Nominations for Frank H. Morriss, Jr. Leadership Award

Nominations are invited for the 2023 Frank H. Morriss, Jr. Leadership Award. The award recognizes sustained leadership in an academic setting that has resulted in improved health or well-being of children through innovation in clinical care, investigation of children’s diseases and problems, advocacy on behalf of child health, or facilitation of collaborative efforts. Published April 27, 2026

IPRC members recognized with national SAVIR Awards

Cara Hamann and Ann Saba from the University of Iowa’s Injury Prevention Research Center (IPRC) were recently honored with national awards from the Society for the Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field. Published April 22, 2026

In Memoriam: Chuck Hession

Charles "Chuck" Hession, College of Public Health alumnus (86MHA) and former Director of Accounting and Finance for the college, died at his home in Iowa City on April 15, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lensing Funeral Home on Thursday, April 30. Published April 21, 2026

What the research tells us about social media and teen mental health: a Q&A with Jonathan Platt

Social media is nearly ubiquitous in the lives of teens and young adults, raising concerns about its impact on mental health. While much of the public conversation has focused on how much time young people spend with social media, research increasingly shows that how social media is used and how platforms are designed matters far more.  Published April 21, 2026

Plugged In to Public Health: Food systems under pressure (Part 2)

In part two of this conversation, we continue our discussion with Hannah Shultz, shifting from rising food prices to the deeper policy and ethical questions shaping food access in the United States. This episode explores the debate around SNAP restrictions, including whether limiting certain food purchases actually improves health outcomes or instead reinforces stigma and inequity. We also examine how narratives around “healthy choices” often overlook broader structural factors, and what it means to approach food policy with dignity, autonomy, and real-world context in mind. Published April 20, 2026

VIDEO: Undergraduate experiential learning with Aden Baldridge

Third‑year public health student Aden Baldridge took his learning global through an experiential learning opportunity in South Africa. From community needs assessments to creating health education materials used by providers and policymakers, this experience went far beyond observation—it helped shape his entire career path. Published April 20, 2026

OEH student Caroline Powell charts what Iowa’s cancer rates mean to us 

Growing up in New York City, Caroline Powell surprised herself when her passion for public health led her to the fields of Iowa, studying peoples’ perceptions of cancer in agricultural communities. She’ll be the first to say, there’s a big gap between what people know about cancer, what they think they know, and how they act. Published April 20, 2026

Zahnd, Gronemeyer present cancer data in Montgomery County

Assistant Professor Whitney Zahnd and Audrey Gronemeyer from the Iowa Cancer Registry recently presented county-level cancer trends and prevention insights to Montgomery County as part of the Registry’s 99 Counties Project. The data highlighted elevated lung cancer rates tied to modifiable risk factors like tobacco use and radon exposure, underscoring opportunities for screening, prevention, and policy action across Iowa communities. Published April 17, 2026

Iowa researchers study effects of hurricanes on US veterans’ heart and lung health

Hurricanes are increasing in frequency and severity, putting more communities at risk for damage to property and health.  A new study by University of Iowa researchers evaluated whether exposure to hurricanes is associated with cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) and respiratory (lung) events among United States veterans. Published April 17, 2026

Plugged In to Public Health: Food systems under pressure (Part 1)

In this episode, Raj chats with Hannah Shultz to unpack what rising food prices actually mean for food access and food insecurity in the United States. From grocery store sticker shock to broader policy decisions, this conversation connects everyday experiences to the larger systems shaping who can afford to eat and how. Published April 15, 2026