Meet our Students

Agricultural Safety and Health

Dwight Ferguson

I am an Ag Safety and Health PhD student with a focus in Industrial Hygiene. I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Masters of Science degree in Epidemiology and from Gannon University, Erie PA, with a BS in Medical Technology.

My research interests include evaluating occupational exposures to zoonotic pathogens among swine workers using exposure assesment, risk assesment and seroepidepidemiological studies to identify risk factors among swine workers. A few of my career goals involve designing aggressive surveillance studies which can lead to cohort studies among swine workers and evaluating various aerosol technology to assess aerosol transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

Currently I am working at the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases as a Research Assistant, which enables me to gain valuable experience in field epidemiology and seroepidemioolgy studies.

I am originally from Nassau, Bahamas. I am married and live with my wife, Janice and our 4 teens in Solon, IA. My wife and I work together in family ministry at Parkview Church to help build stronger marriages and families in the community. I enjoy traveling to cross country meets and high school band competitions to watch our kids perform. I love being a family man living a purpose driven life.

Abby Harper

I grew up west of Des Moines, IA.  In 2007, I received my BS in biology-chemistry from Manchester College in North Manchester, IN.  I completed my MPH in occupational and environmental health from the University of Iowa in July 2009. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Agriculture Health & Safety with a focus in Occupational Epidemiology. 

During the past five years, I have worked extensively in the bacteriology field.  For the past two years, I've been employed as a research assistant and lab manager at the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases working with Dr. Tara Smith. 

My interest focuses the exposure to hazardous substance (bacteria) among agriculture workers and large animal producers (bovine, swine, equestrian, and ovine). 

After graduation, I plan to work for a state or federal government agency.

Caroline Peterson

I am an Ag Safety and Health student working towards my MS.  I have a BSE in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, and a MS in Safety Sciences from Indiana University of PA. 

I grew up in Los Angeles, but I eventually found my way to Iowa thanks to a job with the USDA.  I currently work for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in Ames, IA as a Safety and Occupational Health Specialist.

Shannon Stubbs

I am an Agricultural Health and Safety student working towards my MS. I obtain my BA from the University of Iowa in May 2010 in Geography with a focus in Environmental Studies as well as a minor in Geoscience.

I am primarily interested in water quality and how it is affected by agricultural inputs. I have been a Hydrologic Technician at the US Geological Survey Iowa Water Science Center for 2 years and would like to continue there or in a similar position after graduation.

An Iowa native, I grew up on a farm outside of West Branch. My family can trace its roots back to the 1500s in England where we were always poor tenant farmers. As such, practicing agriculture that is safe for the farmers and the rest of the world is very important to me.

Ergonomics

Ivy Donaldson

I grew up in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2001, I received my BS in Mathematics and Economics with a minor in Business and Liberal Arts from Queens College (CUNY), New York. I completed my MS in Applied Mathematics in 2004 from the University of Iowa. I am currently pursuing my PhD degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Operations Research and Ergonomics.  

My research focuses on developing a mathematical model to deal with disruptions in the supply chain. I am interested in working collaboratively with companies to solve problems and conduct research to find improved approaches to both technical and managerial issues of Supply Chain Management.

Lauren Gant

I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and am pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Ergonomics. I earned both my BS and MS from the University of Iowa in Biomedical Engineering. I plan to do research into growing trends in the office environment.

Joshua Hoffman

I am a graduate student from Bettendorf, IA pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering. My focus is in Human Factors and Ergonomics, specifically as they relate to the driving domain. My research includes modeling driver interaction with in-vehicle information systems and mitigating the distraction associated with their use. Upon completion of the masters program, I intend to seek a job in the automotive industry, working in design of vehicle cabs and systems.

Alysha R. Meyers

I’m a California native, transplanted to Iowa for graduate school. After earning a BA from UCLA I worked in private industry for about 10 years. As a human resources professional, I noticed that good ergonomics can help prevent or relieve the painful effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. I earned my MS in Occupational and Environmental Health in 2005 and I am now working towards my PhD.

I am interested in conducting practical research that will help prevent upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. I’m interested in developing, testing and implementing interventions and practical exposure assessment tools based on empirical research. In 2008 I was awarded a CDC Public Health Dissertation Fellowship Grant to fund my dissertation. I expect to graduate in 2010. After graduation, I plan to work for a state or federal government agency.

Industrial Hygiene

Kimberly Anderson

I'm from Cleveland, OH. I graduated from Clarkson University in 2008 with a dual degree in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Toxicology and Environmental Science and Policy. I'm currently pursuing my MS in Industrial Hygiene.

Lorenzo Cena

I was born in Torino, Italy. I am married to Ashely from Sacramento, CA, and we have one daughter named Sofia.

