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 Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases at the University of Iowa 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.

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.

Kelly Herwig

I am from the Iowa City area and after spending my freshman year at a small private school, I returned to finish my degrees at the University of Iowa. I graduated with degrees in psychology and social work and then returned to school in the college of engineering. After taking some classes there, I found that Occupational and Environmental Health was a closer fit with my interests. I am not sure about my specific area of research, but something in the ergonomics and safety area, I imagine.

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 plan to do research or work in industry to prevent musckuloskeletal injuries in workers. My PhD will be in Occupational and Environmental Health with an emphasis in Ergonomics. I come from California and did my undergraduate work at UCLA, graduating with College Honors.

David Neyens

I am from Dubuque, IA and am currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering and a MPH with a subtrack in Ergonomics.  I received my BS and MS in Industrial Engineering in 2005 and 2006, respectively.  My focus is in Human Factors and Ergonomics as they relate to the driving domain.

My research focuses on assessing and understanding adaptive behavior in both cognitively and physically complex driving environments specifically for individuals who experience traumatic brain injuries. Upon completion of my MPH and PhD, I intend to seek a faculty position through which I can continue my research.

Policarpio Soberanis

I am originally from Belize, Central America. I moved to California where I did my BS in Mathematics. Finally, I made my way to Iowa where I have completed my MS in Mathematics and am now Pursuing my PhD in Industrial Engineering. I am interested in Human Computer Interaction and Ergonomics.

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.

William Cyrs

I am from Peoria, IL and am pursuing my MS. in Industrial Hygiene. I am interested in nanoparticle exposures and their health effects. I also have an interest in the ergonomics side of occupational health. My career goals involve working in the fields of industrial hygiene and/or occupational medicine.

Michael Humann

PhD

Kerry Krause

I grew up in Oak Forest, IL, a south suburb of Chicago.  I am working on my MS in Industrial Hygiene.  I graduated from The University of Iowa in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.

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.

Nor Rahmah Nor Hashim

I am originally from Malaysia and am currently working towards an MS in OEH with Industrial Hygiene subtrack. I am married and have 3 children. I received my undergraduate degree In Environmental Engineering from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Melbourne, Australia in 1997. Upon graduation and prior to coming to Iowa, I worked with a petroleum company in my home country in the area of occupational safety, health & environment. I am passionate in all areas with respect to workers health protection, but especially in exposure assessment, workers awareness and education and workers rehabilitation.

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.

Javier Santalla

I am originally from Barcelona, Spain. I am currently pursuing an MS in Industrial Hygiene. I graduated from the Universitat de Girona with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences and obtained a postgraduate certificate in Waste Disposal and Environmental Management from the Universitat de Barcelona. I've been working for an Environmental Consulting Company in Spain, helping different kind of industries to accomplish environmental requirements.

My interests nowadays are focused on a collaboration developing a project about controlling respirable crystalline silica exposures during mortar removal, as well as how to detect and prevent hazards within industrial settings.

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.

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

Ronald Bedford

I grew up on a farm in western Iowa, started 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 a major focus of my life. I gained considerable work experience as a paramedic in Cedar Rapids for 24 years, and during that time witnessed innumerable work-related injuries and exposures. I considered attending graduate school for many years and finally found the right fit in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa. The MS training program in Occupational Epidemiology provides a unique opportunity to both identify causes of work-related illnesses and take steps to prevent the adverse health outcomes before they occur.

Kerry Leedom-Larson

I was born and raised in Burlington, IA, right along the Mississippi River. I received a BS in Biology from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and then came back to Iowa where I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University. Next I made my way over to the University of Iowa and received my Master of Public Health. After a year in private practice, I've returned to UI where I'm now pursuing my PhD in OEH, with a dual focus in occupational epidemiology and agricultural safety and health. My main research interest is infectious disease epidemiology. I live in Wilton, Iowa with one cat, one dog, and one husband, David.

Erin D. 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.

Originally, I was interested in toxicology and my thesis was written regarding a physiologically-based toxicokinetic model of how MTBE, a fuel additive, behaves in the human body. I determined that toxicology wasn’t the right fit for me and decided to focus on infectious diseases for my doctoral work. My dissertation research will examine occupational exposures to microbes present in the agricultural setting.

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.

Carissa Rocheleau

I grew up in Faribault, MN and first came to Iowa to attend Cornell College. There I double-majored in biochemistry and molecular biology and environmental studies. After graduation, I worked as a Public Health Microbiologist at the University Hygienic Laboratory, where I had my first real taste of the public health field. I got hooked, and am now working on a Ph.D. in Epidemiology. For my dissertation project, I am examining occupationally related parental exposure to pesticides, before and during pregnancy, as a potential risk factor for selected birth defects. This project will also examine several candidate genes for evidence of a gene-environment interaction.

