Hans-Joachim Lehmler, professor of occupational and environmental health, has been named associate dean for research in the University of Iowa College of Public Health. He will begin this new role on Dec. 1, 2024.

Lehmler directs the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center and is deputy director of the Iowa Superfund Research Program. His research focuses on environmental, chemical, and analytical toxicology, with particular emphasis on critical exposures impacting human health. His work addresses a wide range of pressing environmental issues, including the adverse effects of exposure to extreme heat events and environmental pollutants on the brain across the lifespan.

As Associate Dean for Research, Lehmler will provide strategic leadership in fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations both within the College of Public Health and across the broader university community. The role includes identifying funding opportunities to support research and training initiatives, shaping research policies, maintaining high research standards, and building effective partnerships to advance the college’s research agenda. Additionally, he will collaborate with faculty and department heads to promote innovative research initiatives, career development opportunities, and succession planning within the college’s research centers.

“Dr. Lehmler brings extensive research experience along with the proven ability to foster multidisciplinary collaboration, which is a hallmark of successful public health research,” notes Edith Parker, dean of the College of Public Health. “These productive research partnerships – spanning areas such as epidemiology, community collaboration, environmental health, chemistry, environmental engineering, medicine, and pharmacy – exemplify his leadership in innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to address the most pressing public health challenges.”

Lehmler received both his master’s and Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Bonn, Germany, in 1993 and 1995, respectively. He then served in several roles at the University of Kentucky before coming to the University of Iowa in 2003. He joined the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health faculty in 2010. He is also a faculty member of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Toxicology. In 2021, he received the John Doull Award from the Central States Society of Toxicology, in recognition of his contributions to the discipline of toxicology. In October 2024, he presented the College of Public Health Distinguished Faculty Lecture entitled, “A Persistent Problem: PCB Exposure and Adverse Health Effects.”

Lehmler serves as an Academic Editor of PLOS ONE research journal and participates in grant review panels for the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, he is actively involved in the Central States Chapter of the Society of Toxicology and previously served as the chapter’s secretary/treasurer for six years.

“As Associate Dean for Research, I look forward to advancing the impactful research led by our talented faculty, students, and staff as they address today’s most pressing public health issues,” says Lehmler. “Supporting the career development of early- and mid-stage investigators is especially close to my heart.”