CPH in the News

Please note: Access to the full text of articles summarized below may require online subscriptions to the publications.

Zahnd talks cancer data in Fayette County

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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Novak writes about public health impacts of immigration crackdowns

Nicole Novak, research assistant professor of community and behavioral health, recently co-authored an article about the public health impacts of intensive immigration enforcement. (The Conversation)
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Wallace comments on life and accomplishments of Dr. William Foege

Professor Emeritus Robert Wallace was quoted in a recent story about the life of physician and epidemiologist Dr. William Foege, an Iowa native who led the global effort to eradicate smallpox.
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Mueller shares insights about rural health policy shifts

In a new episode of 'Becker's Healthcare' podcast, Keith Mueller shares insights on rural health policy, the transition from volume to value based care, and the role of technology and networks in sustaining rural services.
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CPH faculty share cancer data at Des Moines press conference

Dean Edith Parker along with professors Mary Charlton and Jake Oleson presented preliminary snapshots into research conducted at the University of Iowa to determine drivers of Iowa’s high cancer rates. The 2-year, $1 million project was funded by Gov. Kim Reynolds and state lawmakers last year.
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Askelson talks about change to vaccination recommendations

Professor Natoshia Askelson commented on the CDC's new recommendations for the childhood vaccine schedule that reduces the recommended number of vaccines for children from 17 to 11.
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Charlton comments on Iowa Cancer Registry’s 99 Counties Project

As the Iowa Cancer Registry's 99 Counties Project crosses the halfway point, Professor Mary Charlton commented on progress made and work yet to be done.
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Hari Sharma discusses deficiency citations in Florida assisted living facilities

In a recent podcast interview, associate professor Hari Sharma talked about ongoing problems in some Florida assisted living facilities and what can be done to solve the issues and protect residents.
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Charlton, Zahnd talk cancer data in Polk County

Mary Charlton and Whitney Zahnd from the UI College of Public Health recently presented cancer data to residents of Polk 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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Jonathan Platt discusses social media impacts on teenagers and adults

In a recent episode of Iowa Public Radio's 'Talk of Iowa' CPH assistant professor Jonathan Platt joined a discussion about how social media affects the lives and mental health of teenagers and adults.
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 Briefs

Plugged in to Public Health: Learning from 43 years in health care leadership with Jim Skogsbergh

In this episode of Plugged in to Public Health, Lauren sits down with University of Iowa MHA alum Jim Skogsbergh to reflect on a 43 year career in health care leadership. Jim recently retired after more than two decades as a hospital CEO and shares what he learned about leadership, mentorship, and building strong teams in health care organizations.
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Donate to the Staff Council Food Drive through March 26

The UI Staff Council is sponsoring a food drive to benefit the Food Pantry at Iowa. Donations can be placed in the boxes in the CPHB atrium, or if you prefer, a link is available for cash donations.
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Plugged in to Public Health: How multi-site public health research actually works

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Gryzlak, program director in the department of epidemiology, to talk about what it really takes to coordinate large multi-site epidemiological research. Brian directs Iowa’s participation in PCORnet, a national patient-centered clinical research network that standardizes healthcare data across institutions to support large-scale comparative effectiveness research.
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Bhramar Mukherjee to deliver Hansen Distinguished Lecture April 29

Bhramar Mukherjee, PhD, will deliver the College of Public Health's Hansen Distinguished Lecture on Wednesday, April 29. She is the Anna M.R. Lauder Professor of Biostatistics and Professor of Chronic Disease Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. She also serves as the inaugural Senior Associate Dean of Public Health Data Science and Data Equity at the school.
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Plugged in to Public Health: Lessons from MHA summer experiences

In this episode of Plugged in to Public Health, three second-year MHA students reflect on their summer internship experiences and the lessons they are carrying forward into their administrative fellowships.
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Webinar: Understanding the Burden of HPV-Associated Cancers

The College of Public Health and Iowa Immunizes are launching a new webinar series celebrating two decades of cancer prevention, protection, and progress made possible by the HPV vaccine. The series begins on March 6 with a session dedicated to exploring the current burden of HPV‑associated cancers and the impact of vaccination.
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Plugged in to Public Health: Targeting ovarian cancer with cell therapy, collaboration, and community access

