Great stories happen at Iowa

UI detective unravels identity theft scheme
Thanks to Ian Mallory’s investigation, which involved untangling hundreds of documents and obtaining a crucial DNA test, a California man who had been falsely imprisoned and involuntarily hospitalized for saying he was who he said he was regained his true identity.

A multifaceted, modern approach to public safety
Plenty of myths surround campus law enforcement, including whether officers are “real” police officers. Learn the truth about some of these myths.

Playwright brings Iowa historical figure to life
University of Iowa’s Arts Share, the Muscatine Art Center, and the Stanley Center commissioned Iowa Playwrights Workshop student Cianon Jones to write a play about Alexander Clark, a longtime Muscatine resident and early leader in the fight for equal rights in the state.

Introducing first-generation students to research
First-gen students might come to college unaware of the pathways to research. The University of Iowa offers them support, from educational and networking services to hands-on workshops that deal with brain research.

Bringing nurses’ innovations to life
Iowa Nurse Innovators, a program within the University of Iowa Office of Innovation, empowers inventive nurses to create solutions improving patient safety, workflow efficiencies, and effectiveness in hospitals across the state.

Carr provides care for community where she was born
University of Iowa medicine alum Wanakee Carr finds meaning in the care she provides as a doctor practicing obstetrics and gynecology in the Des Moines area. She describes helping bring a new child into the world as “such a beautiful experience.”

A neuroscientist and his son make strides at Iowa
When his toddler was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder more than 20 years ago, Ted Abel expanded his research focus to include the developmental disorder. Today, the University of Iowa provides an environment where both father and son have thrived.

Military experience positions Iowa engineering student for success
Serving in the U.S. Marines gave Arnold “Bill” Bangel III the focus he needed to pursue a PhD in industrial and systems engineering. Learning how to navigate a devastating loss gave him life perspective.

New year, new heart for baby Wesley
Wesley Peterson was 4 months old when he was admitted to UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital with heart failure and was put on the heart transplant list. Now 8 months old, Wesley is getting ready to go home.

Providing Iowans with quality maternity care
In the latest ranking from “U.S. News & World Report,” University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center received the “High Performing” designation in maternity care.

Hiking 2,650 miles after spinal fusion surgery
Owen Trampe had surgery to correct severe scoliosis at University of Iowa Health Care in 2019. Five years later, he completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Uniting passions for agriculture and mental health
University of Iowa doctoral student Aubrey McEnroe aims to bring mental health services to the rural Iowa community where she also intends to continue the legacy of her family farm.

Helping small towns meet wastewater needs, affordably
Craig Just at the University of Iowa has sought an affordable wastewater solution for small towns. Now, through Just’s research, partnerships, and persistence, a pilot system in Dow City appears poised to meet federal wastewater treatment regulations. The technology would then be available for hundreds of small towns in Iowa.

Empowering mothers to overcome addiction
University of Iowa efforts to support pregnant women with substance use disorders are helping to deliver vital health care, provide treatment resources, and keep families together.

Dubuque kicker wins state title, thanks to regenerative routine
After suffering three severe sports-related injuries to his leg and hip, Wahlert football player Nathan Schiesl turned to UI Health Care Sports Medicine, which gave him a second chance at glory with its platelet-rich plasma program.

Building a rural health care pipeline
The Carver Rural Iowa Scholars Program is preparing doctors to serve the smaller-size communities where they are needed most, closing health care gaps in Iowa.

Celebrating Iowa’s fall 2024 grads
This fall, more than 1,700 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will earn degrees. As the latest cohort of Hawkeyes prepares to graduate, we laud all they have accomplished.

Graduate spotlight: Ava Haberer
Ava Haberer grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, but she spent many of her summers running around Iowa City and the University of Iowa campus while visiting family. When it came time to think about where she wanted to go to college, she sent in only one application: to Iowa. She's set to graduate with a BA in criminology, law, and justice.

Graduate spotlight: Ethan Dabareiner
Ethan Dabareiner has led tens of thousands of fans in cheering for the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and stadiums across the country. “Spirit Squad and cheerleading gave me a great opportunity to be a part of the university in a way that I had never been a part of any school atmosphere before,” says Dabareiner, who will graduate with a BBA in accounting.

Graduate spotlight: Lauren Mudd
Lauren Mudd is ready for a little more free time — and so are her children. Mudd’s family will travel with her from their home in Archer City, Texas, to watch her receive a PhD in biostatistics from the University of Iowa College of Public Health during the December 2024 commencement ceremony.

Graduate spotlight: Marshawn Gunn
Marshawn Gunn had early dreams of being a meterologist, but he soon discovered he loved something more: telling stories. “I was aiming to tell people about weather, so I’m glad that I was able to find a different way to tell people stories and inform them about things going on in their community,” says Gunn, who will graduate with a BA in journalism and mass communication and a minor in sport and recreation management.

Graduate spotlight: Olivia Kopp
While many students are surprised to discover they can participate in research during their undergraduate studies, Olivia Kopp went looking for a university where she could do just that. “I like the idea of constantly finding out new things and learning more, so I wanted to go to a research school specifically," says Kopp, who will graduate with a BS in psychology.

