OEH News

The latest news from the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

University of Iowa College of Public Health ranked No. 18 in the nation

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is the No. 18 school/program of public health in the nation, according to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings for 2026. See the full list of public health-related program rankings. Published April 7, 2026

Janssen, Kaskie discuss rural health issues on “River to River”

CPH faculty members Brandi Janssen and Brian Kaskie spoke with host Ben Kieffer about the recent UI Obermann Symposium on rural health and some of the issues researchers are tackling including the achievement gap for rural students, unequal access to nutritious food, and communities not adapting to an aging population.  Published March 30, 2026

Peter Thorne discusses link between climate change and increased seasonal allergies

Professor Peter Thorne says higher carbon dioxide levels and higher temperatures change the way allergenic plants grow which could lead to an increase in pollen and seasonal sniffles. Published March 23, 2026

From Iowa to Disneyland: How CPH alumna Emma Smaellie keeps the magic safe

UI College of Public Health alumna Emma Smaellie (23MS, OEH Industrial Hygiene) plays a behind‑the‑scenes role in one of the most iconic destinations in the world: the Disneyland Resort. As a safety professional supporting thousands of cast members across parks, hotels, entertainment spaces, and specialized crafts, Emma uses her industrial hygiene training to ensure the magic happens safely every day. She shares how she found her path, what her work looks like, and why creating a safer workplace is her favorite part of the job. Published March 2, 2026

GPCAH accepting applications for pilot projects

The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health is seeking applicants for pilot projects to promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. The pilot program supports both community-based organizations and academic researchers, especially new investigators and trainees. Proposals addressing mental health, chemical safety, equipment/tool safety, and prevention of slips, trips, and falls are especially encouraged in the 2026-27 application cycle. Published March 2, 2026

Parker Nelson puts ergonomics to work for real‑world impact

Parker Nelson is a graduate student in occupational and environmental health, specializing in ergonomics. In this Q&A, he discusses his research journey and his work developing ergonomic strategies aimed at reducing pain and improving function for heavy machinery operators. Published February 23, 2026

EHSRC and ISRP to host virtual office hours for community engagement and research

Interested in learning more about community engagement and research? The UI's Environmental Health Sciences Research Center (EHSRC) and Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) are co-hosting an upcoming series of virtual office hours open to any UI student, faculty, or staff member. Published February 11, 2026

Kasia Wiebel: Championing worker well-being and safer workplaces

Kasia Wiebel is a 4th-year public health student with an interest in occupational and environmental health and injury prevention. She recently took time to answer some questions about her academic path and how her internship and study abroad experiences helped shape her future plans. Published February 3, 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

New research examines effective firearm safety messaging

A new study from University of Iowa researchers offers fresh insight into how rural families believe firearm safety efforts can be made more effective. Published January 21, 2026

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