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The University of Iowa College of Public Health is the No. 18 school/program of public health in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2026. See the full list of public health-related program rankings.
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Edith Parker, Mary Charlton, and Jake Oleson recently presented findings on Iowa's high cancer rates to the Senate Health and Human Services committee. Several weeks ago, the researchers presented their preliminary findings to the House committee. Lawmakers asked about risk factors and some of the county-level details.
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Mark Vander Weg, professor and head of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, studies tobacco cessation interventions—and he worries that without adequate state investment, progress made in tobacco control could be undone.
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CPH faculty members Brandi Janssen and Brian Kaskie spoke with host Ben Kieffer about the recent UI Obermann Symposium on rural health and some of the issues researchers are tackling including the achievement gap for rural students, unequal access to nutritious food, and communities not adapting to an aging population.
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With more older drivers on the road, states try to balance safety and mobility. "Every state has some kind of licensing policy that affects older adults, but we don't really have good evidence behind those policies," said associate professor Cara Hamann, an epidemiologist at the UI College of Public Health who studies road safety.
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Assistant professor Oluwafemi Adeagbo and PhD candidate Oluwaseun Badru recently wrote about their research on unintended pregnancy among women living with HIV in southern Nigeria.
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Professor Peter Thorne says higher carbon dioxide levels and higher temperatures change the way allergenic plants grow which could lead to an increase in pollen and seasonal sniffles.
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A number of news stories were generated about the 2026 Cancer in Iowa report that was released on March 13, 2026. Check out a sample of some of the media coverage.
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On March 11, Dean Edith Parker and Professors Mary Charlton and Jacob Oleson spoke to a joint meeting of the Iowa House Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection committees about Iowa's high cancer rates and potential policy changes to help address them. (Multiple Sources)
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Whitney Zahnd from the UI College of Public Health recently presented cancer data to residents of Fayette County, IA as part of Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, which is working to present county-specific cancer data in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.
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In this episode Lauren talks with with Dr. Amy Herring, Professor of Statistical Science and Dean of Natural Sciences at Duke University, to explore how biostatistics shapes real-world public health research. From her early interest in applying math to meaningful problems to her current work across a wide range of health topics, Dr. Herring shares what it really looks like to build a career at the intersection of data and impact.
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The College of Public Health is pleased to co-sponsor the 2026 Iowa City Darwin Day Science Fest, a celebration of science and its many contributions to humanity, April 9-11. Check out the schedule of presentations and activities. All events are free and open to the public.
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Join the Public Health Strike Force for an info session on workplace preparedness with guest Kelsey Wieland on April 28. This session is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in public health emergency preparedness and community response.
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The University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment will be planting a Miyawaki Forest at the College of Public Health Building on April 24 and 25. Members of the College of Public Health community are invited to roll up their sleeves and take part in this hands-on effort to improve campus sustainability, and support environmental health.
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The Prevention Research Center for Rural Health is hosting an April session of their Journal Club series. Join us in person or via Zoom for "Application of Spatial Methods in Rural Cancer Control Research in the United States."
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In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, we sit down with Jamie Gade, social determinants of health coordinator at Johnson County Public Health, to talk about Healthy JoCo, the county’s community health assessment and improvement initiative.
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The College of Public Health and Iowa Immunizes have launched a new webinar series celebrating two decades of cancer prevention, protection, and progress made possible by the HPV vaccine. The next webinar in the series is April 24, with a session on HPV and cervical cancer.
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Enter a drawing for two complimentary tickets to see the documentary “Life After” that will be shown as part of the Iowa Disability Film Festival on Saturday, March 28, at 3:30 p.m. at Film Scene. The College of Public Health is a co-sponsor of the festival.
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The College of Public Health and its Business Leadership Network (BLN) recently announced that five Iowa community organizations will be recipients of grant funding through the BLN’s Community Grant Program. The communities include Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Sioux City, and Chariton
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In this episode of Plugged in to Public Health, Lauren speaks with University of Iowa public health student Jahanvi Chawla about her summer internship abroad in London. Through a hybrid program that combined coursework and hands on experience, Jahanvi worked with Healthwatch Enfield, a community organization that gathers local feedback on healthcare access and connects residents with resources.
