Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health
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epiNEWS newsletter
Portrait of Cara Hamann of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health
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Epi Summer Reads

Non-Fiction Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonksby Jonathan Schwabish Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgotby Mikki Kendall Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgotby Mikki Kendall Indigenous Statistics: A Quantitative Research Methodologyby Chris Andersen, Maggie Walter, Tahu Kukutai, Chelsea Gabel Abundanceby Ezra Klein & Derek […]

May Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Betsy Chrischilles Hometown: Iowa City, IA Alma mater: The University of Iowa Field of research: Pharmacoepidemiology Topic or title of current project: Infrastructure for Conducting Patient-Centered Comparative Clinical Effectiveness Research. PCORnet®️, the National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network Quickfire Queries: This or That? Quiet influence Loud impact Drawing DAGs by hand Using DAGitty Mentor hat […]

Nash discusses Iowa’s high cancer rates and the 99 Counties Project

Sarah Nash, the director of research, analytics and dissemination with the Iowa Cancer Registry and an assistant professor of epidemiology, recently commented on the 99 Counties Project, which aims to visit all 99 counties in Iowa to present local data and discuss cancer rates and risk factors. (The Gazette)

May Student Spotlight

Spring & Summer 2025 Epidemiology Graduates Not featured: Sauda Abdullahi, MPH Maria Bozoghlia, MS Rachael Chittum, MPH Christopher Strouse, Maree Elliott, MPH Andrew Goldsmith, MPH Klaudia Hernandez, MPH

Announcing the NEW ESA Board

ESA Board 2025-2026 Katie Fuhrmeister (She/Her/Hers) PhD Representative Top 4 Favorite Songs of All Time: Faith Elenwa (She/Her) PhD Representative Top 4 Favorite Songs of All Time: Prithvi Raj Daliboyina (He/Him/His) At-Large Representative Top 4 Favorite Songs of All Time: Lauren Johnson (She/Her) MS Representative Top 4 Favorite Songs of All Time: “Picking favorite songs […]

Plugged in to Public Health: The Iowa Cancer Registry and the ’99 Counties Project’

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, to the podcast to discuss the Iowa Cancer Registry's "99 Counties Project."

Charlton comments on federal cuts and cancer research

Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, says the registry has long been under pressure to cut costs from the NIH, where it gets most of its funding. She's concerned that additional cuts could mean the registry has to ask the state for funding or start charging hospitals for the data. (Iowa Public Radio)

Rebeca Galindo: Researching antibiotic resistance and rapid testing

Rebeca Galindo, a second-year doctoral candidate in epidemiology, knew she wanted to be an infectious disease epidemiologist at a young age. Now she's involved with a research project developing a rapid diagnostic test to accelerate identifying antibiotic resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Nash, Wells Sittig discuss cancer on ‘Iowa Press’

Sarah Nash, director of research analytics and dissemination at the Iowa Cancer Registry and assistant professor of epidemiology, and Kelly Wells Sittig, executive director of the Iowa Cancer Consortium, recently appeared on "Iowa Press" to discuss many facets of cancer in Iowa.

Hamann comments on use of ‘road diets’

'Road diets,' the practice of removing street lanes to calm traffic, is a tool used by many cities. A University of Iowa study co-authored by Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, found no noticeable difference in response times of emergency vehicles where road diets are in place. (AP News)

students working on a group project

Global exchange: Building public health partnerships in Romania and beyond

The iCREATE summer program is one of several scholarly and research exchanges that have developed from decades-long collaborations between the UI College of Public Health and academic institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.

CPH students honored with Hancher-Finkbine Awards

Congratulations to CPH students Khyathi Gadag and Emily Jester for receiving 2025 Hancher-Finkbine Awards! They were honored at an event on April 8.

