What drew you to epidemiology and to the University of Iowa?

Epidemiology is kind of the perfect bridge of public health. It uses data, lived experience, and real-world applications to help solve a lot of different problems faced by many people. The University of Iowa offered such a collaborative, community feel for myself and my family. It also had tons of resources to pursue this degree and to be able to do the research I wanted to do.

What’s the focus of your research?

I am so lucky — I get to do work on maternal and child health, specifically around maternal and paternal mental health. My research looks at parental anxiety and its connection to rage, and the impact of social support on both in early parenthood. Our study findings suggest that rage is common among parents of young children, rage is interconnected with anxiety, and that social support may be an important opportunity for intervention.

How does your personal experience shape your work?

I am fortunate to do research that is both inherently personal and professional. I have a family that includes three kids, so my work is for parents just like me who are trying their best to raise good and kind humans, and trying to find a way to support parents so we can have better health outcomes for the entire family.

What impact do you hope your research will have?

There’s a lot of work to be done in terms of structural and systemic supports for parents and families in this country. My hope is that my work can be somewhat of a foundation to improve that support as parents navigate all of the challenges that come with early parenthood.

What challenges did you face while earning a PhD, and how did you navigate them?

Balancing the program with life at home was a big challenge. I started with two kids and am finishing with three, so there were definitely personal challenges along the way. I was really grateful to have mentors and faculty who were so supportive of both my personal and professional goals. They helped me navigate challenges — including changes in funding and research priorities — so I could continue doing work that I find incredibly important.

Who has been your support system during your time at Iowa?

I would be nowhere without my colleagues and classmates. They’ve been the front line of navigating the challenges of being a PhD student, but also the people I call first to celebrate milestones. This is such a collaborative community, which is what drew me to Iowa. I didn’t feel that sense of competition you sometimes find at other institutions — it’s a very supportive and encouraging environment.

What is something you learned during your time here that you’ll carry forward?

I think the biggest takeaway is being able to say “I don’t know.” Being in such a supportive environment enabled me to say that confidently and then seek out the answer. I’m a perpetual learner, and that’s incredibly supported here. We’re all learning, and it’s OK to not know.

How has Iowa prepared you for what’s next?

I’m really fortunate to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, working with the Iowa Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative to help advance perinatal care. One of the key benefits of being at a large research institution like Iowa is the opportunity for collaboration across departments, which really helps you advance your goals.

How did being at Iowa — and in Iowa City — shape your experience?

Everything is in close proximity here. You can walk across the bridge to collaborate with the health care system or other departments. The opportunities are really at your fingertips.

Iowa City is also that perfect big city with a small-town feel. It’s been a very welcoming place to move to and continue this chapter. Our kids have thrived here, and my husband and I both feel very supported in our work. Iowa City has a very communal feel.

What made your research experience at Iowa unique?

When I came to my committee with an idea, they didn’t say, “You can’t do that.” They said, “How can we support you?” I was able to do primary data collection — creating my own survey and interview guide and going into the community to talk with people. That meant the data I collected is truly reflective of this community.

What stands out to you most about working directly with participants?

Being able to sit down with parents of young kids who are saying, “I feel alone, I’m struggling — am I the only one?” and to reassure them that they’re not alone was incredibly meaningful. It reinforced why this research matters and how important it is to include the voices of the people you’re studying.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I want to thank my husband and my kids — your support and encouragement have kept me motivated, and your love has kept me grounded. I also want to thank my parents for showing me the importance of working hard and giving back to your community. And finally, I want to thank my mentors and faculty members who have shown up as authentic human beings first and scientists second.