Platt reflects on social media and youth mental health

“There’s a ton of research — hundreds of studies and meta analyzes and meta analyzes of meta analyzes,” UI assistant professor of epidemiology Jonathan Platt told The Gazette. “But really there still is a lot that we don’t know with the kind of rigor that we would like.” Published May 18, 2026

Giving back with gratitude: HMP alumni Steve Birchard and Marsha Miller-Birchard

For alumni Steve Birchard (86MA) and Marsha Miller-Birchard (87MA/MBA), giving back to the University of Iowa Department of Health Management and Policy (HMP) through philanthropy, mentoring, and leadership is a way to say thank you for the education and skills that helped launch their successful careers. “We’re grateful to the program because we founded our […] Published May 18, 2026

Webinar: the HPV vaccine and 20 years of cancer prevention

The College of Public Health and Iowa Immunizes have launched a new webinar series celebrating two decades of cancer prevention, protection, and progress made possible by the HPV vaccine. The next webinar in the series is June 10, with a session on the HPV vaccine and its role in cancer prevention. Published May 18, 2026

Kang receives Rising Star Award

Taeuk Kang, a second-year PhD student in epidemiology, was recognized with a 2026 Rising Star Award for his outstanding contributions as an international scholar at the University of Iowa. Published May 12, 2026

WATCH: CPH students featured in new UI commencement videos

Maren Denison and Erin Wissler Gerdes are featured in the University of Iowa's new commencement videos celebrating undergraduate and graduate students. Published May 11, 2026

Plugged In to Public Health: Parental rage, burnout, and the mental health reality of early parenthood

In this episode, Lauren welcomes Erin Wissler Gerdes, recent PhD graduate from the University of Iowa College of Public Health, to discuss the mental and emotional realities of early parenthood, including anxiety, burnout, loneliness, and “parental rage.” Published May 11, 2026

Wissler Gerdes discusses mental health and anxiety among young parents

In an interview with WQAD-TV, Erin Wissler Gerdes discusses her research into how anxiety contributes to intense moments of anger among parents of young children and how social support can help reduce those experiences. Wissler Gerdes recently earned her PhD from the Department of Epidemiology.  Published May 11, 2026

Watkins recognized for outstanding student support

Assistant Professor Shannon Watkins has been recognized with a Certificate of Distinction in the university’s Student Supervisor of the Year Awards, honoring her outstanding mentorship and support of student career development. The award is part of the broader Career Impact Awards, sponsored by the Pomerantz Career Center, which celebrate individuals and partners who go above and beyond to provide Hawkeyes with meaningful career guidance, resources, and opportunities. Published May 8, 2026

Platt discusses social media and mental health

Assistant Professor Jonathan Platt recently spoke with KGAN News about the relationship between social media use and youth mental health. Platt shared current research and offered insight into what parents should understand as they navigate the impact of social media on young people’s well-being. Published May 8, 2026

Graduate spotlight: Erin Wissler Gerdes

Erin Wissler Gerdes didn’t just study maternal mental health, she also lived it, balancing a growing family while earning her PhD in epidemiology at the University of Iowa. Her work brings together research and real-life experience to better understand — and support — parents navigating early childhood. Published May 7, 2026