Meet our Students

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.

Greg Matano

I grew up in Howell, New Jersey. I received my BA at Drew University in Political Science and am now pursuing my MS in Agricultural Safety and Health.  My research interests include agricultural health and the epidemiological consequences of working in the agricultural sector.

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.

Wendy Ringgenberg

I'm an older student returning to graduate school for yet another directional change in my career.  I've been a social worker, nursing home administrator, health administration educator, and associate professor. ( I also hold certificates in hypnotherapy and dog grooming...)  I have an MPH, and during that program, fell in love with occupational and environmental health!  I currently work for a certified industrial hygienist, and I get to investigate factors that influence workers' health.  I have a special affinity for farmers and the issues they face.  My grandfather, a dairy and crop farmer, was severely injured on a PTO and died from his accident. My father now farms the land and people we know have suffered from tractor roll-over accidents, manure gas poisonings, and silo engulfments.  I'm extremely happy to be an Agricultural Safety and Health student.  I hope to help farm families in the Midwest, and subsistence farmers abroad in Mali, West Africa, where I travel with a group named Medicine for Mali.

I'm happily married to my wonderful husband, Ray.  We have three kids: Frankie J is in her first year at college; Jackson John is a junior in high school; and Winter, our 7th grader.  I love to walk and read and ride my bike.  I'm partial to (some might say addicted to) Law & Order Criminal Intent and Law & Order SVU, but I'm sure those are my only vices....

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.

Nicole Becklinger
I am a PHD student in industrial engineering with a specialization in human factors.  My research focuses on physiological measures of workload during flight and driving tasks, including EEG, ECG, respiration, and eye tracking metrics.

 I grew up on a farm near Marengo, IL.  I have completed a BS in mechanical engineering and an MS in industrial engineering at the University of Iowa, and have been a research assistant at the UI's Operator Performance Laboratory since 2007. After graduation, I intend to become an engineering professor. 

Emily Determan

I am a graduate student from Clinton, IA working on my MS in the ergonomics program.  I earned a BA in exercise science from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2011.

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.

John Looft

I am a biomedical engineering (with a focus in biomechanics) master's student here at The University of Iowa. My reseach involves expanding the fatigue model used in the Santos environment to include intermittent and dynamic fatigue. My goal with this project is to develop a comprehensive fatigue model that will be used in the work place to assess repetitive tasks and give feed back on how the worker will fatigue. Once analysis has been gathered, the task can be improved to better not only the performance, but the health of the workers.

I grew up on a farm in north central Iowa where I learned the value of hard work and creative thinking. I knew from age five that I would go to the UI and be an engineer. My passion for wanting to build creative gadgets and help people made me decide to major in biomedical engineering when I was a freshman in high school. Around this point, I also discovered that I enjoyed tutoring and helping my fellow classmates as well as creating things. This was only reinforced while studying as an undergraduate at the UI and has made me want to pursue being a professor in either biomedical or ergonomics at a major research institution.

Nick Muhlenbruch

Mark Schall

I am a graduate student from Hickory Hills, IL, pursuing an MS degree in Industrial Engineering. I obtained my BSE in Industrial Engineering from the University of Iowa in May 2010. My research interests are in the field of Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Neuroscience. Specifically, my research aims to assess to what extent treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome leads to improvement in cognitive function and driving performance. Upon completion of the master's program, I intend to continue my education as a PhD student and one day become a university professor.

Kelsey Smithart

I am originally from Ottumwa, IA and am presently working on an MPH in Ergonomics.  My background is in Integrative Physiology and I am very interested in the function of the human body and the prevention of injuries. 

Michael Tiedman

I am first year MPH student in Ergonomics from Lake Mills, IA. I graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2011, where I majored in Integrative Physiology and minored in Chemistry. My undergraduate research involved solid-state synthesis, molecular recognition, self-assembly, and supramolecular chemistry. I enjoy music, books, running, and golf.

Kimberly Anderson

I have a dual degree in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Toxicology and Environmental Science and Policy. I' received my MS in Industrial Hygiene in Fall 2010, and am now pursuing my PhD..

Michael Gallagher

I am a graduate student from Lancaster, PA pursuing a MS in Industrial Hygiene. I completed my undergraduate degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Health at Millersville University in the spring of 2011. I enjoy swimming, biking, and listening to all types of music.

Benjamin Getschman

 I grew up in Boone, IA. In May 2011 I received my undergraduate degree in Integrative Physiology from the University of Iowa.  I am currently pursuing my MS in Industrial Hygiene.

Barry Hill

I am originally from Caddo Mills, TX. I graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, receiving a BS in Environmental Science and a BA in Biology. I’ve spent the last 18 months working at Pioneer Hi-Bred in their Grains and Nutritional Sciences Department, and am now currently working towards a MS in Industrial Hygiene.

Adrianne Horne

My hometown is New Richmond, WI. I majored in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. My research interest is nanotechnology.

