Iowa researchers map areas in Iowa at risk for house fires

Fires and burns are among the 10 causes of preventable injury deaths in the U.S., resulting in over 3,400 deaths every year. A University of Iowa research team investigated if serious house fires in Iowa repeatedly occur in the same areas and whether underlying factors, such as social vulnerability, are connected to these fires. (IPRC blog) Published February 11, 2025

Pentella discusses bird flu, influenza, and testing

Michael Pentella, clinical professor of epidemiology and director of the State Hygienic Laboratory, recently discussed bird flu, testing for influenza, and Iowa's current high level of influenza activity. (Daily Iowan) Published February 11, 2025

Self-Care and Staying Grounded

Grace Gerdts 2nd-year PhD student, Epidemiology If I am being honest, I have written multiple versions of this article. In my first few versions, I resorted to my typical nature of light-hearted joking to help mitigate the difficulty of talking about mental health. But as this semester moves on, I have been finding it harder […] Published February 1, 2025

February Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Shoshannah Eggers Hometown: Iowa City, IA Alma mater: University of Wisconsin – Madison Field(s) of research: Environmental Epidemiology, Microbiome Research, Maternal and Child Health, Neurological Health Across the Lifespan Topic or title of current project(s): Associations between various environmental chemical exposures and the human microbiome at several sites (gut, oral, vaginal, urinary) Quickfire Queries: […] Published February 1, 2025

February Student Spotlight

Joy Edeh Program: MS, 2nd-year Hometown: Enugu State, Nigeria Field(s) of interest: Maternal and Child health, social and environmental exposures, and chronic disease/life course epidemiology Topic or title of MS preceptorship project: The evaluation of a Targeted Screening Program for Congenital Cytomegalovirus in Infants Who Fail Newborn Hearing Screening in Iowa Quickfire Queries: Ranking must-haves […] Published February 1, 2025

Recognizing the Impact of Black and African American Heroes in Public Health

As we celebrate Black History Month, the Epidemiology Student Association cherishes the achievements and contributions made or being made by these pioneers who share our vision to improve public and personal health through innovative research, education, and outreach. This is not an exhaustive list of all the contributions Black and African American public health advocates […] Published February 1, 2025

Last-Minute Epi Valentines

 Published February 1, 2025

Hamann comments on bill to ban handheld phones while driving

A bill to ban handheld phones while driving is moving forward in the Iowa Legislature. Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, says a comprehensive ban can improve safety. (Axios) Published January 24, 2025

Q&A: Pentella shares best practices to prevent spread of bird flu

Mike Pentella, professor epidemiology and director of the State Hygienic Laboratory, explains how avian influenza spreads — usually among birds — and that public health surveillance is critical to prevent spreading. Published January 23, 2025

CPH students highlighted in 2025 Dare to Discover campaign

Eight CPH students, post-docs, and recent graduates are featured in the UI's 2025 Dare to Discover banner campaign. Read more about how their research is making an impact. Published January 22, 2025