Epidemiology News

Sign up for the Jakobsen Research Showcase

Graduate students are invited to share their research at the Jakobsen Research Showcase on March 23. Presentations can include posters, oral talks, a short performance, or art display. Register by Feb. 26.  Published February 14, 2024

Apply for global injury prevention training course in Romania

Limited spots are available for Iowa students to join a week-long international training course in Romania in June 2024. Work with students and faculty from Romania, Moldova, Armenia, and Georgia on vital issues related to injury and violence prevention.  Published February 13, 2024

Pentella comments on SHL’s ability to test wastewater for influenza

The State Hygienic Lab (SHL) now can test wastewater for influenza. “This can serve as an indicator to remind people to get vaccinated, and alert health care providers and hospitals that they will soon see more cases of influenza virus in patients,” said Michael Pentella, the lab’s director and clinical professor of epidemiology. (The Gazette) Published February 13, 2024

‘SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age’ documentary viewing and conversation

The use of digital technology has alarming impacts on youth mental health, so the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health is hosting a viewing of the award-winning film SCREENAGERS on Feb. 24. The film probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games, and academics. Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, is a panelist. Published February 7, 2024

From the Front Row: Public health work in Alaska with alumna Carla Britton

This week Lauren welcomes Carla Britton (06MS, 10PhD), lead epidemiologist/deputy director of the Alaska Native Epidemiology Center in Anchorage and recipient of our 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award. They discuss Carla's non-traditional path to her current career as well as her work with Alaska's Native population and some of the challenges of public health work in Alaska.  Published January 25, 2024

Meet our faculty: Sarah Nash

Learn how Sarah Nash is passing along her love of learning by mentoring students.  Published January 18, 2024

Study finds decline in head and neck cancer incidence during first year of pandemic

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of head and neck cancer decreased, according to a study led by Jason Semprini, post-doctoral scholar in epidemiology. (HealthDay) Published January 18, 2024

Nominations for 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards due Feb. 29

The UI College of Public Health is pleased to announce that it is accepting nominations for its 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards. This award program recognizes outstanding alumni in two categories: first, recent graduates who have completed College of Public Health programs within the past ten years and, second, other alumni for accomplishments throughout their careers. Published January 16, 2024

Charlton comments on cancer death rates in rural areas

Despite the different types and rates of cancer across Iowa, Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology, said her research shows rural people die from the disease more than urban people do, often because they lack access to screening and treatment. (Public News Service) Published January 10, 2024

Supporting Kids’ Mental Health

The journey to adulthood is often a turbulent one, but recent research shows that today’s adolescents are struggling with dramatic increases in mental distress. CPH researchers Jonathan Platt and Ebonee Johnson are working to address these issues. Published December 21, 2023