University Of Iowa College Of Public Health

Part 2: Care-giving, Innovation, and Lessons from Older Adults: what does it take to age well in practice—and what can younger generations learn from those who’ve gone before us? In Part Two, we continue our conversation with Jennifer Jones and Angela Charsha-Harney to look at the realities of care-giving, promising practices like age-friendly health systems, and the power of inter-generational connection. You’ll hear stories from the nonprofit thinkJOY, lessons Jennifer and Angela have learned from working closely with older adults, and reflections on why joy, dignity, and storytelling are vital for public health. This episode is packed with insights for anyone—whether you’re caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or curious about how public health can shape healthier communities for all ages. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-aging-joy-and-changing-the-narrative-part-2/ Have a question for our podcas

Aging is something we all share in common, yet it’s often framed as decline rather than growth. In this first part of our conversation with Jennifer Jones of the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence and Angela Charsha-Harney, Associate Director of Fitness and founder of thinkJOY, we explore how reframing aging can transform health and community. Jennifer and Angela share the origins of their work, how personal connections spark powerful initiatives, and why joy is far more than a “nice to have” in public health. We dig into misconceptions about aging, the role of loneliness and connection, and why preparing for aging is really preparing for life itself. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-aging-joy-and-changing-the-narrative-part-1/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episod

Even though polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned nearly 50 years ago, these persistent chemicals are still part of our daily environment. In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, we talk with Dr. Amanda Bullert, neuroscientist and research consultant at the University of Minnesota, about what PCBs are, how exposure still happens today, and what her team’s research reveals about their effects on the brain. Amanda breaks down how PCBs influence metabolism, inflammation, and long-term brain health, why certain communities are more at risk, and what steps individuals and public health leaders can take to reduce harm. It’s a conversation that sheds light on the hidden legacy of environmental pollutants and the lessons they offer for today’s public health challenges. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-persistent-pollution-reducing-the-risk-of-pcbs-on-brain-health/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for

What happens when science and policy collide — and how can we prepare for the environmental health challenges ahead? In part two of our series with Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health, we dig into persistent pollutants, climate change, and the future of science-informed policymaking. In this episode, you’ll learn about: • The risks of PCBs, PFAS, and other “forever chemicals” • How communities weigh costs and health risks in decisions like school renovations • The challenges of science advisory boards in an era of political polarization • Climate-related disasters — from wildfires to hurricanes — and their health consequences • Why better science communication and stronger policy action are urgently needed This conversation shows how today’s public health challenges extend beyond the lab, into policy decisions that will shape the lives of future generations. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.ui

In this two-part interview, Dr. Peter Thorne, University of Iowa Distinguished Chair and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health and a leading expert in toxicology, provides an in-depth overview of how the federal government regulates chemicals in food, water, and air. Key points: • The EPA and FDA are science-based organizations that interpret laws passed by Congress and apply the best available science to make regulatory decisions aimed at protecting human health and the environment. • The EPA's Science Advisory Board provides independent, non-partisan oversight to ensure the agency's decisions are grounded in scientific evidence. • Chemical regulations are dynamic, with compounds like Red Dye No. 3 and inorganic arsenic being re-evaluated as new scientific data emerges. • The precautionary principle guides regulators to err on the side of safety when the evidence suggests a chemical may pose health risks, even in the absence of definitive human studies. • Replacing problematic chemicals with saf

This episode discusses physical activity and its role in preventing chronic disease, featuring an interview with Dr. Lucas Carr, an associate professor of Health and Human Physiology at the University of Iowa and leading researcher in lifestyle interventions and health behavior change. Key points include: Dr. Carr's research focuses on the behavior science behind habit formation and helping people find enjoyable, sustainable ways to be physically active as a means of prevention. His team has implemented a system to treat physical activity as a "vital sign" in healthcare settings, screening patients and connecting inactive individuals with free health coaching resources. Data from over 60,000 patients shows those who are physically active (150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity) have significantly lower risks of 19 different chronic health conditions. Practical advice is to find physical activities you genuinely enjoy, as you're more likely to stick to something you find pleasant and rewardi

Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumna Madison Snitker Harrelson, who is currently serving as a health educator and emergency preparedness coordinator for Dodge County Public Health in Minnesota. In this role, she combines strategic planning with community engagement to prepare the county for emergencies ranging from extreme weather to infectious disease outbreaks. Snitker Harrelson highlights how her MPH coursework in areas like community-based research, program implementation, and behavioral change theory have been invaluable in her day-to-day work, which involves tasks like grant management, leading public awareness campaigns, and collaborating with community partners. She advises public health students and young professionals to seek out diverse experiences and networking opportunities, particularly in the area of grant writing and management, to prepare for the multifaceted nature of local public health practice. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.ed

