Great stories happen at Iowa

eve skrocki in a workout room

Injury can’t pin ambition of Iowa high school wrestler

Eve Skrocki is tough. She’s talented. And with help from the orthopedic experts at University of Iowa Health Care, one of Iowa’s rising stars in girls wrestling has returned from injury — and is dominating.
University of Iowa TRACERS team members celebrate the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket

Iowa researchers celebrate TRACERS launch

Dozens of scientists from the University of Iowa traveled to Lompoc, California, to joyfully witness the successful rocket launch associated with TRACERS — the NASA-funded mission to study the mysterious, powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
a mother holds her son, and an inset photo shows the same boy at just one week old, weighing around 10 ounces

Iowa boy born at 21 weeks is now world's most premature baby

Born at 133 days premature, Nash Keen of Ankeny, Iowa, is the new Guinness World Records title holder for the most premature baby.
an animation of the interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth

TRACERS: The milestone moments (so far)

With the TRACERS launch imminent, take a trip through the timeline of the university’s largest externally funded research project, which will examine the powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
three cyclists wearing iowa tiger hawk jerseys ride along with hundreds of other RAGBRAI riders on a rural road

Hawkeyes make a difference all along RAGBRAI route (and beyond)

From the west to the east, the University of Iowa and its alumni provide expertise in areas as varied as health care, education, and law.
Nick Phelps sitting outdoors on UI Health Care campus

Former Hawkeye punter prevails after traumatic leg injury

Nick Phelps thought he might never walk again. After three surgeries on his leg at University of Iowa Health Care, not only was he able to walk, but he also ran a marathon.
University of Iowa student Ava Reed works on a model-sized version of the spacecraft in TRACERS built with toy bricks.

Making a model spacecraft, piece by piece

A University of Iowa engineering student built a replica of the TRACERS satellite that will study magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
an aerial view of the city of West Burlington, Iowa

Iowa engineering students save West Burlington $60,000

Emma Oelmann and Blake Misfeldt developed a preliminary design for a trail in West Burlington, Iowa, for their senior design project.
a woman stands in a field

Iowa mom learns of cancer diagnosis after giving birth

Within hours of giving birth, Danika Hilmer found out she had cancer. After chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant with our experts, the Marion, Iowa, mother is in remission.
a doctor standing in a hospital hallway

Making a difference for kids in the ER

Medicine alumna Laura Socwell didn’t plan to work in pediatric emergency medicine. Now, she’s proud to care for Iowa’s littlest patients.
University of Iowa student Lillian Wischmeyer standing in front of an Iowa mural

Cousin’s cancer journey inspires UI student’s career choice

When a beloved family member died of cancer, Iowa native Lillian Wischmeyer knew what she wanted to do with her life — and that the University of Iowa was the best place to prepare her for it.
Mo Bashir talking with a colleague

Cardiothoracic surgeon says Iowa care team has heart

When you need a procedure as complex as open-heart surgery, you should choose the best, most experienced care team. That is exactly what University of Iowa Health Care offers to heart patients, says Mohammad Bashir.
The Pinckney family — Mom and Dad with their older daughter and triplet infants

Quad Cities-area mom delivers triplets on National Triplet Day

Closely monitored by University of Iowa Health Care experts, Lori Pinckney carried three boys to 35 weeks. “High-risk pregnancies are scary, but with my team at UI Health Care, I felt cared for and listened to,” Pinckney says.
students giving an NIL presentation to Drew Thelwell of the Iowa men's basketball team

NIL course simulates agency experience

Students from across the University of Iowa campus collaborate to put together name, image, and likeness plans for Hawkeye student-athlete “clients.”
University of Iowa grad Grace Smith taking a selfie in front of the Indy Star logo on a wall

Iowa photojournalism grad looks for new angles

After an award-winning stint as a photographer with "The Daily Iowan" and the opportunity to document a historic women’s basketball tournament run, Grace Smith is continuing to pursue creative visual storytelling — and to photograph a favorite Iowa baller.
Ben Cooper will graduate from the University of Iowa in spring 2025 with a BS in biology on a neurobiology track and EMT certification through the Iowa Health Care Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center.

