coalition for Grain Fiber presented the award to Griffin:
- Rod Wallace of the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food
- Katherine Frels of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Maria Itria Ibba of the United Nations Food and Agricultural organization CIMMYT
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The Coalition for Grain Fiber seeks to improve the nutrition in staple foods without impacting their taste, feel, or consumer price. It is simultaneously dedicated to establishing profit incentives for farmers and other food suppliers that deliver increased nutrient foods.
In supporting this effort, Delaware State University brings together urban and rural communities to make food healthier for people around the world. The effort supports collaboration across 25 U.S. states, the U.K., Belgium, Mexico, and Kenya.
About the Foundation for Innovation in Healthy Food
FIHF builds coalitions of stakeholders that support increasing the nutritional value of the foods we consume, while preserving consumers’ food experiences.
About the Coalition for Grain Fiber
The coalition is enrolling grain fiber in the fight against chronic disease. By improving the nutritional content of white and whole wheat flour, it seeks to save thousands of lives and dramatically reduce healthcare costs.
The Nebraska Wheat Board provided support for the efforts of the foundation and the coalition.
About Delaware State University
Delaware State University is a privately governed, state-assisted historically black land-grant research university in Dover, Delaware. DSU also has two satellite campuses: one in Wilmington, DE and one in Georgetown, DE.