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“There’s a ton of research — hundreds of studies and meta analyzes and meta analyzes of meta analyzes,” UI assistant professor of epidemiology Jonathan Platt told The Gazette. “But really there still is a lot that we don’t know with the kind of rigor that we would like.”
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Assistant Professor Jonathan Platt recently spoke with KGAN News about the relationship between social media use and youth mental health. Platt shared current research and offered insight into what parents should understand as they navigate the impact of social media on young people’s well-being.
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Associate professor Hari Sharma recently joined The Business Record's Iowa Economy podcast to talk about the factors leading to nursing home and hospital closures in Iowa and the effects on care and communities. The episode also features CPH alumnus, Jason Semprini (23PhD).
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In honor of National Arbor Day, more than 500 University of Iowa students and staff and members in the Iowa City community came together to plant 2,000 seedlings outside the UI College of Public Health.
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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.
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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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Established in 2015, the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award honors members of the armed forces who have demonstrated exceptional service to the United States, their communities, and the University of Iowa. Recipients for the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award are selected annually. Nominations are due July 24, 2026.
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Stop by and explore the College of Public Health’s newest lab space at this upcoming open house. Enjoy refreshments while touring the state-of-the-art home for some of our epidemiology and environmental health science researchers.
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As America's population ages, access to long-term care is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, especially in rural communities. In this episode Lauren chats with Dr. Hari Sharma to discuss the growing challenge of nursing home closures in rural America and what those closures mean for patients, families, and communities. While nursing homes have always opened and closed over time, recent years have seen an overall decline in the total number of facilities nationwide, creating new concerns about access to both post-acute and long-term care services.
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A meaningful teacher-student relationship can shape an entire career. A new annual gift to the University of Iowa College of Public Health highlights how that connection can endure for decades and continue to drive scientific discovery.
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These awards honor undergraduate and graduate students who exemplify one of the five pillars of philanthropy—time, treasure, talent, ties, and tradition—through their impact on campus and beyond. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University of Iowa are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations are permitted. Nominations close June 30, 2026.
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University of Iowa College of Public Health alumna Anne Abbott (23PhD) is translating her training into impactful, community-driven work to prevent youth violence and mental health crises in Idaho. In this Q&A, she shares how her Iowa experience shaped her commitment to upstream prevention, the role of communication and evaluation in advancing public health, and her advice for the next generation of practitioners.
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In this episode, Lauren talked with Professor Katharine Baker from the University of Iowa College of Law to unpack the complicated legal framework surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, parental leave, and workplace protections in the United States.
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In this episode, Raj and Faith chat with renowned biostatistician and public health researcher Bhramar Mukherjee following her Hansen Distinguished Lecture at the University of Iowa College of Public Health on April 29, 2026. Dr. Mukherjee shares her journey from studying mathematics in India to becoming a leading voice in biostatistics, epidemiology, and public communication during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they explore the “four quadrants” that shaped her lecture and career: ethics, community engagement, communication, and capacity building.
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The tassels have turned, the smiles are shining, and the celebration is in full swing! Take a front-row seat to the University of Iowa College of Public Health Spring 2026 Commencement! Relive the energy, smiles, hugs, proud moments, and nonstop Hawkeye spirit. From cap-and-gown excitement to unforgettable memories with family and friends, these grads are ready to take on the world.
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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 June 10, with a session on the HPV vaccine and its role in cancer prevention.
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For alumni Steve Birchard (86MA) and Marsha Miller-Birchard (87MA/MBA), giving back to the University of Iowa Department of Health Management and Policy is a way to say thank you for the education and skills that helped launch their successful careers.
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Maren Denison and Erin Wissler Gerdes are featured in the University of Iowa's new commencement videos celebrating undergraduate and graduate students.
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Erin Wissler Gerdes didn’t just study maternal mental health, she also lived it, balancing a growing family while earning her PhD in epidemiology at the University of Iowa. Her work brings together research and real-life experience to better understand — and support — parents navigating early childhood.
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Navigating a career in biostatistics isn’t always straightforward, especially in a field that’s evolving rapidly. In this video, University of Iowa College of Public Health alumnus Logan Harris shares how our Student Mentorship Program helped him gain clarity, confidence, and direction at a pivotal moment in his career.
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John Gautreaux, a PhD candidate in occupational and environmental health, says the structured environment of an undergraduate education shortly after his seven-year military service ended helped him as he reentered civilian life. Now Josh studies how veterans’ use of Veterans Administration (VA) services affects suicide rates during what is known as the “deadly gap”—the first year after a service member returns to civilian life, when veterans face an increased risk of suicide and substance use.
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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.
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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.
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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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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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The University of Iowa College of Public Health is pleased to announce the recipients of the college’s 2026 Outstanding Alumni Awards.
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Taeuk Kang, a second-year PhD student in epidemiology, was recognized with a 2026 Rising Star Award for his outstanding contributions as an international scholar at the University of Iowa.
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Assistant Professor Shannon Watkins has been recognized with a Certificate of Distinction in the university’s Student Supervisor of the Year Awards, honoring her outstanding mentorship and support of student career development. The award is part of the broader Career Impact Awards, sponsored by the Pomerantz Career Center, which celebrate individuals and partners who go above and beyond to provide Hawkeyes with meaningful career guidance, resources, and opportunities.
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Students, faculty, staff, and alumni were honored at the annual CPH Awards & Recognition presentation held May 6, 2026. See a list of all who were recognized at the event.
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More than 1,200 University of Iowa faculty and staff members were identified by this year's graduating seniors for making a positive difference in their lives during their time at the university. A number of College of Public Health-affiliated faculty and staff members were recognized.
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Kortney Barrett, Margaret Evans, Michele Hogue, Megan Riley, and Janie Simmons will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university and the College of Public Health at the UI's 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony on May 5 at Hancher Auditorium.
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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.
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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 new study from University of Iowa researchers examining seat belt habits among pregnant and postpartum women finds that while most report wearing seat belts regularly, many also frequently unbuckle during travel, revealing an important but often overlooked safety risk.
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A new national study from CPH researchers highlights a growing safety concern on U.S. farms: older farmers living with dementia or memory loss are more likely to suffer severe injuries when accidents happen on farms compared with similar individuals injured off the farm.
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Explore the strategic trade-offs between focusing on a single funding agency or submitting to multiple sponsors, drawing on real-world experiences across career stages and disciplines with senior researchers. CPH Professor and Associate Dean for Research Hans‑Joachim Lehmler will be one of the panelists.
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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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| 7/11 | 6th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory |
| 7/14 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom) |
| 7/16 | Hardin Open Workshops - Scopus and Web of Science (Zoom) |
| 8/13 | Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Collaboration (Zoom) |