In this episode of "Plugged in to Public Health", Lauren speaks with Dr. Jill Kolesar about ovarian cancer, precision medicine, and the challenges of translating scientific discovery into real-world care.
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2026 Obermann Symposium: Cultivating Rurality and Building Community around Rural Research

The College of Public Health is pleased to co-sponsor this year's Obermann Center Symposium focused on rural health issues and research. The symposium is Mar. 26-27 and is open to all UI faculty, staff, and students.
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University of Iowa researchers launch new statewide project to gather stories from public health workforce

Researchers from the UI College of Public Health's Prevention Research Center for Rural Health (PRC-RH), in partnership with the Iowa Public Health Association, are launching a statewide research effort to better understand how Iowa’s public health workforce perceives the current environment surrounding public health in the United States.
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EHSRC and ISRP to host virtual office hours for community engagement and research

Interested in learning more about community engagement and research? The UI's Environmental Health Sciences Research Center (EHSRC) and Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) are co-hosting an upcoming series of virtual office hours open to any UI student, faculty, or staff member.
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 People

CPH student Maren Denison thrives thanks to UI-led advances in cystic fibrosis care

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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From Iowa to Disneyland: How CPH alumna Emma Smaellie keeps the magic safe

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 brings global insight to his scientific journey

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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Yohanna Bedelu turns data into better health outcomes

Yohanna Bedelu is a biostatistics graduate student who enjoys tackling complex clinical and public health questions through data. In this Q&A, she reflects on her interdisciplinary academic path, her hands-on research experiences, and where she hopes her training will take her next.
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Parker Nelson puts ergonomics to work for real‑world impact

Parker Nelson is a graduate student in occupational and environmental health, specializing in ergonomics. In this Q&A, he discusses his research journey and his work developing ergonomic strategies aimed at reducing pain and improving function for heavy machinery operators.
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Matt Mathew is forging a career centered on people, leadership, and better health care

Matt Mathew is a second-year MHA student driven by a commitment to health care and leadership that supports both care teams and the communities they serve. He recently shared insights from his experiences as a student leader and from his administrative internship in Colorado Springs.
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Sarah Chen champions public health, human rights, and community connection

Sarah Chen is an undergraduate public health student with core interests in global health and public health policy. She recent answered a few questions about her research interests, work outside of the classroom, and her commitment to advocacy.
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Allison Bohall explores the connection between public health, genetics, and healthy populations

Allison Bohall is a 2nd-year undergraduate student exploring how public health and genetics are connected to the overall health of individuals and communities. She recently answered a few questions about her interests both inside and outside of the classroom and what her future plans are.
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Faith Ibitoye is building connections, empowering adolescents, and strengthening communities

Faith Ibitoye is a graduate student from Nigeria interested in child and adolescent health. She recently answered some questions about what sparked her interest in public health and why she finds the work so valuable and fulfilling.
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Kasia Wiebel: Championing worker well-being and safer workplaces

Kasia Wiebel is a 4th-year public health student with an interest in occupational and environmental health and injury prevention. She recently took time to answer some questions about her academic path and how her internship and study abroad experiences helped shape her future plans.
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 DEI Report

Celebrate International Education Week

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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Veterans Appreciation Week events set for Nov. 6-11

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

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated in November. See a listing of campus events that are planned throughout the month.
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Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

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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Attend the 27th annual University of Iowa Powwow

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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New guide aims to build trust between researchers and Indigenous communities

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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Celebrate Black History Month

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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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Human Rights

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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Celebrate International Education Week

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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Celebrate Diwali with APAMSA

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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 Honors and Awards

Carol S. Gleich Development Award recipients announced

Congratulations to the latest recipients of the Dr. Carol S. Gleich Development Award! This award is available to faculty members and graduate students in the College of Public Health to support travel expenses to perform an official function at a national or international meeting. See the latest recipients.
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Biostatistics students recognized at state conference

Three biostatistics students from the University of Iowa received awards for their outstanding research posters at the annual meeting of the American Statistical Association’s Iowa Chapter, held Feb. 27 in Ames, Iowa.
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MHA alumna Paige Moore named as Forty Under 40 honoree