Study examines older driver crash injuries and driver license renewal policies

A new University of Iowa study led by Cara Hamann, CPH associate professor, examined the effects of driver license renewal policies on motor vehicle crashes and injuries among older drivers in 13 states. The researchers found that longer renewal periods and/or less frequent in-person renewal were associated with increased crash and injury rates for older drivers. (Multiple sources)

Plugged in to Public Health: Advocating for public health with Anjali Deshpande

In this episode, Lauren talks with Anjali Deshpande, clinical associate professor of epidemiology and the current president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). Deshpande discusses her journey into public health and the role of IPHA in advocating for and strengthening public health practice.

Spring Semester Student Strategies for Success

Is it just us or is spring semester kind of a whirlwind? Always has been, but spring semester in 2025 seems to be a horse of a different color! While we all might be tired of working in challenging times, Epi students have stayed resilient in focusing on their coursework, their wellness, and their passion […]

Epidemiology Students Take On the Public Health Conference of Iowa

On April 1st and 2nd, a few of our students attended the 2025 Public Health Conference of Iowa (PHCI). The theme for the conference this year was “100 Years of Impact: Reflecting On Our Past to Shape Our Future.” PHCI intends to bring public health community members and experts together to share best practices and […]

University of Iowa College of Public Health ranked No. 19 in the nation

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is the No. 19 school/program of public health in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2025. See the full list of public health-related program rankings.

March/April Student Spotlight

Jamie Sorenson Program: PhD, 3rd-year Hometown: Oskaloosa, IA Field(s) of interest: Cancer Epidemiology, Rural Health Topic or title of dissertation: Understanding Differences in Rural versus Urban Time to Diagnosis and Time to Treatment among Patients with Colorectal Cancer Quickfire Queries: Ranking must-haves for surviving grad school: 1. A good office mate 2. Dual computer monitors […]

Highlighting Disparities in Maternal Health

Submitted by: Sa’uda Abdullahi (Epi) & Kaniz Fatema (CBH) Women through history have been shown to be resilient, powerful leaders, productive caretakers, and great multitaskers (balancing societal standards of family management while also making large systemic changes). They’ve worked to build communities and make large advancements in areas of research and science and continue to […]

Ragan Martin recognized with IPHA Emerging Leader Award

Ragan Martin, an MPH student in epidemiology, was honored by the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) with the 2025 Emerging Leader Award.

Mary Charlton presenting cancer data

Iowa experts share cancer data with each of Iowa’s 99 counties

A public health team led by Professor Mary Charlton from the University of Iowa is collaborating with partners across the state to share county-specific cancer data with residents in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.

March/April Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Cara Hamann Hometown: Eldridge, IA Alma mater: University of Iowa, University of North Texas Health Science Center Field(s) of research:  Injury Epidemiology, Transportation Safety,Vulnerable Road Users (pedestrians, bicycles, etc.), Global Injury Prevention Topic or title of current project(s): Road safety, injury prevention. More specifically, working on projects related to adolescent bicycling safety, older driver […]

Sarah Nash and Sato Ashida

CPH faculty selected for National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leaders Forum

Seven University of Iowa faculty members, including Sato Ashida and Sarah Nash from the College of Public Health, have been invited to the National Academy of Medicine's 2025 Emerging Leaders Forum, scheduled for April 8-9 in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Natoshia Askelson will participate in a panel discussion.

Profound Lessons Learned From Cancer Caregiving

Justin Krogh 2nd year MS Epidemiology I will never forget May 26, 2024, the day I found out my father, Brian, likely had stage IV cancer, with a likely primary origin of the left kidney. Really, the story is not much different than the many others who find out they have kidney cancer. Most, like my […]

Paul Romitti

Romitti named 2025 UI Distinguished Chair

Paul Romitti, professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, has been named one of two recipients of the 2025 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair. The UI Distinguished Chair, one of the most prestigious honors granted to faculty members at Iowa, is given to those who are known nationally and globally for their scholarly work and who have made significant contributions to the university, state of Iowa, and beyond.

Sara Miller

Sara E. Miller advances UI dental science research

Alumna Sara E. Miller (17MPH), research manager in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research in the College of Dentistry and Dental Clinic, has played a critical role in advancing dental science and improving public health, ultimately benefiting countless individuals, during her time at the University of Iowa.

