Ebonee Johnson named an inaugural member of NAMI’s Scientific Advisory Council

Ebonee Johnson, assistant professor of community and behavioral health, has been named an inaugural member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) new Scientific Advisory Council. Published October 13, 2025

Plugged in to Public Health: when public health takes the stage

In this episode, we talk with Kathleen Johnson, Director of Outreach and Education at Riverside Theatre and the director of the play, 'Eureka Day' in Iowa City. Kathleen shares how the production connects with real-world public health issues—especially vaccine hesitancy and communication across different beliefs—and why theater can sometimes say what data alone can’t. Published October 13, 2025

Connect with the college at APHA in Washington, DC

Planning to attend the APHA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC? View a list of CPH presentations, find our exhibit booth, and attend the CPH alumni and friends reception on Nov. 3. Published October 10, 2025

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. Published October 10, 2025

Plugged in to Public Health: Tylenol and Pain in Pregnancy

Pregnancy pain is common, often dismissed, and rarely easy to manage. At the same time, recent headlines have stirred anxiety by suggesting that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may be linked to autism. In this episode Dr. Julie Vignato from the UI College of Nursing helps us unpack what the science actually says, where misinformation creeps in, and how healthcare providers and public health communicators can share clearer messages. Published October 7, 2025

New studies examine crises that precede suicide

Two new University of Iowa studies examine negative life events and stressors that often precede suicide deaths in the U.S. Amanda Sursely, who graduated last spring from the Department of Epidemiology, led the studies as part of her PhD work. Published October 6, 2025

Public health researchers needed to address Iowa’s cancer risk

Researchers are invited to apply for the Reducing Iowa’s Cancer Risk through Novel Collaborations Ideas Lab (Jan. 12–14, 2026). It’s a three-day, highly interactive event designed to spark cross-disciplinary collaborations and novel research directions—no cancer expertise required. Applications are due Oct. 31. Published October 6, 2025

Askelson discusses vaccines at Iowa Ideas 2025

At a recent special event hosted by The Gazette, Professor Natoshia Askelson talked about the importance and safety of childhood vaccines. Published October 6, 2025

Call for nominations for the 2026 Discovery and Innovation Awards

Help recognize outstanding work in the areas of discovery, innovation, and leadership development. Nominations for the 2026 University of Iowa Discovery and Innovation Awards are due Jan. 12. Published October 2, 2025

Afifi named 2025-26 UI Provost Faculty Fellow

The 2025-26 Provost Faculty Fellows will lead strategic initiatives focused on enhancing student learning, expanding mentorship opportunities, promoting faculty development, and advancing community-engaged teaching. Rima Afifi, professor in community and behavioral health, will serve as the faculty fellow for engaged teaching and scholarship. Published October 2, 2025