University of Iowa College of Public Health

CPH Communications

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is a top-ranked school of public health, meeting the public health challenges of the 21st century through education, research, outreach, and community engagement.

  1. 2 days ago

    How Do We Know the Air Is Safe?

    What does it actually mean when regulators say a proposed power plant is expected to meet air-quality standards? In this episode of Plugged In To Public Health, Lauren talks with Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, professor in the University of Iowa College of Public Health’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, about the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the broader public health questions surrounding energy production and air pollution. Using the proposed natural gas facility as a real-world example, Dr. O’Shaughnessy explains what pollutants can result from burning natural gas, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, and why some populations may be particularly vulnerable to poor air quality. The conversation also explores how the Clean Air Act regulates major pollution sources, how facilities use pollution-control technology, and how regulators determine whether a new source is expected to remain within air-quality standards. Lauren and Dr. O’Shaughnessy also dig into one of the less visible parts of environmental regulation: computer dispersion modeling. They discuss how models use emissions information and years of meteorological data to estimate where pollutants may travel and identify potential worst-case conditions, as well as why modeling and physical air monitoring each provide different kinds of information. Finally, the episode examines how public health professionals can communicate uncertainty when communities want definitive answers about environmental risk, what data would be important to monitor if the Morgan Valley Energy Center is built, and how lower-cost technologies such as PurpleAir sensors may expand community involvement in air-quality monitoring. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-how-do-we-know-the-air-is-safe/ 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. #publichealth #iowacity #healthcare #airpollution #energyproduction #airquality #environmentalhealth #naturalgas #datacollection #morganvalleyenergycenter

    How Do We Know the Air Is Safe?

  2. 4 Sept

    Following your curiosity, finding your path

    In this episode of Plugged In To Public Health, Lauren sits down with Harry Bui, a Master of Public Health student in epidemiology at the University of Iowa, to talk about finding your path in public health and why that path does not have to be linear. Harry shares how he began college interested in science education and medicine before an introductory public health course shifted the way he thought about health and healthcare. He discusses his transition into epidemiology, his interest in clinical diagnostics and health equity, and how research helped him see the connection between community needs and academic work. The conversation also covers Harry’s involvement with the University of Iowa Mobile Clinic and the Office of Innovation’s Innovation Fellows program, where he has explored entrepreneurship, technology, and new approaches to improving patient care. He also talks about his plans to apply for a Fulbright and his interest in continuing to combine public health, medicine, technology, and education in the future. Throughout the episode, Harry reflects on mentorship, uncertainty, changing career plans, and the importance of reaching out to faculty and researchers when you are trying to find opportunities. For students who are still figuring out where they fit within public health, his advice is simple: stay curious, talk to people, and give yourself permission to explore. Plugged In To Public Health is a student-run podcast from the University of Iowa College of Public Health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-following-your-curiosity-finding-your-path/ 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. #publichealth #healthcare #mastersdegree #epidemiology #patientcare #fellowships #entrepreneurship #research #healthequity #iowa

    Following your curiosity, finding your path

  3. 28 Aug

    What an MPH Taught Me: Reflections on Graduate School with Student Host Raj

    In this episode of Plugged In To Public Health, Lauren sits down with former podcast host and recent University of Iowa MPH graduate Prithvi Raj Daliboyina ("Raj") to reflect on his time in the College of Public Health. Before coming to Iowa, Raj completed physician training in India. During his MPH in Epidemiology, he expanded that clinical perspective through coursework and projects in epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative research, data analysis, and healthcare quality improvement. Raj discusses the transition from thinking about health at the individual patient level to examining the broader systems and population-level factors that shape health outcomes. He also shares how projects involving medication adherence and hospital length of stay helped him see the importance of issues such as transportation, communication, health literacy, care coordination, and access. The conversation also covers some of the less obvious parts of graduate school, including adapting to a new academic system, moving to a new country, deciding where to specialize within a broad field, and learning how to turn complicated public health data into information that can be understood and used by people outside the field. Raj also reflects on his time as a host of Plugged In To Public Health and the value of podcasting as a space for asking questions, challenging assumptions, and communicating different perspectives. For students beginning an MPH or still figuring out where they fit in public health, Raj offers a simple piece of advice: explore broadly, talk to people, take advantage of opportunities, and give yourself permission to discover your interests along the way. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-reflections-on-graduate-school-with-student-host-raj/ 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. #publichealth #healthcare #graduateschool #mastersdegree #MPH #epidemiology #podcasting #studentperspective #healthliteracy #iowacity

    What an MPH Taught Me: Reflections on Graduate School with Student Host Raj

  4. 21 Aug

    Meeting Communities Where They Are: Zuli Garcia and Knock and Drop Iowa

    What does it look like to build public health programs around what a community actually needs? In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, Lauren talks with Zuli Garcia, founder and president of Knock and Drop Iowa. The organization began in Zuli’s garage during the COVID-19 pandemic as a culturally specific Latino food pantry and has since grown into a multicultural organization serving hundreds of Iowa households each week. Zuli shares why culturally appropriate food matters, how Knock and Drop Iowa grew from an emergency response into a nonprofit, and how food rescue and partnerships with local organizations help the pantry serve families across the Des Moines area. The conversation also explores Knock and Drop Iowa’s expansion into health education and vaccine access. Zuli discusses how her own experience with cervical cancer influenced her work around HPV education, screening, vaccination, and patient advocacy, and why making health information convenient, understandable, and culturally responsive is critical. Throughout the episode, Zuli explains how Knock and Drop Iowa has built trust by listening to communities, partnering with trusted local leaders, and bringing resources into existing events and spaces rather than expecting people to come to them. It’s a conversation about food insecurity, access to care, cultural responsiveness, community trust, and what it means to truly meet people where they are. Learn more about Knock and Drop Iowa: To learn more, get involved, request programming in your community, or support the organization: Email Zuli at zuli@knockndropiowa.org Call or text 515-330-6077 Visit the Knock and Drop Iowa website for information about volunteering and ways to donate. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-meeting-communities-where-they-are-with-zuli-garcia-and-knock-and-drop-iowa/ 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. #publichealth #communityhealth #foodpantry #latino #culturalimportance #healthscreening #foodinsecurity #nonprofit #CEO #iowacity