I Received a Master of Science from Iowa State University. I am now working on a Ph.D. in Industrial Hygiene and researching nanoparticles.

Daniel Ellickson

I am from Decorah, IA and received a BSE in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa in May 2009 along with a BA in music.  I am currently working on a MS in Industrial Hygiene, and I'm interested in studying nanoparticles.

Kendra Hauck

I'm from Avon, SD. I graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown, SD with an AAS degree in Environmental Technology and completed my BS degree at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD in Environmental Management. I'm currently pursuing my MS in Industrial Hygiene.

Matthew Hibbs

I grew up in Iowa City, IA. In 2008 I received my undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Knox College in Galesburg, IL. I am currently pursuing an MS degree in Industrial Hygiene.

Michael Humann

I grew up in Breckenridge, MN and earned my Bachelors degree in Biology from North Dakota State University. I originally came to the University of Iowa to get my Masters degree in Industrial Hygiene, specializing in Agricultural Safety and Health. I worked for several years as an Agricultural Safety and Health Research Specialist at the National Farm Medicine Center in Marshfield, WI before returning to the University of Iowa to complete my PhD in Industrial Hygiene.

My research interest continues to be in the agriculture industry, particularly exposure assessment and occupational epidemiology. I am currently working on assessment of task-based noise exposure and hearing loss in agricultural populations.

Mitchell Kang

I was originally born in Ohio, but grew up in the Iowa City area.  I am currently working on my PhD in Industrial Hygiene.  My research interests are in nanoparticles, and I hope to become a professor someday in a health-related field.

Jacob Krzystowczyk

Mark Lebeck

After finishing undergraduate work in Pre-Health Sciences at Central College in Pella, IA, I spent two and a half years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya, East Africa working as a public health and sanitation extentionist.  I finished my MS in Epidemiology in 2007 and have been working for Dr. Gregory Gray in the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases since 2004.  I am beginning my doctoral studies in Industrial Hygiene and am interested in maintaining a focus in infectious disease epidemiology as it pertains to occupational and environmental exposures, particularly within the agricultural industry.  My career goals include, though not limited to, working in private industry and academia.

Justin Newnum

I am originally from Murfreesboro, TN. I graduated with a BS in Environmental Studies from Eastern Kentucky University in 2007. I then spent 15 months with the Peace Corps in Samoa working as a village development worker. I am working on a MS in Industrial Hygiene.

Brian Pavilonis

I grew up in Lemont, Illinois. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Chemical Environmental Science. After graduation, I earned my master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health from the University of Illinois at Springfield. During my masters program, I worked at the Illinois Department of Public Health in the Environmental Health section. I am currently working on my PhD in Industrial Hygiene.

Sabah Saleh

I come all the way from Kuwait and I am pursuing my  MS degree in  Industrial Hygiene. I graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1998 with Fire & Safety Engineering degree.  I worked in the oil sector in Kuwait  for 10 years. I am married and have two lovely kids.

Eric Sawvel

I grew up in Dubuque, IA and obtained both my BS in Civil Engineering and MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa.  I am active duty Air Force and currently working on my PhD in Industrial Hygiene.  I am married to Susan Sawvel and we have two daughters and a son.  I spend my free time with my family and I love the outdoors.

Ramesh Shamsul

Donna Vosburgh

I am an Industrial Hygiene PhD student.  I received my Bachelors Degree in Applied Ecology from Michigan Technological University and my Masters Degree in Environmental and Public Health from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  I’m a Registered Sanitarian.  Before I came to Iowa, I worked for Minnesota Department of Health as a Noncommunity Public Water Supply Sanitarian for three and a half years. 

Occupational Epidemiology

Nirmalla Barros

I'm a PhD student in Occupational & Environmental Health from Union Twp, NJ. I received my MPH from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ in Quantitative Methods: Biostatistics & Epidemiology. Some of my research interests include radiation toxicity, chemical carcinogenesis, toxin-exposure analysis, environmental & occupational lung exposures, toxin-environment interactions, and airway disease risk assessments.

Ronald Bedford

I grew up on a farm in western Iowa, attended college at the University of Iowa, and then moved to Cedar Rapids, where my wife, Fran, and I currently live. Outdoor recreation and environmental issues have always been very important to me. I gained considerable work experience as a paramedic in Cedar Rapids for 24 years, and during that time witnessed many work-related injuries and exposures. After returning to graduate school I earned a MS in Occupational and Environmental Health at the UI. The Occupational Epidemiology Training Program provides a unique opportunity to both identify causes of work-related illnesses and take steps to prevent the adverse health outcomes before they occur.