Graduate spotlight: Ben Cooper

It was through his classes and professors at the University of Iowa that Ben Cooper discovered a love of neurobiology. It was through his work with Undergraduate Student Government that he found a love for working with people and advocating for them. These discoveries led to what he plans to do next with his life.
University of Iowa grad Brenda Ramirez with a Herky statue and an Iowa sign out of focus in the background

Graduate spotlight: Brenda Ramirez

As a high school student, Brenda Ramirez thought it would be cool to work in public office someday. That "someday" happened when she became a Hawkeye, serving for three years on Undergraduate Student Government capped by a term as vice president. Ramirez will graduate this spring with a BA in political science and BA in economics.
Ella McDaniel, who served at the University of Iowa's Golden Girl for four years, will graduate in spring 2025 with a a BS in exercise science on the pre-athletic training track.

Graduate spotlight: Ella McDaniel

Ella McDaniel came all the way from New Hampshire to serve in the coveted role of UI Golden Girl, the Hawkeye Marching Band’s scholarship baton twirler. She enjoyed her time at Iowa so much that, after graduating with a degree in exercise science, she plans to stay on campus and work toward a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
University of Iowa grad Emily Mozena

Graduate spotlight: Emily Mozena

Emily Mozena was born in Iowa but grew up and lived in various places around the world thanks to her father’s job in the State Department. In fact, her family was preparing to move to England when she was deciding where she wanted to go to college. Her sister had already moved to Iowa City to go to the University of Iowa, so Mozena decided to follow her.
University of Iowa grad Eric Dowe

Graduate spotlight: Eric Dowe

After graduating with a BA in actuarial science and BA in business administration from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, Eric Dowe started looking at grad schools. “The University of Iowa had the exact program that I was looking for,” says Dowe, who will graduate this spring with an MS in finance and MS in business analytics.
University of Iowa grad Genevieve Martinez standing near the pond by Art Building West

Graduate spotlight: Genevieve Martinez

At age 10, Genevieve Martinez spent two weeks in a hospital, during which she was inspired by the nurses who cared for her. Martinez will graduate this month with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Iowa, where she spent the past year serving as president of the Student Nurse Association.
Kaleb Young will graduate in spring 2025 with a PhD in civil and environmental engineering.

Graduate spotlight: Kaleb Young

When Kaleb Young started studying at the University of Iowa, he wanted to become a doctor. And while he’ll gain that title, it will not be an MD like he originally planned but a PhD with a focus in flood mitigation.
Kisara Thompson will graduate in spring 2025 with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

Graduate spotlight: Kisara Thompson

Kisara Thompson grew up in Singapore, and when it came time to choose a college, she only applied to one. “I only applied to the University of Iowa for undergrad, and I only applied to the University of Iowa for pharmacy school,” says Thompson, who will graduate this spring with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). “I have no regrets whatsoever.
University of Iowa grad Mallory Obenauf

Graduate spotlight: Mallory Obenauf

While being treated at UI Health Care for severe scoliosis over the years, Mallory Obenauf found a home away from home, a passion to work in health care, and a lifelong mentor in her doctor. “It was an easy decision to come here not only for undergrad, but also dental school,” says Obenauf, who will graduate this month with a DDS from the UI College of Dentistry.
University of Iowa grad Max Willis standing in the journalism building, with tv screens in the background

Graduate spotlight: Max Willis

Max Willis is a storyteller — a multifaceted one, at that. “I can write, I can work in front of and behind the camera, I can do graphic design, I can do video editing or photo editing, I can fly a drone — I feel really well prepared,” says Willis, who will graduate with a BA in journalism and mass communication, BA in African American studies, and minor in sport and recreation management.
Maya Monk standing near a mastodon skull, which is being braced and resting upon sandbags

Graduate spotlight: Maya Monk

Maya Monk never could have predicted when she went looking for a research opportunity at the University of Iowa that she would end up working with 13,600-year-old mastodon bones. “It’s been such an incredible experience to get to work on this,” says Monk, who will graduate this spring with a BS in biology.
University of Iowa grad Megan Mindy in front of a public health backdrop

Graduate spotlight: Megan Mindy

Megan Mindy is grateful to have found multiple opportunities to combine her interests in working in health care and working with the disability community while at the University of Iowa. To start with, she’ll graduate this spring with a BS in public health and a minor in inclusive recreation.
Noah Hermanson will graduate in spring 2025 with a BA in enterprise leadership and interdepartmental studies (health science-multidisciplinary science) on the pre-dental track.