Lauren welcomes her guest Megan Mindy, a recent public health graduate from the University of Iowa. Megan shares her journey blending her passions for disability advocacy, inclusive recreation, and entrepreneurship. Her experiences include an internship at the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, participation in the LEND program, and a study abroad trip to Cape Town exploring disability culture. Megan has also launched her own adaptive sports startup, Common Ground, to increase access and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Her story highlights the power of combining personal passion, community engagement, and public health education to create real-world impact. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-talking-disability-advocacy-inclusive-recreation-and-entrepreneurship-with-megan-mindy/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@

Lauren welcomes Gulrukh Mehboob for a discussion about the impacts of relaxed staff training and licensing requirements on nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gul is a Fulbright PhD scholar at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, studying health workforce policy, particularly in long-term care settings. • Between March 2020 and September 2021, 19 states reduced CNA training and licensing requirements in an effort to address staffing shortages in nursing homes. • Gulrukh's study found that these policy changes did not improve CNA staffing levels in nursing homes, even though some scholars had argued that strict training and licensing requirements were a barrier to entering the field. • Gulrukh suggests that improving wages, benefits, and working conditions for CNAs may be more effective than reducing training and licensing requirements for addressing staffing shortages in nursing homes. • Her future research will explore the impact of other workforce policies, such as incentive-based progr

This week's episode inludes a terrific discussion about the Breast Cancer Prevention Program (BCPP) at the National University of Singapore, a multifaceted research initiative aimed at improving breast cancer screening, care, and prevention in Southeast Asia. Led by Dr. Mikael Hartman and Jenny, the program collaborates with medical anthropologist Dr. Cynthia Chou to integrate cultural and community perspectives into its work. The BCPP emphasizes a holistic approach to the breast cancer journey, from screening and early detection to treatment, prognosis, and survivorship. Key priorities include developing culturally responsive screening strategies, leveraging genetics and genomics to personalize risk assessment, and conducting community outreach to address barriers to healthcare access and utilization. The program's international collaborations allow it to study the unique genetic and sociocultural factors shaping breast cancer patterns in Asian populations. A transcript of this episode is available at ht

Dr. Nichole Nidey joins Lauren to talk about the Empower Project; a collaborative effort that aims to improve research and clinical care related to substance use during pregnancy. It includes researchers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience of drug use during pregnancy. The project has grown from an initial group of 6 mothers in 2019 to over 20 mothers from 8 states. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-changing-stigma-to-support-with-the-empower-project/ Have a question for our podcast crew or an idea for an episode? You can email them at CPH-GradAmbassador@uiowa.edu You can also support Plugged in to Public Health by sharing this episode and others with your friends, colleagues, and social networks.

This episode features an interview with Dr. Shadi Saleh, the founding director of the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut. Dr. Saleh discusses the institute's work to shift the global health paradigm from a North-led, implementer-driven model to one where institutions in the Global South are originators of context-driven solutions. Key highlights include: • The institute's work to create a cloud-based electronic health record system for refugee populations, allowing them to access their medical histories as they move between countries. • Initiatives to integrate "conflict medicine" into the training and education of healthcare professionals, preparing them to practice in disrupted and resource-limited settings. • The institute's role as a regional hub for research and innovation in the use of AI for global health applications, focusing on community health and sexual/reproductive health. • The institute's commitment to diversifying its funding sources to maintain independence and sust

This week, Lauren welcomes UI College of Public Health alumnus and recipient of the college's 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award, Dr. Vijay Golla. They discuss his journey into public health that began with his medical training in India, where he became interested in preventive medicine and social medicine. This led him to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial hygiene at the University of Iowa, where he focused his dissertation on assessing pesticide levels and related doses among farm families in Iowa. After graduating, Dr. Golla returned to Western Kentucky University, where he obtained a training grant to support undergraduate and graduate students in environmental health sciences. In his current role as Vice Provost for Research and Health Sciences at Texas A&M, Dr. Golla has been able to significantly increase research funding and expand the university's health science initiatives, which he sees as a critical part of public health's future focus on disease prevention. Dr. Golla emphasizes the importance of field exp