Fall 2024 graduate spotlights
Year after year, Iowa students push to achieve more and come together for the greater good—that’s the Hawkeye Way. Several members of this year’s cohort of new graduates share what made their experiences special.

Iowan sees new life after innovative cancer treatment
By participating in cutting-edge research at University of Iowa Health Care, Linda Jacobs beat cancer. Now, she is relishing time with her grandchildren, exploring new hobbies, and training a puppy.

Lung transplant allows mom to see her kids grow up
A Quad Cities-area mother has been able to experience many milestones in the 13 years since her lung transplant with University of Iowa Health Care experts.

Grateful for world-class cancer care close to home
When Quad Cities resident Christen Schulte Phelps was diagnosed with a rare breast cancer, she only had to drive a few minutes to receive treatment from University of Iowa Health Care.

Meet Kid Captain Lukas Hazen
After Lukas Hazen’s parents learned their son might not survive childbirth, they prayed they’d have even a few minutes with him after he was born. Thanks to care provided by UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, they’ve had 12 years and counting.

Meet Kid Captain Raelyn Miller-Ramirez
With expert care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Raelyn Miller-Ramirez learned to thrive after losing her eyesight following surgery to remove a cancerous, fast-growing tumor.

Iowa grads share new film at their Quad Cities theater
Directing and screenwriting partners Scott Beck and Bryan Woods say a class they took at the University of Iowa about nonverbal communication continues to inspire their screenwriting — even in a film with as much talking as “Heretic.”

Meet Kid Captain Nataleigh Mochal
Nataleigh Mochal’s mother had little warning that her daughter would be born early, when she was taken by ambulance to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital after a prenatal test showed her pregnancy, and her own life, were both at risk.

From Cubs dreams to Hawkeye success
Brandee Britt leads social media strategy for 22 Hawkeye sports teams — and it’s all because an internship while a University of Iowa student changed her career path.

Meet Kid Captain Hunter Mickelson
UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital experts diagnosed Hunter’s extremely rare condition and developed a plan that allows the Clive, Iowa, youngster to enjoy a multitude of sports and live his life with a smile.

Meet Kid Captain Adeline Lovell
With expert care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Adeline Lovell found a safe, supportive care team to help her overcome leukemia.

From farm migrant beginnings to full-fledged scientist
Jorge Moreno is on a dizzying life ascent. The University of Iowa alumnus was born into a migrant family and entered Iowa as a first-generation student. After faltering initially, he has earned multiple degrees and now is a research scientist attempting to unlock the molecular secrets to immortality.

Working to safely bring automated driving to rural roads
Researchers at the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa have completed more than three years of testing to learn the challenges automated vehicles encounter when operating on rural roads.

Meet Kid Captain Hudson Ferris
With expert care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Hudson Ferris of Eldridge, Iowa, overcame an aggressive cancer.

The No. 1 children’s hospital in Iowa
Nine University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital specialties are listed in the “U.S. News & World Report” 2024-25 rankings of “Best Children’s Hospitals.”

Meet Kid Captain Jackson Casteel
With expert care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Jackson Casteel continues to defy the odds of his rare genetic condition.

Newspaper acquisition benefits Iowa journalism students
In addition to helping two community newspapers stay afloat, the purchase of the “Solon Economist” and the “Mount Vernon–Lisbon Sun” by “The Daily Iowan” is giving University of Iowa students more on-the-job training — and a taste of journalism practices in a small town.

New eCPR program helps save Iowa man’s life
When traditional CPR wasn’t enough to restart Ken Platt’s heart after cardiac arrest, UI Health Care teams leaped into action to initiate extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Clinical trial helps Iowa grandmother beat colon cancer
Specialists at UI Health Care helped Mary Harris of Marion, Iowa, avoid major surgery. Now cancer free, she’s focused on spending time with family, traveling, and working on her dancing skills.

Meet Kid Captain Haidyn Ulrich
Haidyn spent two years at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital while being treated for leukemia as a child. Now she’s working toward becoming a CNA, with hopes of working with pediatric cancer patients.

Writing across disciplines: Among elite company
Iowa’s unmatched writing-related resources prepare its graduates for success in many fields. This level of excellence positions Iowa as the best public university for writing and communication.

The quiet pleasures of a career in rural medicine
Carver College of Medicine grad Kyle Glienke reflects on his calling to rural and agricultural medicine and his place in Storm Lake, Iowa — the community he loves.

Meet Kid Captain Aiden Washburn
Aiden Washburn has had several life-saving open-heart surgeries at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The 8-year-old boy’s family cherishes the UI staff’s expertise and compassion.

Iowa’s 2024 incoming class, by the numbers
This fall, the University of Iowa welcomes another academically accomplished class of students, one of the largest first-year cohorts in university history.

Meet Kid Captain Mya Gilchrist
Mya Gilchrist grew up at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, overcoming cancer several times. Her family is grateful for her care and continue to inspire others with Mya’s positive attitude.

Author’s debut allows mother to unleash inner animal
One of the most anticipated premieres at this fall’s Toronto Film Festival is “Nightbitch,” an adaption of University of Iowa alumna and professor Rachel Yoder’s novel about a mother who finds herself turning into a dog.