Harry S Truman College Staff Member Selected for Prestigious USDA Fellowship

Teesta Jain, Coordinator of the Amgen Site at Harry S Truman College, has been named one of just 30 faculty and staff members nationwide selected for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2025 class of E. Kika De La Garza (EKDLG) Fellows. This prestigious fellowship is part of the USDA’s Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) National Program, which recognizes and supports institutions playing a key role in developing the next generation of leaders in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

As part of the fellowship, Jain traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week of professional development, including meetings with USDA agency leaders, sessions on policymaking and research, and learning how USDA resources can benefit students and communities.

At Truman, Jain leads the implementation of the new Amgen Biotech Experience program, which provides high school science teachers with hands-on biotechnology education and professional development. It’s part of her role to keep up with the rapidly changing world and prepare future leaders. She feels the USDA is doing just that.

“Through dedicated career pathways, the USDA is empowering the next generation to innovate in AI, biotechnology, and the vital fields of food sciences and agriculture,” Jain said.

Now in its 27th year, the EKDLG Fellows Program has supported nearly 450 faculty and staff members from HSIs and Hispanic-Serving School Districts nationwide. Jain’s selection underscores her academic leadership and Truman College’s commitment to expanding access to STEM education and careers for diverse students across Chicago.