Lauren welcomes Mary Charlton to the podcast to discuss the Iowa Cancer Registry's "99 Counties" project. The "Cancer in Iowa 99 Counties" project aims to educate Iowans about the high cancer rates in the state, the types of cancer driving these rates, and risk factors that can be addressed through policy and community action Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence rate in the U.S., with the most common cancers being breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and melanoma The project involves creating detailed reports on cancer trends and risk factors for each of Iowa's 99 counties, which are presented to local public health officials and community members to spur action Key findings include geographic patterns in different cancer types (e.g. higher lung cancer in southern Iowa, higher melanoma in northern Iowa), highlighting the complex, multifactorial nature of cancer The goal is to empower Iowans to advocate for evidence-based policies (e.g. tobacco tax increases) and community initiatives to reduce the

This is part 2 with guests, Jeanie Kimbel and Sophie Switzer from the University of Iowa College of Public Health's Career Services Office. They provide practical tips on building authentic connections, asking the right questions, and mapping your next steps, even if you're not sure where you want to end up. They emphasize that networking is more than just formal events - it's about telling the people in your life what you're looking for and letting them help make connections. They also recommend preparing thoroughly for informational interviews, going beyond traditional job boards to find public health-specific opportunities, and being open to exploring different career paths through internships and job shadowing. The conversation covers a range of resources available to both undergraduate and graduate students, including the College of Public Health's career services website and professional associations' job boards. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-item

This two-part podcast episode discusses career readiness and preparation for a career in public health. The guests, Jeanie Kimbel and Sophie Switzer from the University of Iowa College of Public Health's Career Services Office, provide practical advice on getting started with the job search, including tips for crafting resumes and cover letters, avoiding common mistakes, and highlighting relevant experience even from classroom projects. They emphasize the importance of seeking help early and often, as the job search process takes more time than many students realize. The guests also address common misconceptions and concerns from students at different stages of their academic journeys, and provide guidance on how to stand out as an applicant, network, and discover the right career path in public health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-career-readiness-and-life-after-college-part-1/ Have a question for our podcast crew or

This episode features an interview with Dr. Anjali Deshpande, a clinical associate professor in epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health and the current president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA). Dr. Deshpande discusses her journey into public health, the role of IPHA in advocating for and strengthening public health practice in Iowa, and the challenges facing the public health field, particularly around funding. She provides advice for students looking to build careers in public health, emphasizing the importance of getting involved in organizations like IPHA to develop advocacy skills and make connections. Dr. Deshpande expresses hope for the future of public health in Iowa, highlighting the need to build bridges with policymakers and the public to make the work of public health more visible and impactful. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-advocating-for-public-health-with-anjali-deshpa

This week, Lauren introduces some of our newest student podcasters, Raj, Caroline, and Max. They discuss their backgrounds, what excites them about public health, and their experiences so far in graduate school. Key takeaways: The podcasters come from diverse backgrounds, including epidemiology, agricultural safety and health, and public health more broadly. They are passionate about topics like infectious diseases, chronic disease prevention, and environmental/occupational health literacy. They share advice for other graduate students, such as making connections with faculty, balancing work and personal life, and taking advantage of opportunities. The podcasters are excited to bring fresh perspectives to the podcast and explore issues in public health that don't receive enough attention, like qualitative research and the connections between chronic diseases and future conditions like dementia. A transcript of this podcast is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-publ

In this episode, Dr. Denise Jamieson, the Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, shares her vision and priorities for improving healthcare in Iowa. She focuses on serving the state’s 3.2 million residents through clinical care, education, and research at UI Health Care. Dr. Jamieson discusses her goal of building an integrated, efficient health system that ensures the right care is delivered at the right time and place, while also tackling challenges related to access and workforce shortages. A key topic is her emphasis on the importance of clear communication, particularly during public health crises, and the need to rebuild trust in science and public health efforts. Drawing from her unique experience at the intersection of clinical medicine and public health, Dr. Jamieson outlines how this perspective informs her leadership approach. She concludes by expressing her enthusiasm for the future of academic medicine and the potential for the nex

Tristan and Victor host a discussion with Dr. Alana Knudson, director and Senior Fellow at the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. Key points include: Dr. Knudson's early passion for rural health, stemming from her upbringing in a rural North Dakota community and work with the state's Department of Health. The challenges facing rural communities, particularly around poverty, livable wages, and access to essential services like healthcare. The impact of state and federal policies on rural healthcare delivery, and the need for financing models that account for the unique circumstances of rural providers. The role of emerging technologies, such as remote patient monitoring, in improving access to healthcare in rural areas. Successful community-driven interventions, like community health worker programs, that have made a meaningful impact. Advice for researchers and public health professionals to listen to rural communities and collaborate with them to address their specific needs and concerns. A