Paige Moore (10MHA) was named a 2026 'Forty Under 40' honoree by the Des Moines Business Record for demonstrating impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Moore is CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa.
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Kang elected full member of Sigma Xi research honor society

Taeuk Kang, a second-year PhD student in the department of epidemiology, has been inducted as a full member of Sigma Xi, the world’s largest general research honor society.
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CPH alumna Paige Jaeger named as Forty Under 40 honoree

Paige Jaeger (14MHA) was named a 2026 'Forty Under 40' honoree by the Des Moines Business Record for demonstrating impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Jaeger is chief operating officer at ChildServe in Des Moines, IA.
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Charlton honored with 2026 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

The Iowa Board of Regents has selected Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, as one of six outstanding University of Iowa faculty members to be honored for their extraordinary contributions and sustained record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
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HMP alumnus earns ’40 under 40′ honor

John Corbeil (12MHA) has been named a 2026 '40 Under 40' honoree by Modern Healthcare. Corbeil is currently serving as CEO at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.
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Martha Carvour recognized for exemplary engaged scholarship

Martha Carvour (12PhD, 12MD) assistant professor of internal medicine (infectious diseases) and epidemiology in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and College of Public Health, has been awarded Campus Compact’s Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement.
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Biostatistics student honored with Deming Poster Award

Fangfang Jiang, PhD candidate in biostatistics, recently received the Deming Poster Award at the Deming Conference in Applied Statistics in Atlantic City, NJ.
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Lee named recipient of 2025 New Faculty Research Award

Julie Lee, assistant professor of health management and policy, has been named the 2025 recipient of the College of Public Health’s New Faculty Research Award. 
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 Research

GPCAH accepting applications for pilot projects

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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New research sheds light on how parents teach children to navigate physical risk

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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IPHPRP Collaboratory applications now open

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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IPRC seeks pilot grant proposals addressing injuries, violence

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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New research examines effective firearm safety messaging

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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Rural Iowa Research Award: call for proposals

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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Call for Associate Professor Advancement Award proposals

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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Heartland Center request for pilot project proposals

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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New research reveals changing patterns in advanced breast cancer and treatment approaches

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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New studies shed light on road safety

Together, two new studies from the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center (UIIPRC) shed light on road safety, one examining teenage drivers and passengers, and the other focusing on drivers across a broader range of ages.
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 Student News

Taeuk Kang awarded pilot research grant

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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Students can use computer classroom C201 CPHB when not reserved

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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Get ready for the annual IPHPRP Global Health Case Competition

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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Free registration for students attending Iowa Rural Health Association conference

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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Free student registration for Culturally Responsive Health Care in Iowa Conference

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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Virtual workshop: Career assistance for mid-to-late career professionals

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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University of Iowa launches new Student Experience Survey

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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Iowa Innovation Leadership Fellowship program accepting applications

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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Sign up now for the Global Health Case Competition

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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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.
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 In Memoriam

In memoriam: Barry Greene

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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In Memoriam: John W. Colloton

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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In memoriam: Professor Paul Pomrehn

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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In memoriam: Michael Bosch

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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In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Tom Cook

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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In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Joe Coulter

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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In memory: Linda Baker

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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In memoriam: Professor Emeritus Bill Field

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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In memoriam: Ann Garvey

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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In memory: Kathleen McKeen

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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 Events

1/27Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
2/4Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
3/11Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
4/30Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
5/8Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
1/22Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom)
2/13Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom)
3/12Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom)
4/17Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom)
3/12Hardin Open Workshops - Scopus and Web of Science (Zoom)
3/24"Rural Community-Centered Research: Maternity Care and Why It Matters" — Keynote lecture (in person and virtual) by Katy Kozhimannil, University of Minnesota
3/26Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium
3/27Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium
3/26Creating Communities that Care and Promote Health: Learning from Japan and the U.S.
3/26"Reimagining the Rural from Idyll to Hinterland: Exhausting Rural Childhoods” — keynote lecture by Esther Pereen, University of Amsterdam
3/27The Current State of Climate Regulation: Revisiting the Endangerment Finding

More events >