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Gabrielle Schwartz put her classroom learning to work with an experiential learning opportunity at a nonprofit in Indiana called 'Conquering Mountains Together.' Alongside fellow students, she led a full communications audit—strengthening the organization’s online presence to better connect communities with critical public health resources.
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As a high school student in Waukee, IA, Maanya Pandey founded her own non-profit to distribute free menstrual products and address 'period poverty' across the state.
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A 2026 recipient of the University of Iowa’s Graduate Research Excellence Award, Williams recently answered a few questions about his path from undergraduate training in business and an MBA to doctoral training in the University of Iowa College of Public Health.
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Ethan Chodur took his experiential learning abroad, working in Amman, Jordan through a partnership with Jordan Health Aid Society International. At the Zaatari Refugee Camp, he supported a maternal and children’s health clinic, helped identify gaps in maternal health and diabetes care, and created an educational infographic that continues to guide clinical practice. See how the experience shaped his plans for a future path in global health and research.
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Julie Lee, assistant professor of health management and policy and researcher affiliate with the UI's Center for Social Science Innovation, is leading a national survey to better understand how people’s healthcare experiences shape their trust in and support for public health initiatives.
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Last summer, undergraduate student Allison Bohall returned to her home community in Chautauqua County, NY, for her experiential learning project. Hear how this hands-on experience strengthened her passion for public health and inspired her path forward.
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In a recent blog post, epidemiology PhD student Erin Taber discusses how community engagement and lived experience inform her research in maternal and child health (MCH), and reflects on the value of community partnerships and the importance of centering patient perspectives in advancing MCH practice.
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When public health student Maren Denison was born, cystic fibrosis meant a lifetime of grueling treatments and a limited future. Today, she’s running farther, breathing easier, and planning for a long, healthy life thanks to breakthrough therapies built on decades of University of Iowa research. A new feature story explores the discoveries that transformed CF care and shares how patients like Maren are living with new possibilities.
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UI College of Public Health alumna Emma Smaellie (23MS, OEH Industrial Hygiene) plays a behind‑the‑scenes role in one of the most iconic destinations in the world: the Disneyland Resort. As a safety professional supporting thousands of cast members across parks, hotels, entertainment spaces, and specialized crafts, Emma uses her industrial hygiene training to ensure the magic happens safely every day. She shares how she found her path, what her work looks like, and why creating a safer workplace is her favorite part of the job.
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Rusmir Hamzic is a graduate student in epidemiology with a global perspective and a drive to understand the science behind disease. He recently shared more about his academic interests, life outside the classroom, and the experiences that continue to fuel his commitment to public health.
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The University of Iowa's celebration of International Education Week is Nov. 13-17. View a list of events taking place on campus.
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In recognition of Veterans Day, the University of Iowa will be holding events honoring our Veteran students, staff, faculty, and alumni during Veterans Appreciation Week (Nov. 6-11).
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Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November. See a listing of campus events that are planned throughout the month.
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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated in April at the University of Iowa and pays tribute to the contributions that generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to American history, society, and culture. View a list of upcoming lectures, films, and events marking the month.
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The 27th annual University of Iowa Powwow will take place on Saturday, April 15, at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Abby Buffalo, an undergraduate student research assistant with the Native Center for Behavioral Health and president of the Native American Student Association, encourages the public to attend the powwow and learn about Native American traditions.
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The National American Indian & Alaska Native Prevention Technology Transfer Center has produced a new guide for researchers and Indigenous communities to help them understand some of the complexities they may encounter and elements they must consider when approaching research with Native populations. The guide, Research at the Speed of Trust, is intended to help researchers and the Indigenous communities they work with to avoid common pitfalls, improve their relationships, and strengthen the value of their research efforts.
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Throughout the month of February, a variety of events and workshops are planned at the University of Iowa to recognize important contributions of Black Americans from a historical perspective. Check out the calendar of events.
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Jan. 16 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the university’s annual Celebration of Human rights. The university holiday allows faculty, staff, and students to engage in celebrations and events within the community. Check out the upcoming events.
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The University of Iowa will observe International Education Week Nov. 14-18, celebrating the many ways international education and exchange opportunities prepare people for community-building in both national and international settings.
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The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) invites all students to attend a Diwali (Festival of Lights) celebration on Monday, Oct. 24, from noon to 1 p.m. in the MERF Atrium.
