Linsey Marr, a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “genius grant.” This recognition comes as a result of her exceptional creativity, significant accomplishments, and potential for future advances in her field. Marr’s research on airborne pathogenic viruses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has gained widespread recognition and has been crucial in understanding virus transmission and protecting ourselves. She plans to use the grant to support research and projects that may be difficult to fund through traditional channels.