IOWA CITY, IOWA (March 15, 2024) — To celebrate the ingenuity, resilience, and innovation of student researchers at the University of Iowa, the Office of the Vice President for Research is again sponsoring the Dare to Discover campaign. The annual program this year highlights the work of eighty undergraduate, graduate, and postdoc students who are making waves in a wide variety of disciplines across the academic spectrum.
The featured researchers were selected from more than 200 nominations made by mentors, colleagues, and other members of the campus community. Profiles of each member of the 2024 class are available for review HERE and will be shared on social media using #DiscoverUI.
Watch the video HERE.
Undergraduate and graduate students at Iowa not only have plentiful opportunities to work alongside faculty researchers, they make important contributions to science. Students at Iowa can start their research journey their first year on campus, and they aren't limited to projects in their major area of study. About one in three undergraduate students at Iowa participates in research.
"These students and postdocs highlight not only the breadth and depth of the scholarly work being done on campus, but also the powerful impact that these activities can have on both individuals and our greater community as a whole," said Marty Scholtz, Iowa's vice president for research.
More about research at Iowa is available HERE.
Anne Cunningham of Davenport, Iowa, describes her research thusly: "While radiation therapy is highly effective at treating cancer, it often damages the surrounding normal tissues exposed during treatment. In the case of cranial irradiation for brain cancer, many patients will develop cognitive decline within months after their treatment. My research focuses on studying the effects of radiation on normal brain tissues, specifically investigating whether decreases in blood-flow can be linked to the development of cognitive decline.”
Why is her research important? "Currently, the development of radiation-induced normal tissue injury is not fully understood. Normal tissue injury is thought to result from damage to micro-vessels, but how this damage progresses to disorders like cognitive decline has not been fully described. Understanding this sequence of events is critical for the development of preventative measures and other treatments."
Has research made her more successful at the University of Iowa? "My involvement in research has taught me that thorough background research is the most important step in problem-solving. As an engineering student the solution is often the focus, overshadowing the importance of the initial problem. With my participation in research, I have been able to reframe my way of thinking to see research as the foundation of all solutions. This emphasis on learning, understanding, and applying the research process has relayed into my coursework and soon my professional world.”
Samuel Eliasen of LeClaire, Iowa, described his research thusly: "I work to better understand how pesticides impact fetal development during pregnancy. Specifically, I look at household compounds and how common exposure methods can lead to altered brain development and risk of neurodevelopmental diseases. My research also emphasizes the role of the placenta in mediating the effects of toxic substances during pregnancy."
Why is his research important? "It's important to be aware of the chemicals that surround us each day and how these may impact human health. Sometimes, these effects can reach beyond our own immediate health and affect those around us-family members, children, and loved ones included. Studying reproductive and developmental toxicology helps to better illuminate these widespread effects so that we can protect future generations.”
Has research made him more successful at the University of Iowa? "Research involvement has helped me hone my critical thinking skills and appreciate where scientific knowledge comes from. My lab has also provided me with great mentorship and opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have thought possible. I'm extremely grateful to Dr Stevens and her lab for the years of support." Eliasen said.; Comment from your faculty mentor/advisor: "Overall,” says Robert Taylor, manager of the lab of Hanna Stevens, MD PhD, associate professor of psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, and Eliasen's faculty mentor/advisor, “[Eliasen] is a highly-accomplished student and member of the field that our lab has been extremely lucky to have.”
About the University of Iowa
As a top global university, Iowa is the ideal destination for learning, discovery, and innovation. We bring art and science together to create a truly unique interdisciplinary education. With over 200 areas of study to choose from, students are encouraged to mix and match majors, minors, and certificates to earn a degree that reflects their unique interests.
From inside our world-class medical center to the most prestigious creative-writing program in the US, students have access to quality academic support and are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. Our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to work directly with experts in their field while earning valuable, practical skills.
Our campus seamlessly blends into the heart of downtown Iowa City, making it easy to access academic resources and belong to a larger, welcoming community. With over 500 student organizations, clubs, and communities on campus, and countless in-town events scheduled throughout the year, Iowa makes it easy to build a network of friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
To learn more about the University of Iowa, click HERE.
