Two College of Public Health faculty members are helping drive forward new interdisciplinary research projects recently funded by the University of Iowa’s Obermann Center for Advanced Studies Interdisciplinary Research Grant Program. Their work spans creative public health communication, community engagement, and the health impacts of local transportation systems.

Using Art to Shift Narratives Around Recovery

Nichole Nidey, assistant professor of epidemiology, is a co-director of Pressing Matters: Community Printmaking to Support Recovery, a project that blends public health, addiction medicine, and the arts. In partnership with Public Space One, the team will host a two‑week series of hands-on printmaking workshops for community members with personal connections to substance use.

Participants will explore letterpress, screen printing, monoprinting, and zine-making while collaborating to develop imagery and messages about substance use disorder (SUD), treatment options, and recovery pathways. Their artwork will be adapted into public communication materials and showcased in a community art exhibition at the end of the residency.

The project aims to foster healing through creative expression and generate community-informed educational tools that reduce stigma and improve awareness of SUD treatment options across Iowa.

Co-directors include Alison Lynch from the UI Carver College of Medicine and Kalmia Strong from Public Space One

Studying Transit Improvements and Community Health

Shannon Lea Watkins, assistant professor of community and behavioral health, is a co-director of The Role of Public Transit Improvements in Advancing Mental and Physical Health in Johnson County, IA. This interdisciplinary team will examine how recent changes to local transit—free fares and expanded service through an on-demand program—have influenced access to resources, physical activity, and stress levels among young adults and low-income residents.

Building on previous analyses of transit use and satisfaction, the project will survey regular riders to assess how these system changes have affected their physical and mental health over the past two years. Findings will inform a peer-reviewed publication, a conference presentation, and a policy memo for local decision-makers.

Co-directors include Bogdan Kapatsila from the UI School of Planning and Public Affairs and Megan Gilster from the UI School of Social Work.