Portrait of Sarah Nash, professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

2025 ‘Cancer in Iowa’ report highlights cancer survivor needs

More Iowans are surviving cancer than ever before, but this population has unique needs that require specialized support from health care providers, communities, and caregivers, according to the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry.

Media roundup: 2025 Cancer in Iowa report

A number of news stories were generated about the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report and news conference that took place Feb. 25, 2025. Check out a sample of some of the media coverage.

Tristan Milarch: Building positive health outcomes and community connections

Meet Tristan Milarch, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology. He recently answered a few questions about his interest in public health and the importance of student engagement outside of the classroom.

Charlton discusses Iowa’s increasing cancer rate

Among the issues Iowa lawmakers are aiming to address this legislative session, one has become a clear focal point: the state’s increasing cancer rate. Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, said some of the most effective forms of legislation lawmakers could bring forward are bills addressing controllable risk factors of cancer. (The Gazette)

a car accident on a city street

Iowa study examines older adults’ driving errors and crash risk factors

A recent study by College of Public Health researchers looked at the relationships between older drivers’ driving errors and two important crash risk factors: vehicle actions and traffic control devices.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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)

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)

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: […]

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)

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.

Three of the College of Public Health students featured in the 2025 Dare to Discover campaign.

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.

Outstanding Alumni Awards logo

Nominations for 2025 Outstanding Alumni Awards due March 3

The UI College of Public Health is pleased to announce that it is accepting nominations for its 2025 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.

Video: CPH faculty address aspects of cancer in Iowa

A recent series of news reports featured several College of Public Health faculty experts, including Mary Charlton, Paul Gilbert, Brandi Janssen, and Mark Vander Weg, who addressed different aspects of cancer in Iowa. (KWWL)

Levy: Caution needed in interpreting recent study of fluoride and children’s IQ scores

University of Iowa professor of dentistry and epidemiology Steven M. Levy, an international expert on fluoride intake and water fluoridation, addressed a recent study linking fluoride exposure and lower children’s IQ levels. Levy wrote that "several considerations raise substantial concerns about the validity and usefulness of the article," laying out his arguments in an editorial published alongside the study. (JAMA Pediatrics)

Mary Charlton, directory of the State Health Registry of Iowa and professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Iowa Cancer Registry to visit all Iowa counties to share cancer data 

The Iowa Cancer Registry plans to deliver county-specific reports to all 99 counties in Iowa and meet with communities to point out particular policies or trends that might be driving higher rates of one particular type of cancer. (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Charlton, Gilbert comment on new advisory about alcohol and cancer risk

Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a new Surgeon General’s Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk, outlining the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, and Paul Gilbert, associate professor of community and behavioral health, spoke to several media outlets about the new advisory.

Hamann participating in 2025 Grant Writing Residency Program

Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, has been accepted as one of four participants in the Center for Social Science Innovation's (CSSI) spring 2025 Grant Writing Residency Program. Hamann is writing a grant for a project to improve bicycle safety.

Nichole Nidey

Nichole Nidey works to change stigma to support

Nichole Nidey, assistant professor of epidemiology, focuses her research on mothers with substance use disorders. She directs the EMPOWER Project, which is committed to listening to patient stories and ensuring that the voices of those with lived experiences drive meaningful change in health care.

December Student Spotlight

Fall 2024 Epidemiology Graduates Doctoral Masters Precious-Junia de-Winton Cummings, PhD Dissertation Title:Analyzing COVID-19 Pandemic Response through Case Studies on Testing and Vaccination Strategies in the Midwestern United States and Introducing an Equity Framework for Future Disease Emergency Responses Roba Alwasila, MPH Practicum Title:The impact of storage, handling, and treatment on nutritional quality and safety of […]

Is your apartment ready for the winter???

