Baker, Pentella part of partnership to develop rapid tests for diarrheal diseases

Kelly Baker, associate professor of occupational and environmental health, and Michael Pentella, clinical professor of epidemiology and director of the University of Iowa State Hygienic Lab, are part of a partnership with a Wisconsin company to develop new rapid tests to identify diarrheal diseases. The new testing could help rural areas and developing countries identify disease outbreaks more quickly as well as expediting treatment for patients. (The Gazette) Published October 20, 2023

New research center to focus on climate resilience efforts in the Central Midwest

Researchers at the University of Iowa have received a $6 million grant for a five-year project focused on collaborative research and community engagement in climate adaptation planning. The center is led by Brandi Janssen, CPH clinical associate professor of occupational and environmental health. Published October 17, 2023

Anthony discusses equipment lockouts to prevent injuries

Two workers lost legs after an accident this summer at an Iowa grain co-op. T. Renee Anthony, CPH professor of occupational and environmental health, said it likely happened because of a failure to make sure the conveyor belt could not be started while workers were in the area. "If you’re working on a system where there are hazards, all the equipment needs to be locked out so nobody can start it," she said. (The Gazette) Published October 12, 2023

2023 Iowa Climate Statement focuses on solar energy

More than 200 scientists from Iowa colleges and universities signed the 2023 Iowa Climate Statement. This year’s statement focused on Iowa’s potential to tap solar energy resources. (Mulitple sources) Published October 11, 2023

Janssen attends White House Summit on Climate Resilience

Brandi Janssen, clinical associate professor of occupational and environmental health, recently attended a White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities. Published October 5, 2023

Nathan Fethke to lead Department of Occupational and Environmental Health

Dr. Nathan Fethke has been named head of the University of Iowa Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. His appointment begins Oct. 1, 2023. Published September 27, 2023

Free registration for students attending Iowa Rural Health Association conference

Sponsorship support from the College of Public Health will allow up to 20 students to register at no cost to attend the 2023 Iowa Rural Health Association annual conference. The one-day, in-person conference will take place Oct. 18. Published September 26, 2023

Call for Research Week poster abstracts

Students, postdocs, faculty, and staff are invited to submit abstracts for the CPH Research Week poster session on Oct. 31. Multiple $250 prizes will be awarded! Submissions are due Oct. 19. Published September 20, 2023

Funding available to add roll bars to old tractors

Limited rebates are available to help farmers pay for adding a Roll Over Protection Structure — or ROPS — to tractors manufactured before 1985. “Investing in retrofitting older tractors with ROPS protects farmers and rural communities from a leading cause of agricultural death and injury,” said Brandi Janssen, CPH clinical assistant professor. (The Gazette) Published September 19, 2023

Thorne comments on extreme heat and health

Peter Thorne, distinguished chair and CPH professor of occupational and environmental health, was recently interviewed about the threats extreme heat poses to the Midwest. (Multiple sources) Published September 13, 2023