Iowa State University - College of Health and Human Sciences

05/28/2026

From coordinating weddings to planning community events 🌿✨, Iowa State alum Jenna Hunter turned her passion for creating memorable experiences into a career she loves at the Iowa Arboretum.

Through hands-on experiences, campus involvement, and career fair connections, Jenna found her path in event management and built a career where no two days look the same.

Check out her full story: https://bit.ly/4dF5CL0

05/22/2026

How can AI help bridge the gap between behavioral science and obesity care?

A new interdisciplinary project led by researchers in Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology and Helath and collaborators across campus is developing an AI-based chatbot designed to help adults in obesity care feel more confident about physical activity.

By combining behavioral science, technology, and real clinical data, the team hopes to create support that feels personalized, practical, and relevant for patients navigating obesity treatment. 💡

Read the full story: https://kin.hs.iastate.edu/news/using-ai-to-support-physical-activity-in-obesity-care/

05/21/2026

From classrooms in Iowa to studying abroad in Spain 🇪🇸🍎, Iowa State grad Morgan Panosh found purpose through hands-on experiences, meaningful connections, and saying yes to new opportunities ✨

An elementary education major with a passion for helping others, Morgan’s story shows how Iowa State prepares students for impact both inside and beyond the classroom ❤️💛

Check out her full story: https://hs.iastate.edu/student-spotlight/morgan-panosh-finding-purpose-beyond-the-traditional-classroom/

05/21/2026

Alpacas, llamas, and sheep are helping inspire the next wave of innovation at Iowa State. 🦙🐑

An interdisciplinary research team, including the department of apparel, events and hospitality management's Dr. Rachel Eike, is working with Iowa farmers and processors to better understand the state’s animal fiber system and identify opportunities to make it more connected, efficient, and sustainable.

From supply chains to textiles, this project is helping lay the groundwork for a stronger future for Iowa’s farmers and the fiber industry.

Read the full story: https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/news/mapping-iowas-animal-fiber-economy-to-unlock-new-value/

Shearing sheep, alpacas, and llamas is a routine and necessary task for Iowa farmers, but it can cost up to $50 per head. Long processing backlogs and limited options mean that fiber or wool often has nowhere to go, leaving […]

05/18/2026

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Russ Carson as the next chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health!

He is a nationally recognized leader in health and wellness, known for turning research into real-world impact. Carson has developed over 250 strategic partnerships and collaborations with public health, healthcare, and community organizations, and implemented more than 1000 community health projects.

He will begin his role on July 13.

Learn more about Dr. Carson: https://hs.iastate.edu/news/iowa-state-selects-russ-carson-to-lead-department-of-kinesiology-and-health/

05/16/2026

Commencement for the College of Health and Human Sciences is tonight, May 16, at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum! 🎓

Can't be there in person? Tune into the livestream: https://bit.ly/4uX3LbA

05/15/2026

Scroll through for some of our favorite snapshots from convocation and today’s reception with the College of Health and Human Sciences! We loved celebrating and honoring all that the Class of 2026 has accomplished. We are so proud of each of you and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make as you move humanity forward!

05/15/2026

Health and Human Sciences graduates, your moment has arrived!

Our college convocation is today, May 15, at 1 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. Today is all about celebrating you and the hard work and achievements that brought you here.

Reminder: event policies will be enforced, including a clear bag policy. Please make sure your guests are prepared—full details are available here: https://bit.ly/49RYMk2

A livestream of the convocation is available, so friends and family can be part of the celebration from anywhere.

We can't wait to celebrate you, Class of 2026!

05/15/2026

For years, menopause research has focused on symptoms like hot flashes and sleep. But what about the brain?

A new study, led by Iowa State’s assistant professor of Kinesiology and Health, Dr. Wesley Lefferts, is exploring how menopause may quietly shape brain health—and why women may face higher risks of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life.

The goal: identify changes early and find new ways to reduce those risks.

This is research with real impact for women’s health and aging.

📖 Learn more and how to get involved: https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/new-study-aims-map-how-menopause-shapes-aging-brain

05/14/2026

We had a wonderful afternoon celebrating our newest doctoral and master’s graduates! Your work will help improve lives and strengthen communities in so many ways.

The Graduate College commencement is tonight, May 14, at 7 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum. Tune in to the livestream: https://bit.ly/4nypwvJ