OEH News

The latest news from the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Connect with the college at APHA in Atlanta

Planning to attend the APHA Annual Meeting in Atlanta? View a list of CPH presentations, find our exhibit booth, and attend the CPH alumni and friends reception on Nov. 13.  Published October 25, 2023

Thorne discusses sustainable sources of energy

Peter Thorne, professor of occupational and environmental health, says a major approach to combat climate change is mitigating and reducing the release of more greenhouse gases by switching to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. (Daily Iowan) Published October 25, 2023

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