Save the Date: Rural maternal mental health outcomes conference
Mark your calendars for the free conference on "Engaging with Rural Communities to Improve Maternal Mental Health Outcomes" April 23-24. Hear from expert speakers along with patient-researcher-led table discussions with clinicians, health system leaders, and researchers. Published January 14, 2021
Researchers reveal racial disparities in pedestrian injuries
A new study from the University of Iowa College of Public Health reveals that pedestrian injuries are worse for most minorities in the US compared to whites, a racial disparity that points to inequities in access to safe transportation. "Basically in every indicator we looked at, we saw worse outcomes, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and multi-racial groups," says Cara Hamann, clinical assistant professor of epidemiology, who was the principal investigator on the study. Published December 10, 2020
Doctoral candidate Eric Kontowicz’s climate change research draws on collaboration
Eric Kontowicz, a doctoral candidate in epidemiology in the College of Public Health, wrote his doctoral dissertation by drawing on expertise from all over the University of Iowa campus. His research looks at how climate change will affect influenza rates in animals and people, and in particular the impact that flooding has on flu infections in human populations. Published December 10, 2020
Petersen says Iowa’s face mask guidance doesn’t go far enough
In November, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued new statewide guidelines for mask-wearing in public -- but with a host of caveats. "If the message is to wear masks, all the caveats undercut that message," says CPH professor Christine Petersen. "We need clear language about social distancing and masks." (WIRED) Published December 2, 2020
Alumna Kari Harland receives Skorton Award for Staff Excellence
Congratulations to alumna Kari Harland (04MPH, 10PhD), who received the David J. Skorton Award for Staff Excellence in Service as part of the University of Iowa's 2020 Faculty and Staff Awards. Published November 18, 2020
Hamann comments on new bike turn boxes
New bike turn boxes painted on Iowa City streets are designed to prevent conflicts between motorists and bicycles at busy intersections. "Bike lanes and bike boxes help keep cyclists safe on the road because they give the rider designated space," says Cara Hamann, CPH clinical assistant professor. (Daily Iowan) Published November 18, 2020
Prepregnancy obesity may increase risk for preterm birth for Asian Americans
Using Asian-specific BMI cutoffs, Asian American mothers have an increased risk for preterm birth with overweight or obesity prior to pregnancy, according to College of Public Health researchers. (Healio) Published November 12, 2020
Deshpande named to UI presidential search committee
Anjali Deshpande, CPH clinical associate professor of epidemiology, has been named to the University of Iowa Presidential Search Committee. (Iowa Now) Published November 11, 2020
Chorazy named associate dean for academic affairs
Margaret (Maggie) Chorazy has been named associate dean for academic affairs in the University of Iowa College of Public Health. Her appointment begins Nov. 1, 2020. Published October 27, 2020
Vakkalanka awarded American College of Epidemiology’s Annual Student Paper Prize
Priyanka Vakkalanka, a PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology and occupational epidemiology trainee with the UI's Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety, was recently selected as the 2020 recipient of the American College of Epidemiology's Annual Student Paper Prize. Published October 23, 2020