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Emily Killian, PhD candidate in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health, has been awarded the Rural Iowa Research Award to support her research focused on improving how social support for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is measured in rural Iowa.
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Hari Sharma has been selected to receive a Carver Trust Associate Professor Advancement Award. An associate professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy, Sharma will use the funding to advance his research focused on on assisted living and community-based long-term services and supports.
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The University of Iowa College of Public Health recently honored four Iowa public health leaders whose work is helping to promote better health, prevent disease, and build stronger communities throughout the state: Berselynna Butler, Maggie Ferguson, Zuli Garcia, and Kevin Grieme.
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A research paper authored by a team from the University of Iowa College of Public Health has been recognized by Wiley as one of the top 10 most‑cited papers from 2024 in its online library.
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Congratulations to the students who participated in the 2026 Global Public Health Case Competition! The teams were composed of students from across the University of Iowa and were a mix of undergraduate and graduate students.
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Elizabeth Chrischilles, professor and DEO of the Department of Epidemiology and Marvin A. and Rose Lee Pomerantz Endowed Chair in Public Health, received the 2026 UI Leadership in Research Award, a lifetime achievement recognizing enduring research and scholarly accomplishments.
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Mary Charlton, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, received the 2026 University of Iowa Faculty Communicating Ideas Award, which honors excellence in communicating research to the public through print and electronic media.
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Edith Parker, DrPH, MPH, dean of the University of Iowa College of Public Health, has begun her term as chair of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Board.
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Gawain Williams, a PhD candidate in the department of health management and policy, has been selected to receive a 2026 Graduate Research Excellence Award from the University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). Williams’ research examines prostate cancer outcomes among Black individuals living in rural communities, integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to better understand how policy, health systems, and patient experiences influence cancer care.
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The University of Iowa College of Public Health is being recognized by the Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science (IAPHS) as the Institutional Member of the Month for its leadership in advancing rural health, community‑engaged research, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration.
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The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) awarded funding to 12 interdisciplinary University of Iowa research teams to support the development of large, competitive grant proposals. The program begins this year and will run through 2029. A CPH-led project will examine cancer survivorship care in rural populations.
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The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health is seeking applicants for pilot projects to promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. The pilot program supports both community-based organizations and academic researchers, especially new investigators and trainees. Proposals addressing mental health, chemical safety, equipment/tool safety, and prevention of slips, trips, and falls are especially encouraged in the 2026-27 application cycle.
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A study from CPH assistant professor Elizabeth O'Neal offers fresh insight into how mothers and fathers guide elementary‑aged children through potentially risky physical activities, and how these approaches differ for sons and daughters.
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The Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy (IPHPRP) invites Collaboratory Applications to establish or expand a team for research in population-based approaches to address a critical public health issue. Letters of intent are due April 3, 2026.
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The University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center (IPRC) is seeking pilot research proposals that address injuries and violence. Pilot project grant awards will generally range from $20,000-$22,500, with up to four proposals funded. The application deadline is March 20, 2026.
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A new study from University of Iowa researchers offers fresh insight into how rural families believe firearm safety efforts can be made more effective.
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The Rural Iowa Research Award is intended to support graduate students or faculty conducting research projects that respond to health interests of rural Iowans. Proposals are due March 2, 2026.
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The Associate Professor Advancement Award funded by the Carver Charitable Trust is open to CPH primary faculty at the rank of associate professor, tenure track. Proposals are due March 2, 2026.
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The Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety announces the availability of funds to support pilot projects. Research projects must be related to one of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) sector areas and pertain to an occupational health or safety issue. Applications will be accepted through March 3, 2026.
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A new study led by an international consortium of breast cancer experts, including senior author Paul Romitti, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and professor of epidemiology, sheds light on how advanced breast cancer is changing—and what that means for patient care.
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Tauek Kang, a 2nd year PhD student in epidemiology, has been awarded a $30,000 pilot research grant from the UI's Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH).
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In response to the increased usage of the S207 CPHB computer lab, all College of Public Health students now have 24/7 access to the C201 CPHB computer classroom when it is not reserved for a class or other scheduled activity.