Resources for more information on winter preparedness:

Platt discusses suicide trends in Iowa

Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, discussed suicide trends in Iowa, the increase in teen suicides, and some of the factors that may be involved. (The Gazette)

Winter Is Coming! Strike Force’s Recommendations for How to be Prepared

Winter is a beautiful and serene season, but the cold weather brings with it an increased risk of some serious health-related challenges. From icy roads to the spread of infectious diseases, winter requires careful preparation to protect both individuals and communities.1 There’s a much broader impact to winter preparedness that many people outside of the public health […]

Summer course: Maternal Health in Migrant Communities

The College of Public Health is pleased to offer a brand-new faculty-led global program for summer 2025. Led by Drs. Nichole Nidey and Jonathan Platt, this four-week course will include instruction in Iowa City, as well as one week of travel to Costa Rica. This course is open to graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Iowa.

Call for student posters: 2025 Public Health Conference of Iowa

The 2025 Public Health Conference of Iowa is now accepting student poster abstracts. All poster presentations will be in person at the conference that runs April 1-2 in Des Moines. The deadline for submission is Jan. 27, 2025.

December Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Nichole Nidey Hometown: Granger, IA Alma mater: University of Iowa x 3 Field(s) of research: Substance Use, Pregnancy, Parenting, Stigma Topic or title of current project(s): EMPOWER Project Quickfire Queries: Two truths and one lie about me: The name of my current daylist on Spotify: “Cowboy Country Horse Tuesday Morning” Songs I listen to […]

John Flunker joins Department of Epidemiology

The Department of Epidemiology welcomed Assistant Professor John Flunker to the team this fall. Flunker describes himself as an environmental epidemiologist and will be working on projects designed to elucidate the relationship between environmental exposures and associated adverse health outcomes.

Epi Student Achievement Updates

Join us in celebrating the recent achievements of our epidemiology students, who are making waves in public health through their impactful research, publications, awards, and other innovations. Awards & Contributions Joy Edeh MS, 2nd-year Amir Ghanbari PhD, 3rd-year Maleeha Naseem PhD, 3rd-year Morgan Wolff PhD, 4th-year R Package: dietaryindex/R/DII_DHQ3.R Publications Presentations

November Faculty Spotlight

Dr. John Flunker Hometown: St. Louis, MO Alma mater: University of Kentucky, University of Missouri-St. Louis Field(s) of research: Environmental Epidemiology Topic or title of current project(s): “Respiratory health effects resulting from co-exposure to extreme heat and wildfire smoke” Quickfire Queries: Songs I listen to while working on research:

Being a Parent in Grad School

I started my PhD the same day my youngest started daycare. I packed up her diapers, her bottles, and her extra clothes, as well as my backpack, pumping bag, and lunch box, and dropped my 6-week-old off in her classroom. After shedding a few tears, I went to my first day of orientation. My journey […]

Study Finds COVID-19 Pandemic May Have Increased Inequities in Telehealth Utilization

A new study from researchers at the University of Iowa reveals significant disparities in telehealth use for mental health and substance use disorder treatment, particularly among vulnerable populations.

November Student Spotlight

Madi Wahlen She/Her Program: PhD/MSTP Hometown: Rochester, MN Field(s) of interest: Cancer Epidemiology, Urology Topic or title of thesis, dissertation, or current project: “Impacts of BCG Shortages: Investigating Patient Access, Patterns of Care, and Disease Recurrence for Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer” Quickfire Queries: What are 3 essential items you recommend to survive grad […]

Bridging Gaps in Neurological Research 

Bethany Huinker 2nd year MS Epidemiology “From a young age, I have been driven by a passion to seek out answers and understand the complexities of health. Yet, growing up with a rare neurological condition meant that many of the answers I sought were unavailable. Living with a disease that few people have heard of—and even […]

Platt to speak in UI Upstream Lecture Series Nov. 20

Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, will discuss “Motherhood, Work, and Health: Challenges and Potential Policy Solutions,” in the next Upstream Approach to Healthcare Lecture Series on Nov. 20, from noon to 1 p.m.