Londa Vander Wal

I'm originally from Bruce, SD and am working towards a PhD in Occupational Epidemiology. I earned an MS degree in Food Science/ Animal Science from Kansas State University and then was based in Rome, Italy from 2002-6 where I worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in the field of Food Safety. I traveled to many developing countries and realized my interest in addressing broader public health issues, especially related to agricultural workers and agriculture practices. I also volunteered in community development in Malawi, East Africa for 4 months prior to moving to Iowa City.

Article featuring Londa as one of the University of Iowa's "Remarkable People"

Occupational Injury Prevention

Hind Baydoun

I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon. I completed my undergraduate degrees (BS Biology, 1993; BS Nutrition & Dietetics) and Masters of Public Health degree (Epidemiology & Biostatistics, 1998) at the American University of Beirut. I worked for five years in the area of perinatal and neonatal epidemiology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. In addition, I worked for eleven months on a labor force statistics project at the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for Western Asia. I came to the University of Iowa as a PhD student in Epidemiology two and a half years ago. I have a strong interest in reproductive, perinatal and pediatric epidemiology, but also in psychiatric epidemiology and 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

PhD

Marcy Fitz- Randolph

PhD, Occupational & Environmental Health

Cara Hamann

I am from eastern Iowa, Quad-Cities area. I attended the University of Iowa for 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.

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.

Bethany Danner

MSN

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.

Jeffrey Furner, AD, BS

I am from Boise, Idaho and currently work for Idaho Power (Electric Utility) as an occupational health nurse. I am starting the first year toward my masters in occupational health nursing. I worked for almost 20 years as a flight paramedic/nurse for Life Flight before becoming interested in occupational nursing. I have certification as a paramedic, an AD in nursing, and BS in Health Care Administration. I am interested in researching worker fatigue, circadian rhythms, shift-work, and how they impact occupational accident rates.

Nathan Gross, RN, BSN

I grew up in Eastern Iowa near Amana. I continue to live in this area today with my wife, who works in Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. My educational background includes an ADN degree from Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA and a BSN degree from the University of Iowa. My work experience has been in long term care and occupational health. I am currently an Occupational Health Nurse for Amana Refrigeration Products (Whirlpool).

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.

Harvey (CJ) Johnson

MSN

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.

Jonette Penton, BSN, CPTA,CCM

I grew up in Russell, KS.  My first degree came from Colby Community College in Physical Therapy Assistance.   Five years later, I received my AD in nursing from Kansas Wesleyan University.  8 years, one husband (Jeff) and 2 kids (Connor 13 and Elizabeth 11) later, I received my BSN from Fort Hays State.

I work full time as a Certified Case Manager for an Occupational Medicine Clinic which runs within the Emergency Room in Topeka.  It is an interesting job especially when the “moon is full.”   When I am not at work, I am a full time taxi driver, dance mom, scrap booker, gardener and scout leader.

Nancy Savidge, AD, BA

I have lived in Colorado for the last 28 years (grew up in California). I received my BA in Recreation Administration, ran wilderness courses for years, and decided to go into nursing after taking an EMT course for my back country work. I obtained an AD in nursing and soon ended up in wellness education. I transitioned to Employee Health, and that is where I have my occupational experience. I am looking to broaden that to industry after graduation, focusing on the safety aspect.

Trisha Schultz, RN, BSN

I was born in Long Beach, California; graduated high school in Tennessee; and then came to Iowa for college. I received my ADN from Kirkwood Community College, and then continued on to Mount Mercy College where I completed my BSN. I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau International – Kappa Xi Chapter.

My clinical work experience includes long term care, general medicine, psych/chemical dependency, neuro surgery, pulmonary, critical care, and post anesthesia recovery. I am currently working as a Quality Case Manager at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. My current project for quality management is Community Acquired Pneumonia. I am interested in researching pulmonary implications related to the occupational health exposure in farmers secondary to chemical applications.

Occupational Medicine Residency

Erin Kennedy, MD

I grew up in the Iowa City area before going to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, where I majored in Biology.  I then attended medical school at Carver COM, graduating in 2006.  I completed my prerequisite year of primary care in Family Medicine before pursuing the remainder of residency in Occupational Medicine at UI.  As an Iowa native, I am interested in the occupational challenges presented to the workforce in Iowa. I intend to pursue clinical Occ Med and hope to stay in Iowa with my husband and 2 daughters. 

Shirley Pospisil, MD

I was born and raised in Waverly, A.  I graduated from Wartburg College in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.  From there I attended and graduated from the University of Iowa, College of Medicine in 1988.  I trained in anesthesia until 1992 at the UI.  I trained later in anesthesia in 2000 and began a psychiatry residency in 2001.  I participated in volunteer work during my time away from formal medical training. 

I completed my MPH in 2007.  I have three children ages 18, 16, and 14.  I am enjoying Occupational Medicine and hope to practice as a clinician after completion of my residency.  My hobbies include skiing, traveling, biking, weight lifting, music and learning languages