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The IPHPRP Global Health Case Competition brings students together to engage in a unique, practical experience tackling some of the world’s most complex health challenges. Learn more about this upcoming opportunity and the chance to win cash awards!
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For a limited time, full-time undergraduate or graduate students may attend the the 2025 Iowa Rural Health Association annual conference at no cost. The one-day, in-person conference will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, on the campus of Simpson College in Indianola. Verification of enrollment may be required.
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All University of Iowa students are invited to attend the Culturally Responsive Health Care in Iowa Conference at no cost. The conference topic is "Global is Local: Focusing the Lens on Cancer" and will be held June 5 on the UI campus.
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The College of Public Health Career Services is pleased to offer a virtual career workshop in collaboration with Thomas Goldstein Associates (TGA) on May 28. The webinar will focus on the job market for mid-career professionals, materials best practices, and public health outlook amidst state and Federal funding uncertainties. This session is open to UI College of Public Health alumni and students.
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Tell us what you think! The University of Iowa recently launched the inaugural Iowa Student Experience Survey to gather insights into student satisfaction, belonging, and financial concerns. This confidential survey is open to all undergraduate students and graduate students in master’s and doctoral programs.
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Are you curious about addressing society’s unmet needs through health care innovation? The 2025–2026 Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellowship offers a year-long experience for graduate trainees to explore new ideas and connect with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs.
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The Global Health Case Competition trains future leaders through a real-world challenge. Students from multiple disciplines creatively address critical global health challenges in a collaborative environment. All enrolled UI students are eligible, and the winning team receives $500 per person. The registration deadline is Feb. 24, and the team presentation will be on April 7.
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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.
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Barry Greene, Professor Emeritus and former head of the Department of Health Management and Policy (2005–2010), died on Dec. 13, 2025, in Iowa City.
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John W. Colloton (57MA), former chief executive for University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics and VP for statewide health services, died Nov. 14, in Iowa City. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, Colloton led the transformation of the patient care enterprise, which helped establish Iowa as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers.
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Professor Paul R. Pomrehn passed away peacefully at his home on Sept. 6, 2025. He received an MD degree from the University of Iowa in 1975 and an MS degree from the UI Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health (now part of the College of Public Health) in 1979. He held numerous academic leadership roles at the UI and made significant contributions to training clinicians and practitioners in preventive medicine and community health.
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Michael Bosch, a lead research coordinator in the Clinical Trials Statistical and Data Management Center (CTSDMC) from 2012 to 2018, died on Sunday, Dec. 1, at his home in Iowa City.
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Tom Cook, professor emeritus of occupational and environmental health, passed away on Oct. 18, 2024. Tom was a physical therapist, biomedical engineer, ergonomist, global health expert, public health advocate, Fulbright Scholar, and more.
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Joe Coulter, professor emeritus of community and behavioral health, died Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Joe had a very distinguished career that was notable for his strong commitment to public health, environmental justice, addressing health disparities, and promoting the health and well-being of Native communities.
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Linda Baker, a caring and generous supporter of the College of Public Health and the University of Iowa, died on Dec. 27, 2023, at age 77.
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R. William "Bill" Field, professor emeritus of occupational and environmental health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, died Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was recognized internationally for his expertise in radon and radiation health effects.
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Ann Garvey (03MPH) passed away on Nov. 1. Ann was a CPH 2017 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient and held an adjunct faculty appointment in the UI Department of Epidemiology.
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Kathleen McKeen passed away on Oct. 1, 2021, at the age of 80. She worked in the cancer registry field for 59 years, serving as the director of the Iowa Cancer Registry for more than 36 of those years.
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| 4/15 | GradFest 2026 |
| 4/16 | Lecture by Dr. Vanessa Govender - From South Africa’s Mines to Iowa’s Prairies: Reflections on Worker Health and Community Resilience |
| 1/22 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom) |
| 2/13 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom) |
| 3/12 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom) |
| 4/17 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom) |
| 4/18 | Alumni Day 2026 |
| 4/20 | Biostatistics Seminar: Dr. Fan Li |
| 4/22 | Spring Undergraduate Research Festival (SURF) |
| 4/24 | Miyawaki Forest Tree Planting 2.0 |
| 4/24 | Colloquium - "Computing for Recovery: How Computer Science Can Help People Reclaim Their Lives" |