Zahnd, Gronemeyer present cancer data in Montgomery County

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. Published April 17, 2026

Iowa researchers study effects of hurricanes on US veterans’ heart and lung health

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. Published April 17, 2026

Plugged In to Public Health: Food systems under pressure (Part 1)

In this episode, Raj chats with Hannah Shultz to unpack what rising food prices actually mean for food access and food insecurity in the United States. From grocery store sticker shock to broader policy decisions, this conversation connects everyday experiences to the larger systems shaping who can afford to eat and how. Published April 15, 2026

Sharma receives Associate Professor Advancement Award 

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. Published April 14, 2026

Emily Killian selected for Rural Iowa Research Award

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.  Published April 14, 2026

VIDEO: undergraduate experiential learning with Gabrielle Schwartz

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. Published April 14, 2026

2026 Iowa Public Health Heroes honored

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. Published April 9, 2026

CPH student Maanya Pandey works to end ‘period poverty’

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.  Published April 9, 2026

UI College of Public Health research recognized among journal’s top 10 most‑cited papers

A research paper authored by a team from the University of Iowa College of Public Health has been recognized by Wiley as one of the top 10 most‑cited papers from 2024 in its online library. Published April 8, 2026

Chrischilles, Charlton receive UI research awards

Department of Epidemiology professors Elizabeth Chrischilles and Mary Charlton are each recipients of prestigious University of Iowa research awards. Chrischilles is head of the department and Charlton directs the Iowa Cancer Registry. Published April 8, 2026