    Meeting Communities Where They Are: Zuli Garcia and Knock and Drop Iowa

  5. 24 Jul

    Meet the Host: Max's Journey from Master's to PhD

    What is graduate school really like, and how do you know whether a master's degree or PhD is the right fit? In this episode, we turn the microphone toward one of our own hosts, Max Hansen, as he reflects on his journey from undergraduate student to earning a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the University of Iowa and preparing to begin his PhD. Max shares how he discovered public health, why research became his passion, and what ultimately convinced him to continue his education. Along the way, we discuss the realities of graduate coursework, the value of research assistantships, writing a master's thesis, navigating literature reviews, choosing meaningful research questions, and building relationships with faculty mentors. Max also offers thoughtful advice for students considering graduate school and explains why curiosity and a genuine love of learning are more important than simply earning another degree. Whether you're exploring public health for the first time or wondering what comes after your bachelor's or master's degree, this episode provides an honest look at the graduate student experience from someone who has just lived it. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-whats-grad-school-really-like/ 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. #publichealth #healthcare #graduateschool #mastersdegree #phd #research #continuingeducation #studentperspective #assistantships #iowacity

    Meet the Host: Max's Journey from Master's to PhD

  6. 20 Jul

    Beyond the Sidelines: Understanding Youth Concussions and Recovery

    What happens after a child gets a concussion, and what does a safe return to school actually look like? In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, Lauren sits down with Dr. Emily Carlson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Iowa, to discuss youth concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and the growing field of concussion policy research. Dr. Carlson explains the difference between concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries, dispels common myths about diagnosis and recovery, and discusses why today's treatment recommendations look very different than they did in the past. She also shares her research on "Return to Learn" policies, which are designed to help students transition back to the classroom after a concussion. The conversation explores why simply passing a law may not be enough, the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and schools, and why implementation—not just legislation—is often the biggest challenge. Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, healthcare professional, or simply someone interested in brain health, this episode offers an accessible look at how public health research can improve outcomes for children recovering from concussion. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-understanding-youth-concussions-and-recovery/ 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. #publichealth #healthcare #concussions #braininjuries #sportsinjuries #healthpolicy #research #youthsports #recovery #iowacity

    Beyond the Sidelines: Understanding Youth Concussions and Recovery

  7. 2 Jul

    The Public Health Case for Period Products

    Period poverty affects millions of people, yet it remains one of the least discussed public health challenges. In this episode of Plugged into Public Health, Lauren sits down with Maanya Pandey, founder and president of Love For Red, to discuss how a nonprofit she started as a high school student has grown into a statewide organization working to improve menstrual product access across Iowa. Together they explore what period poverty actually means, why access is about more than affordability, and how stigma continues to shape conversations around menstruation. Maanya shares how Love For Red partners with schools and community organizations, the challenges of sustaining a grassroots nonprofit, and why advocacy has become a central part of the organization's mission. They also discuss ongoing efforts in the Iowa Legislature to improve menstrual product access in schools and why policy change is essential for creating lasting solutions. Whether you're interested in public health, nonprofit leadership, health policy, or simply learning more about an issue that affects millions of people every month, this conversation offers valuable insight into how local action can drive meaningful change. To learn more about Love For Red, request support, volunteer, or get involved, visit https://www.loveforred.org/ or follow @loveforredorg on social media. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-the-public-health-case-for-period-products/ 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. #publichealth #womenshealth #menstrualhealth #menstrualproducts #nonprofit #healthpolicy #periodproducts #advocacy #endperiodpoverty #iowacity

    The Public Health Case for Period Products

  8. 12 Jun

    Measuring What Matters: Supporting Rural Dementia Caregivers

    What does support really mean for caregivers? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Emily Killian, a PhD candidate in Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa, to discuss her research on caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Emily shares how her interest in aging and caregiving led her to study social support networks, particularly among caregivers in rural communities. The conversation explores the realities of caregiving, the unique challenges faced by rural families, and why traditional measures of social support may not fully capture caregivers' experiences. Emily also explains how researchers use cognitive interviewing to improve survey tools and ensure that the voices of caregivers are reflected in public health research. Whether you have experience caring for a loved one, work in healthcare, or are simply interested in how research shapes public health programs and policy, this episode offers valuable insights into the importance of listening to the people most affected by the issues we study. A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-supporting-rural-dementia-caregivers/ 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. #publichealth #healthcare #communityhealth #behavioralhealth #caregivers #dementia #alzheimersdisease #research #support #iowacity

    Measuring What Matters: Supporting Rural Dementia Caregivers
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The University of Iowa College of Public Health is a top-ranked school of public health, meeting the public health challenges of the 21st century through education, research, outreach, and community engagement.

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