The Department of Epidemiology was pleased to award the Stephen A. Streed Scholarship to doctoral student Isaac Werner this fall. Alumnus Stephen Streed (75MS in Preventive Medicine and Environmental health) established this scholarship in 2015 to support well-qualified and deserving students in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. It has been awarded to seven doctoral students since it was established.

Students are nominated for this scholarship by the departmental faculty. Selection is based on a combination of grades in courses, leadership and service, and having a defined research direction. Alumni who have received this scholarship are currently working as researchers and health scientists in academia and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

This year’s recipient, Isaac Werner, is in his fourth year of the PhD degree program in epidemiology, and previously completed a MPH in the department. In addition to outstanding performance in his coursework, he’s worked as a graduate research assistant with Michael O’Rorke, assistant professor of epidemiology, doing research using UK Biobank datasets.

His research interests include examining the molecular aspects of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma detection and survival. He’s used the UK Biobank dataset to look at the utility of m6A-related genetic variants and telomere length in pancreatic cancer.

”I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the Streed Scholarship Award,” says O’Rorke. “Isaac is a bright, courteous, and extremely diligent PhD student, who always gives his all to others. He has maintained a stellar 4.0 GPA whilst admirably serving a full-time role as a medical technician in the Shivanand R. Patil Cytogenetics and Molecular Laboratory. Isaac plans to use the funding to support server time on the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform for his PhD thesis, and other dissertation-related costs advancing research in pancreatic cancer.”

The Department of Epidemiology is extremely grateful for Mr. Streed’s continued support of our students and academic mission. If you are interested in supporting graduate education, innovative research, and collegial activities in epidemiology at the University of Iowa, please visit this link. A representative from the University of Iowa Center for Advancement will be happy to follow up with you to direct your generosity.