Madeleine Hornick

I grew up in Cedarburg, WI. I earned my BS in Health Sciences from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. I am currently pursuing an MS in Industrial Hygiene.

William Leach

I grew up in Dayton, OH.  I graduated from the University of Findlay with a BS in Environmental Safety and Occupational Health Management.  I am currently working on my MS in Industrial Hygiene.

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.

Jessica Mills

I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I obtained my BS in Health Science from South College in Knoxville, and am currently pursuing my MS in Industrial Hygiene. My research interests are in nanoparticles and I am eager to learn more about them. I love the outdoors, my dog, and sports (Go Vols, Hawkeyes, and UNC Tarheels!).

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.

Joel Ramirez

I grew up in Lares, Puerto Rico. I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a BS in Industrial Chemical Processes and MS in Industrial Hygiene. I have worked in private industry as a Laboratory Technician and Industrial Hygiene Specialist.

Kelsie Reeve

I grew up in Tipton, IA. I received my undergraduate degree in Health Promotion: Science Intensive Environmental Health from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. I am currently pursuing my MS in Industrial Hygiene.

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 have two daughters and a son.  I spend my free time with my family and I love the outdoors.

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.

Jaime Butler-Dawson

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Environmental Health and have my MPH in Environmental Health from Boston University. I've spent the last few years concentrating on global HIV/AIDS with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and before that as a health volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Burkina Faso, focusing on health promotion and income generating projects. My research interests include studying adverse health effects due to climate change and air pollution, indoor air quality and also improved cooking technologies in developing countries. I grew up in Boise, Idaho and am an outdoor enthusiast.

Ana Capuano

I am a Chemical Engineer and have a Master’s in Probability and Statistics from Auburn University. As part of my fellowship training in the Occupational Epidemiology Training Program, I am completing a Master’s in Biostatistics and a PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health. I have also workedas a biostatistician for the UI Department of Epidemiology since 2005 and have authored a number of peer-review papers with my colleagues, as well as abstracts and book chapters. In addition, I have worked in several international multi-language studies including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Nigeria, Mongolia, Cambodia, and Thailand. In 2008, I traveled to Cambodia and Thailand to train local computer technologists and statisticians in using a relational database. I have also provided statistical and database design support for the Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases’ NIH funded prospective study of avian influenza transmission in Asia.

My research interests are in statistical methods in occupational epidemiology, questionnaire design, and exposure measurement. My dissertation is focusing on statistical modeling of serology titer data and other occupational epidemiological endpoints that have had power decreased by more traditional simplified analyses. 

Kristin Coleman

Shawn (Sam) Messer

I grew up in a small community in SE Iowa and attended college at the University of Iowa, receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in 1982.  I worked in non-science positions outside the university following graduation and returned to campus in 1993 to work as a research assistant in the Molecular Epidemiology and Fungus Testing Laboratory.  It was in the MEFTL that I received extensive work experience and developed interests in the disciplines of mycology, surveillance methods, antifungal susceptibility testing and molecular epidemiology—interests that have continued in my present studies.  I returned to graduate school in 2003 and received an MPH degree in 2006 and a Master of Science (Epidemiology) in 2009.  My research interests are focused on occupational and environmental indices and health manifestations as they relate to mold exposure.

Ousmane Diallo

Maisha Frederick

I grew up on the beautiful island of St. Croix, V.I.  I earned my BS in Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands in May 2008 and my MPH from Morehouse School of Medicine in May 2011.  I am currently pursing my PhD in Epidemiology.  My research interests are focused on child abuse and mental health in adolescents.  I love spending time with my daughter Malayah, reading, and working out.  After graduating I plan on becoming a member of the U.S. Public Health Service and pursuing a career in the federal sector. 

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. 

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.

Laura Schwab-Reese

I am a PhD student in Community & Behavioral Health.  My research interests include mental health, injury prevention, and women's health.  I am especially interested in the development, implementation, and evaluation of culturally and gender-appropriate intervention.

I am originally from Florida but grew up in the Des Moines area.  I completed my BS in Psychology and Human Relations and my MA in Community & Rehabilitation Counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health at The University of Iowa.  After graduation, I hope to teach and do research in an academic setting.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, reading, hiking, and gardening.

Leah Wentworth

Originally from Hampden, Maine, I completed my B.A. in Community Planning at the University of Massachusetts—Boston and my MPH with a concentration in Health Policy and Management at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst. For the past several years, I worked as the Safety Coordinator for the Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts. I am also a health and safety instructor for the Red Cross and an OSHA authorized trainer for the construction industry.

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Occupational and Environmental Health. My research interests include workplace wellness interventions, injury prevention, health and safety training, and suicide prevention. After graduation, I hope to work in academia or for the federal government. In my free time, I love playing softball, reading, writing, and the outdoors.

