The University of Iowa College of Public Health

09/02/2026

We're proud to spotlight College of Public Health alumnus Nick Lembezeder (24MPH), whose commitment to serving rural Iowa is guiding his journey from public health student to future physician.

Now a third-year medical student in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Nick plans to return to rural Iowa, where he believes great health care starts with human connection, trust, and a deep understanding of the communities physicians serve.

Nick says his public health education provided a broader, more holistic perspective on health, helping him understand not only patient care, but also the policies, resources, and community factors that shape health outcomes.

"My public health education has given me a more holistic perspective. Medicine isn't just about the individual you're treating. It's a broad field that influences so much more."

From co-founding the Student Association for Rural Health while earning his MPH to pursuing a career focused on strengthening health care access in rural communities, Nick exemplifies how public health and medicine work together to improve lives.

Read more about Nick's inspiring journey and his dedication to giving back to the people and communities that shaped him.

🔗 https://stories.uiowa.edu/human-connection-fuels-medical-students-desire-serve-rural-iowans



Story: Sara Epstein Moninger
Photography: Liz Martin

09/01/2026

🌏 Public health, but make it global.

This summer, Sarah Chen traded Iowa for Taipei, where she worked with migrant families, explored Taiwan's health care system, and gained a firsthand look at how public health, policy, and human rights intersect across cultures.

💬 "My experiences throughout the summer reminded me how intertwined public health and human rights are."

🌏✈️✨Ready to be inspired? Read Sarah’s story at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/a-summer-of-discovery-sarah-chen-gains-a-global-perspective-on-public-health-in-taiwan/



University of Iowa International Programs

08/31/2026

New semester loading... ✅

Free food? Check. 🍔 New friends? Check. 🤝 First day of classes? Check. 📚 Future public health leaders ready to change the world? Double check. 🌎

Swipe through for a look at all the fun from Welcome Week and the first week of classes at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. We can't wait to see what this semester brings!

08/27/2026

What do you get when you combine food trucks, sunshine, and a whole bunch of public health Hawkeyes? 🌞

A pretty great Welcome Week tradition!

Students, faculty, and staff came together yesterday to enjoy a free lunch, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and celebrate the start of another exciting year at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Swipe for smiles, sunshine, and plenty of lunch-time happiness. 🍔🍕🌮

08/25/2026

💛 Service before semester.

Last Friday, our incoming public health graduate students kicked off the academic year by giving back to the community.

Our annual Student Day of Service brought students to food banks, neighborhood centers, Habitat for Humanity build sites, Ronald McDonald House, and other community organizations in the area. It was a day of service, connection, and public health in action.

We're proud to begin each fall semester with a reminder that public health starts with community.

07/28/2026

📚 School is almost back. Your unread emails can wait.

Use these final summer weeks to catch up on Plugged In to Public Health, the award-winning student-run podcast from the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Recent episodes dive into:
✅ Aging in rural America
✅ Period poverty
✅ Youth concussions
✅ What grad school is really like

🎧 Bonus brag: Plugged In to Public Health was named the Top Public Health School Podcast of 2026 by MillionPodcasts!

So grab your headphones, soak up the last bit of summer, and hit play.

🔗 Listen at https://tinyurl.com/mt2bz5c7

07/15/2026

👇👇👇

These new modes of conveyance require thoughtful planning by caregivers, and we have ideas, write three Iowa hospital experts.

07/14/2026

🖤💛

07/09/2026

📚✈️ Sercie Gee Goes Global! 🌍💛

University of Iowa public health student Sercie Gee is heading to Costa Rica this summer through the Maternal Health Abroad program—and thanks to the Leona Zaharis Scholarship from UI International Programs, she can focus on making the most of this life-changing experience.

💬 “Studying abroad gives me the chance to see healthcare and public health in action outside the U.S. while stepping outside my comfort zone and gaining a global perspective. It is an experience I know will help me grow both personally and professionally,” she said.

For Sercie, receiving the Leona Zaharis Scholarship has made a meaningful difference.

💬 “It allows me to focus on learning, exploring, and making the most of my experience abroad rather than worrying as much about the financial burden. I'm incredibly grateful for the support and for the chance to create memories and experiences that will stay with me long after this program.”

The Leona Zaharis Scholarship supports first-generation students pursuing study abroad opportunities. Established by alumna Cathy Zaharis (BBA ’82) in honor of her mother, Leona, the scholarship celebrates a lifelong curiosity about the world and helps students gain transformative international experiences.



University of Iowa International Programs

07/08/2026

🎓 Hot take: Public Health might be one of the most underrated majors on campus.

If you've ever wondered: 🤔 Why do some communities have better health outcomes than others? 📊 How can data help save lives? 🌎 How do we prevent health problems before they start?..you might be thinking like a public health professional already.

A Public Health degree can lead to careers in: ✅ Community Health ✅ Health Policy ✅ Environmental Health ✅ Research ✅ Data & Analytics

And it can be a launchpad to fields like: 🔬 Epidemiology 🏥 Hospital Administration 📈 Biostatistics ⚕️ Medicine 💊 Pharmacy ⚖️ Law

Basically, if you want a career where you can help people on a larger scale—not just one person at a time—Public Health has a seat at the table.

Whether you're choosing a major, rethinking your major, or just trying to figure out what you want to do with your life (aren't we all? 😅), this one's worth a watch.

🌍 Big impact. Lots of options. Surprisingly cool major.

🎥 Check out the video and see where Public Health could take you.