Graduate spotlight: Noah Hermanson

Noah Hermanson this fall will become a third-generation University of Iowa College of Dentistry student. “I guess you could say dentistry is in my blood, and I bleed black and gold,” says Hermanson, who will graduate this spring with a BA in enterprise leadership and interdepartmental studies (health science-multidisciplinary science) on the pre-dental track.
a bedazzled graduation cap with the Iowa logo

Celebrating Iowa’s spring 2025 grads

This spring, nearly 5,500 University of Iowa undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will earn degrees. These Hawkeyes have engaged, excelled, and stretched to reach their goals.
exterior of UI Health Care's North Liberty facilities

UI Health Care's North Liberty campus: Building for Iowa

UI Health Care's North Liberty campus, which opened at the end of April, features a medical center and services that meet the needs and expectations of Iowans.
Amy Shriver with her daughters and husband

A holistic view of children’s health

Medicine alumna Amy Shriver uses her role as a pediatrician to help families learn how focusing on social connection, family reading time, and more can contribute to kids’ mental and physical health.
two University of Iowa undergraduate students are helping to carefully clean and preserve the skull and other bones of a mastodon

Undergrads play key role in preserving mastodon bones

Unprecedented find provides a unique opportunity for University of Iowa students to participate in the preservation of a piece of prehistory.
two people talking in a lab

Curiosity and collaboration, leading to excellence

Michael Welsh’s research changed understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis. His drive to learn and forward-looking approach exemplifies teamwork and shared success at Iowa.
a patient surrounded by nurses after finishing a walking program

Walking 110 miles inside hospital after cancer treatment

A Cedar Falls man took full advantage of a program created by UI Health Care nurses that encourages patients to walk marathons while they are hospitalized.
A baby with a tube in their nose

Exploring origins, functions of sleep in premature infants

Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying the sleep of premature babies to get the earliest look to date into how the twitches that occur during REM sleep shape the nascent communication between brain and body.
A speaker giving a presentation

UI experts use data in fight against cancer

A public health team from the University of Iowa is collaborating with partners across the state to share county-specific cancer data with residents in each of Iowa’s 99 counties.
A man holding an implant up to an x-ray

Treating shoulder replacement with custom implants

UI Health Care experts can offer people with severely eroded shoulder bone a pain-free option thanks to recent innovations in implant technologies and techniques.
A group of people hugging each other

Match Day 2025’s moments of joy

The ultimate day in medical education arrived in March for senior medical students in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. More than 40 of these graduating students will train in the state of Iowa.
Harper Steele sitting in a theater

Becoming a writer no laughing matter for Harper Steele

The Emmy Award–winning writer who penned sketches for ‘Saturday Night Live’ might have pursued another career had it not been for a class she took at the University of Iowa.
Emergency medicine physician assistant residents with simulated patient and Christian Junker, PA-C

Training emergency care providers for all of Iowa

For more than two decades, the UI Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant Residency Program has addressed the specialty training gap for PAs working in rural emergency departments.
An arena with two different robots inside

UI hosts 2025 state robotics competition

More than 70 high school robotics teams from across Iowa convened in Coralville, Iowa, to showcase their skills and creations at the FIRST Tech Challenge Iowa Championship.
an illustration that partially shows the faces of two men, one of whom stole the identity of the other, and there are snippets of documents in view as well

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 University police car

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 Cianon Jones holds a microphone during a public staged reading of her play

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.
a university of iowa student prepares a subject for a study in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Building

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.
a nurse crouches down next to a hospital bed with a protective product around its base

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.
a doctor examining a pregnant patient

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 young man and his father stand together for a portrait

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.