Lynne Abbott

I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA. I received my ADN from Kirkwood Community College and continued on to get my BSN through the University of Iowa in 2010.I have worked for St Lukes hospital for almost 10 years. I have had experience working in the operating room and ICU, but I am currently working at a cardiology office. I am excited to begin my education in occupational health nursing and to see what opportunites await after graduation. In my spare time I like to spend time with my husband and two boys. We like movies, sports and traveling together.  

Betty Allen

Kristin Breitbach

I was born and raised in Dubuque, IA.  I graduated with my BSN from the University of Iowa in December 2009.  I am currently a staff nurse on the Otolaryngology and Gynecology unit at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  I am excited to begin my career as an Occupational and Environmental Health Nurse and I am eager for the opportunities that await me.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being a nurse, working out and cheering on the Hawkeyes.

Pamela Carter

I currently live in Charlottesville, VA and have worked in the field of occupational health nursing for 25 years.  I started out as a diploma nurse and received my bachelors degree the same year that my daughter received her bachelor’s degree…we actually walked together and were the first Mother-daughter team to graduate from James Madison University at the same time.  I received my COHN-S in 1994 and I am very active in our professional organization, AAOHN.  In fact, I am President-Elect and will assume the office of President in 2013.  I currently work for a local government/school division in Albemarle County, VA and serve 3000+ employees.  Prior to that I was the Environment Health & Safety Manager for GE.  I have led a very rewarding and educational career.

For fun, I like to fish and ride my motorcycle but I guess for the next few years, those activities will be limited.  I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my education in the field of occupational health.  I am very interested in learning more about international occupational health and how I can be a resource to our colleagues throughout the world.  I also look forward to helping other nurses pursue their interest in the field of occupational health.

Linda Davis

I am enrolled in the masters program for Occupational Health Nursing.  I graduated from the University of Iowa with my BSN in 2009 and am excited to further my education in this field.  I have worked as an occupational health nurse since 1993 for Cargill Meat Solutions in the meatpacking industry.  I am currently the Health Service Manager at Ottumwa, IA in our pork facility.  My interests are focused on injury prevention and employee health and wellness.
 
My husband and I are both from Kansas originally and we keep busy with our children, two of whom are married, and the youngest three still at home.  Weekends are spent watching college football and cheering on our opposing teams (Go Hawks). 

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.

Ashley Hinman

I have lived in SE Iowa my entire life.  I grew up on a farm in Letts and moved up to North Liberty shortly after starting my career in nursing at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City in May 2007.  I received my ADN from Eastern Iowa Community College District in Davenport in 2006 and received my BSN from Mount Mercy College in 2009.  I currently work in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and I love what I do!  I am going back to school to get my master's degree in Occupational Health Nursing.  I enjoy spending time with family & friends, going out, meeting new people, watching movies, and spending time with my dog, Bella. 

Holly Meacham

I am originally from Monticello, IA but live in North Liberty now.  I have my BSN and currently work in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.  I am working towards my Masters degree.  My interests are in Quality and Safety.

Cheryl Street

I was raised in Beaverville, Illinois on a small grain and livestock farm that has been in our family for three generations. I am working on a Masters in Occupational Health Nursing. I completed a Bachelors in Nursing at Saint Joseph's College in Rensalaer, IN. I have been employed as an Occupational Health Nurse for approximately 25 years. My goal is to be able to do some teaching about Occupational Health Nursing.

Annerose Wilson

I am a Registered Nurse working in an ICU for the last five years at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Monies, IA. I completed my BSN at Grandview University in 2009. I grew up in a rural town in Kenya, Africa. I have been in the United States since 2001. I am looking forward to fall of 2010 when I start my MSN in Occupation Health. My goal is to complete the program in two years and expand my career in this field. I am married to a die-hard Hawkeye fan and have three energetic children who I enjoy spending my free time with. I also enjoy working out and playing basketball.

Cheryl Wright

Laura Breeher

My hometown is Des Moines, IA. I am currently an Occupational Medicine resident and will be getting my MPH in conjunction with this training. I went to The University of Iowa for my BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering before completing Medical School at the Carver College of Medicine. Prior to starting Occupational Medicine Residency, I completed a Transitional Year Residency at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines.

I am married and have a three-year- old son. We are also expecting a new baby in Fall 2011. In my free time I like to cook, garden, and swim.

Claudia Corwin

I am board certified in General Surgery and worked in Transplantation in the past. I recently completed an MPH. I hope to eventually combine my clinical and non-clinical interests / skills by working in both an academic clinical setting as well in a government or non government-based public health setting. I moved to Iowa City in 1993, where my husband and I have lived since. I have three children, ages 8,11, and 12, who keep me busy and happy.

Brian Withers

I grew up in Moscow, ID.  I am currently an Occupational Medicine Resident and I am working on an MPH.  After completing medical school and an Internship I spent 4 years as an Air Force physician (2 years as a Flight Surgeon and 2 years as a General Medical Officer).  I performed as an Occupational Medicine Physician for the Air Force and after training I intend to continue similar work in the private sector.

I am married and have four sons.  In my free time I enjoy being with my family, exercising, and spending time in the outdoors.