Through my work as a graduate research assistant on a very large occupational health study, I have identified an interest in occupationally-related chronic diseases, especially cancer. My thesis research examined the ability of death certificates to reflect cancer occurrence for an occupational cohort in Iowa. I have yet to identify a dissertation project, but hope to continue this field of research in the PhD program. Other research areas of interest include occupational and environmental exposures, radiation, injury, and pre-hospital emergency care.

Kerry Leedom-Larson

I received a BS in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. I also received a Master of Public Health from the University of Iowa. After a year in private veterinary practice, I returned to the University of Iowa and am now working on my PhD in Agricultural Safety and Health.  My interests are infectious disease epidemiology and occupational health and safety.  I am working on my dissertation, which looks at MRSA prevalence in pork production shower facilities, and whether following specific hygiene guidelines reduces the overall prevalence of MRSA. 

Spencer Lourens

I grew up on a farm in central Iowa and moved to Iowa City, where I completed a BS in Mathematics at the University of Iowa.  I am currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Biostatistics.  I also provide statistical analyses for a large-scale retrospective cohort mortality and cancer incidence study of munitions workers. 

My research interests to date include the application of statistical methods to assess occupationally-related adverse health outcomes.  I hope to complete my graduate training in the spring of 2014. 

Erin Moritz

I grew up in Devils Lake, ND and Baraboo, WI. I am currently a PhD student in the Occupational Epidemiology program. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and obtained a master’s degree in Environmental Public Health from the same university.

I have decided to focus on infectious diseases for my doctoral work. My dissertation research will examine the risk of asymptomatic colonization with two bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) in child care workers.  This project will also assess the possibility that child care centers serve as community reservoirs for these pathogens.

Alicia Quella

I grew up in Rochester, MN and first came to The University of Iowa as a Physician Assistant student. I am now pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Epidemiology. I work part-time in the Emergency Department at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA. My research interests include Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology. I am currently working on a project that examines mortality and cancer incidence of workers that were exposed to radiation and other carcinogens through their work at an Iowa munitions plant.

Occupational Injury Prevention

Carla Britton

I’m originally from California, where I completed a BS in Wildlife Biology at UC Davis. I then spent 15+ years working as a park ranger for the National Park Service, which allowed me to live and work in some very cool places. I came to Iowa from Wisconsin where I completed an MS in Environmental and Public Health at UW-Eau Claire while working on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

I’m currently a PhD student in Epidemiology where my research interests include outcomes in rural EMS, occupational injuries, especially to wildland firefighters, and injuries to visitors in recreational settings.

Yanyan Cao

I am from China, where I received my BS degree in Preventive Medicine and MS degree in Epidemiology, and worked as a public health physician for six years. I am currently persuing a PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health.

My interest is in the area of injury prevention and control, especially in occupational injury prevention and children's injury prevention.

Ousmane Diallo

Marcy Fitz- Randolph

PhD, Occupational & Environmental Health

Nathan Gross

I grew up in Eastern Iowa near Amana, and I continue to live in this area today with my wife and two children. My educational background includes an ADN from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA, and BSN and MSN degrees from the University of Iowa. During my MSN practicum, I completed a project with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Washington D.C. focusing on the safety and health of volunteers in disaster response and recovery situations. My work experience has been in long-term care and occupational health nursing. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health, and my primary research interest is injury prevention in older workers.

Cara Hamann

I am from eastern Iowa, Quad-Cities area. I attended the University of Iowa for my undergrad, where I completed my BS in both Journalism and Psychology. I then moved to Texas and earned my Master’s in Public Health, with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. After getting my MPH I moved to Connecticut and worked at Yale University in the Emergency Medicine Section as a research coordinator.

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Epidemiology. My research interests include injury, alcohol and substance abuse, and mental health. I am especially interested in traumatic injuries and possibilities for interventions in the emergency department setting. 

Kari Harland

I was born and raised in the great state of Iowa and currently live in Kalona, IA. I am pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology and have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MPH in epidemiology, all from the University of Iowa. I have worked in the U of I Epidemiology department for Dr Audrey Saftlas for over 4 years.

My research experience is in the areas of maternal health, and domestic violence, but my interests also include the influence of occupation/employment on these areas. I am currently working on a domestic violence intervention in a women’s health clinic. Using this project, I hope to look at work as social support for women experiencing domestic violence.

Erin Heiden

Originally from Blairsburg, IA, I completed my BS in Community Health Education from Iowa State University and my MPH from the University of Iowa. For my MPH practicum, I worked with the Iowa SAFE Kids Coalition during 2004 legislative session to educate legislators about the importance of upgrading Iowa’s child passenger safety seat law. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Community and Behavioral Health.

My research interests are in evaluation, injury prevention, and individuals with disabilities, specifically, the evaluation of injury prevention interventions and the effects of disability and injuries in the workplace. My future career goals include conducting evidence-based evaluations in a practice setting, and eventually returning to an academic setting to teach and conduct research.

