Plugged in to Public Health: Rural health beyond the mainland; transportation, access, and care in Hawaii

What happens when accessing health care requires booking a flight instead of driving down the road? In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, we talk with John Desfor, a University of Iowa MPH graduate now working in rural health research and policy in Hawaii. John shares what rural health looks like in one of the most geographically isolated regions in the United States and why transportation access is one of the most critical and overlooked barriers to care. Published February 2, 2026

Hari Sharma discusses deficiency citations in Florida assisted living facilities

In a recent podcast interview, associate professor Hari Sharma talked about ongoing problems in some Florida assisted living facilities and what can be done to solve the issues and protect residents. Published February 2, 2026

IPHPRP Collaboratory applications now open

The Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy (IPHPRP) invites Collaboratory Applications to establish or expand a team for research in population-based approaches to address a critical public health issue. Letters of intent are due April 3, 2026. Published January 29, 2026

UI College of Public Health launches Maternal and Child Health certificate program

CPH will launch a new graduate-level certificate in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) beginning in the fall semester of 2026. The program is designed to strengthen Iowa’s MCH workforce, particularly in rural communities, by equipping trainees with leadership competencies and hands-on experience in MCH. Published January 28, 2026

Plugged in to Public Health: Changing cancer care through innovation with Dr. James Byrne

In this episode of Plugged in to Public Health, we sit down with James Byrne, assistant professor of radiation oncology and biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa, to explore how interdisciplinary science is reshaping cancer care. Published January 27, 2026

IPRC seeks pilot grant proposals addressing injuries, violence

The University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center (IPRC) is seeking pilot research proposals that address injuries and violence. Pilot project grant awards will generally range from $20,000-$22,500, with up to four proposals funded. The application deadline is March 20, 2026. Published January 27, 2026

Blood drive at CPHB set for Feb. 5 – sign up to donate!

The Iowa Student Association of Healthcare Leaders is hosting a blood drive on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C217 CPHB. Appointments are encouraged -- sign up in advance with the UI DeGowin Blood Center. Published January 26, 2026

Charlton, Zahnd talk cancer data in Polk County

Mary Charlton and Whitney Zahnd from the UI College of Public Health recently presented cancer data to residents of Polk County, IA as part of Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, which is working to present county-specific cancer data in each of Iowa’s 99 counties. Published January 26, 2026

Jonathan Platt discusses social media impacts on teenagers and adults

In a recent episode of Iowa Public Radio's 'Talk of Iowa' CPH assistant professor Jonathan Platt joined a discussion about how social media affects the lives and mental health of teenagers and adults. Published January 22, 2026

Register for the 2026 Global Health Case Competition

Graduate and undergraduate students from across the University of Iowa campus are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Global Health Case Competition. The top 3 teams will receive cash prizes up to $500 per person. Register as an individual or a team by Feb. 13. Published January 22, 2026