Pentella comments on E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s

Michael Pentella, clinical professor of epidemiology and director of the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, recently commented on the outbreak of E. coli infections linked to McDonald's. According to Pentella, this strain, E. coli O157, is “a very specific type of E. coli that produce[s] this toxin,” a shiga toxin that leads to gastrointestinal distress and can escalate to a potentially fatal condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. (KGAN)

Charlton discusses Iowa’s high cancer rate

Health care professionals recently gathered at the Iowa Cancer Summit in Ankeny to discuss Iowa’s high cancer rate. "[T]he single biggest, most effective change that we could make in Iowa is to raise the tobacco tax by over $1,” said Mary Charlton, a University of Iowa epidemiology professor and principal investigator of the Iowa Cancer Registry. (Multiple sources)

Deshpande discusses how community engagement benefits health

Anjali Deshpande, clinical associate professor of epidemiology, recently discussed how civic engagement can lead to better physical and mental health. (Iowa Public Radio)

Nidey discusses postpartum depression in rural populations

Nichole Nidey, assistant professor of epidemiology, says postpartum depression is a problem statewide -- but can be especially serious in rural Iowa, where access to mental health care can be limited. (Public News Service)

Connect with the college at APHA in Minneapolis

Planning to attend the APHA Annual Meeting in Minneapolis? View a list of CPH presentations, find our exhibit booth, and attend the CPH alumni and friends reception on Oct. 28.

Free registration for students attending Iowa Rural Health Association conference

Sponsorship support from the College of Public Health will allow up to 20 students to register at no cost to attend the 2024 Iowa Rural Health Association annual conference. The one-day, in-person conference will take place Monday, Oct. 28, in Des Moines.

Navigating Life in CPHB as an International Student

Shravani Jadhav From: Pune, India Program of Study: 2nd Year, MPH Epidemiology Personal Experiences Healthcare and Insurance General Resources and Tips Community and Involvement Additional Insights

October Student Spotlight

Yamam Hussien MPH/U2G ESA First-Year Representative She/her/hers Hometown: West Des Moines, Iowa Field(s) of Interest: Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, and Chronic Disease Quickfire Queries: This or That: Funny costumes Spooky costumes Be able to fly Be able to breathe underwater Be taken to the lowest point of the ocean in a submersible Be flown […]

October Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Mary Charlton She/her/hers Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Alma mater: University of Iowa x3 Field(s) of Research: Cancer Epidemiology Quickfire Queries: This or That: Funny costumes Spooky costumes Be able to fly Be able to breathe underwater Be taken to the lowest point of the ocean in a submersible* Be flown to outer space in a […]

Plugged in to Public Health: A professional journey with Dr. Daniela Moga

Lauren interviews CPH alumna Daniela Moga about her professional journey from medical training in her home country of Romania to pursuing degrees in public health and epidemiology at the University of Iowa to her current career in pharmacoepidemiology at the University of Kentucky.

Call for abstracts: 2025 Public Health Conference of Iowa

Anyone interested in presenting a concurrent session or poster is encouraged to submit abstracts focused on current and emerging public health issues. Deadline for submission is Oct. 27, 2024. A separate call for student poster abstracts will be announced at a later date.

Hamann encourages drivers to slow down around farm vehicles

Cara Hamann, associate professor of epidemiology, recently discussed tips for drivers sharing the road with large farm equipment. (KCRG)

Deshpande discusses civic engagement and public health

Anjali Deshpande, clinical associate professor of epidemiology and president-elect of the Iowa Public Health Association Board of Directors, recently discussed how communities and individuals experience health benefits from civic engagement. (Iowa Public Radio)

Spotlight on faculty-student research collaborations at Iowa is Oct. 4

The UI Iowa Global Health Network is hosting a research spotlight event showcasing faculty-student collaborations in global health. CPH associate professors Will Story and Cara Hamann and students will present their research projects, including leadership in sexual and reproductive health and injury research in Eastern Europe.

UI geriatric training program aims to bolster workforce, improve care for older Iowans

A new federal award to the University of Iowa will continue a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) to educate and train health care and supportive care workforces to care for older adults in collaboration with community partners across Iowa and several other states.

September Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Michael O’Rorke This or That? Sunrise Sunset Read the thoughts of other people Fully communicate with animals Be fluent in every language Be a master of every instrument Ranking of Internationally Acclaimed Songs: “I think for any person/student interested in cancer, Siddhartha Mukherjee’s ‘The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer’ should be […]

September Student Spotlight

ESA Board 2024-2025 Justin Krogh (He/Him) MS Representative, Director This or That? Sunrise Sunset Read the thoughts of other people Fully communicate with animals Be fluent in every language Be a master of every instrument Ranking of Internationally Acclaimed Songs: Emily Jester (She/Her) At-Large Representative, Communications This or That? Sunrise Sunset Read the thoughts of […]

No coding experience? No fear. 

Jacob Vandervaart 2nd year MPH Epidemiology “There are many reasons people choose to study epidemiology. Perhaps you were inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, or you heard it pays well, or you love data analysis and coding. Not many incoming epi students fall into the last category. Most have never coded before and are terrified to try. […]

Hear from the CPH Outstanding Alumni Award recipients on Sept. 11

The University of Iowa College of Public Health will honor the recipients of its 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards at a special event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in room C217 CPHB. A virtual viewing option will be available.

Research examines impact of ‘road diets’ on emergency response

A new study from University of Iowa researchers examines how converting four-lane roads to three-lane roads impacts emergency responses. The researchers included Cara Hamann, Joseph Cavanaugh, and Stephanie Jansson from the College of Public Health.

Platt comments on proposed social media health warning

The U.S. Surgeon General has called for a warning label to be put on social media platforms to alert people about negative health effects for young people. Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, said a lot more research needs to be done on why and how social media is impacting kids, but he thinks a warning label could be a good thing. (KCRG)

UI launches network to expand cancer care for rural patients

The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network helps rural hospitals provide the highest level of care for cancer patients so they don't have to travel as far for treatment. The network was created in response to increasing cancer rates in Iowa. (KWWL)

Petersen discusses bird flu concerns and monitoring

Iowa has seen two bird flu (H5N1) outbreaks in poultry flocks so far this year, and it has spread to at least seven dairy herds in the state. Christy Petersen, CPH professor and director of the UI’s Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, shared how her team has been monitoring the bird flu. (Iowa Public Radio)

Initiative aims to improve traumatic injury care in Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova

The Increasing Capacity for injury Research in EAsTern Europe (iCREATE) grant emphasizes translation across three-related cultures. Led by researchers from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Babes-Bolyai University of Romania, the program aims to improve acute injury treatment while expanding on previous capacity building efforts in Georgia, Armenia, and the Republic of Moldova.

Platt studies how pro-family workplace benefits can affect women’s mental health

A new study from Jonathan Platt, assistant professor of epidemiology, investigates the effects of employer-sponsored benefits on working women’s mental health.

Charlton discusses Iowa’s high cancer rates

The Telegraph Herald examined the causes and impacts of Iowa’s high cancer rates, as well as efforts to combat the disease locally, in a recent three-part series. The first story examined Iowa’s cancer rate and the many factors driving it, with commentary from Mary Charlton, CPH professor and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry.

Petersen comments on Iowa’s active tick season

This year’s tick season — expected to be one of the worst in years — is in full swing. Hotter weather and a wet spring — ideal weather for ticks to reproduce — are among the reasons this tick season is worse, said Christine Petersen, CPH professor of epidemiology. (The Gazette)

Keeping Cancer Care Close to Home

The Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network helps community hospitals provide enhanced levels of cancer care to rural patients.

Hamann comments on safety of kids bicycling to school

An article about kids riding bicycles to school as part of a group "bike bus" includes commentary from Cara Hamann, CPH associate professor of epidemiology. While safety concerns are valid, Hamann says generally "the benefit of cycling outweighs the risks." (Washington Post - subscription required)

Semprini studies incentives for dental visits

A new study from Jason Semprini, a postdoctoral researcher in the College of Public Health, examines whether a special waiver from a public insurance program incentivizes people to visit the dentist.

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Department of Epidemiology | College of Public Health | University of Iowa

 

University of Iowa College of Public Health
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