Mary White

I'm a North Carolina native in Iowa pursuing a PhD in Community and Behavioral Health.  I just finished a research fellowship in Public Health Informatics at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD and also earned an MS degree in Library/Information Science and a Certificate in International Development from the University of North Carolina.   I've worked with informatics and community development projects in South Africa, Honduras, and Ethiopia as well as pediatric research involving social support, obestiy prevention, and videogames.   

Occupational Health Nursing

Beth Baars, RN, BSN

I grew up in Muscatine, Iowa. I attended St. Ambrose University and received my BSN in 2007. I currently work at UIHC on the Neurosurgery/Neurology unit full time. When I am not at work, I enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family and friends.

Jasmine Beverly

Holly Carlson

Prior to going into nursing, I was a foreman for 12+ years for Tones Spices in Ankeny, Iowa. I chose nursing late in life for two reasons: 1) I was injured on the job and needed a career change 2) my husband and mother-in-law both had cancer and I felt as their caregiver it would help me better understand the disease and care for them. I will obtain my MSN in the Spring and have applied for the NP program to finish my educational goals. I am a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Gamma Chapter.

Catherine Fiala, BSN

I grew up in Cedar Rapids, then attended the University of Iowa where I received my BSN in 2003. I worked at UIHC on the Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery for a year and a half before moving to St. Luke's Hospital/Visiting Nurse Association. I have worked there for three years. The first 2 years as an adult Case Manager, treating and managing patient's in their homes with a vairety of disease processes. The last year to now as the Perfomance Improvement Coordinator in charge of quality assurance/managment and compliance among other duties. My husband works in Iowa City for the Army National Gaurd as a Mobilization Plans Officer. 

My interest lies in Informatics and the occupational health of clinicians primarily in the homecare settings, as these clinicians tend to encounter a wide variety of circumstances that hospital and office clinicians do not. Upon graduation I plan to stay in Iowa and hopefully teach.

Deb Gengler

I am originally from Iowa. I currently work for Union Pacific RailRoad at their headquarters in Omaha, NE as their Director of Clinical Services. I have been in occupational health nursing field since 1982 in a variety of settings. I am looking forward to my MSN

Megan Hart, BSN

I grew up in Cedar Rapids, where I received my BSN from Mount Mercy College in 2005. I have worked at St. Luke's Hospital for three years. I split my hours between the Birthcare Center where I work with the growing Hispanic population and the Orthopaedic unit where I work with patients with joint replacements many due to occupational wear and tear. Upon graduation I plan to stay in Iowa and hope to provide healthcare and services to migrant farm workers and their families.

Douglas Hoffman RN, BSN, COHN-S

I am a native of Columbus, Ohio.  I have two undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Exercise Science.  I have worked in the field of Occupational Nursing for ten years.  I am currently working as the Region Occupational Health Manager for UPS. I am actively involved in local and national AAOHN activities.  I am married to Kathryn and I have three children Alex, Meredith, and Bryant.

Cornelius "Ed" Orr, BSN, RN

I grew up in Central Missouri near Columbia. I received a BS degree in Biology from Missouri Baptist College in St. Louis, then my Diploma of Nursing from Mercy College of Health Science in Des Moines, and finally my BSN from Grand View College in Des Moines. I have been working in Occupational and Environmental Health for over 13 years. I am a member of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) and the president of the Central Iowa Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CIAOHN).

My interest is in promoting a safe and healthful work place and to provide quality health care to all of my workers. I am currently the Nurse Manager for Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. in Perry, Iowa.

Shelly Warrick

I have been a nurse for 12 years in the acute care setting. I am currently a House Supervisor at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. I work a weekend package so I have more time with my family during the week. I grew up in Bondurant, IA. I received my BSN from The University of Iowa in 1995. I am excited to see all of the opportunities there will be for an occupational health nurse. I am just starting the master's program. So far I have enjoyed seeing and thinking about a new way of healthcare than what I have been practicing.

Jessica Wolf

Occupational Medicine Residency

Brenda Buikema

My hometown is Clinton, IA. I am a current resident in ocupational medicine and working on an MPH.  I am board certified in Internal Medicine and have lived in Iowa City for about 11 years. 

I would like to stay in Iowa after completion of my residency and look forward to incorporating both specialties into my practice.  I have one son who is eleven and I enjoy spending my free time doing various activities with him as well as running and reading.  

Nazee Jabbari, MD

I grew up in Muscatine, IA and have been in Iowa City ever since while completing a B.S. in Biology, my M.D. at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and my residency at UIHC.    I am looking forward to the wide breadth of possibilities available after finishing my residency in Occupational Medicine.  Currently, my interests are to work in the setting of a medium sized company by providing medical care to their employees.

Ram Ravi, MD