Since 2016, the University of Iowa’s Office of the Vice President for Research has sponsored a banner campaign around downtown Iowa City to feature researchers whose ideas are already making an impact on the world. The Dare to Discover campaign showcases researchers, scholars, and creators from across the University of Iowa.
Each year since, the Department of Internal Medicine has been represented in some way on at least one or two banners. This year, we are again proud to count 6 of the 100 rising stars in this year’s banner campaign as connected to our department.
Anne Cunningham, Undergraduate student, biomedical engineering
Investigates damage due to cancer treatment
Faculty mentor/advisor: Isabella Grumbach MD, PhD, interim chair and professor, internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
Anne has been enthusiastic about her project since day one. Even though she had no previous experience, she has never hesitated to tackle new procedures, learn new things, or to ask good questions.
– Michelle Tamplin, postdoctoral research scholar
William Dong, Undergraduate student, biomedical engineering
Determines medical imaging safety
Faculty mentor/advisor: Kanchna Ramchandran, PhD, associate research scientist, internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
He has presented research at international, national, and local conferences and is currently writing a first authored manuscript for submission to a peer reviewed journal. With one abstract already published, this is a high achievement for an undergraduate student.
– Kanchna Ramchandran, associate research scientist
Guillermo Romano Ibarra, MD/PhD student
Correlates cell function to lung health
Faculty mentor/advisor: David Stoltz, MD, PhD; professor of internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
Guillermo has overcome and continues to overcome every challenge thrown at him…To me, Guillermo’s tenacity, drive, and research and academic success demonstrate that without question Guillermo has ‘Dared to Discover.’
– David Stoltz, professor
Connor Laule, PhD student, pharmacology
Unlocks interplay of stress and appetite
Faculty mentor/advisor: Kamal Rahmouni, PhD, professor of neuroscience and pharmacology, professor of internal medicine; and Deniz Atasoy, PhD, assistant professor of neuroscience and pharmacology; Carver College of Medicine
Connor is a true scientist who takes risks by embarking in projects that are the ‘high-risk high-reward’ type that very few students dare to do.”
– Kamal Rahmouni, professor
Amanda Slagle, PhD student, immunology
Identifies drivers of kidney disease
Faculty mentor/advisor: Richard Smith, MD, professor of otolaryngology, professor of internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
In short, Amanda is a creative, multi-talented, passionate, personable young woman who is very smart, highly motivated, persistent, and preserving.
– Richard Smith, professor
Bethie Walker, Undergraduate student, biomedical sciences and neuroscience
Seeks disease treatments through diet
Faculty mentor/advisor: Terry Wahls, MD, clinical professor of internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
Bethie is a busy scholar, and her goal is to earn her PhD and develop a career as a researcher. She is a double major, holds two jobs on campus in laboratories, and still finds time for activities with Gamma Rho Lambda and the Iowa Biosciences Academy.
– Mycah Kimble, Administrative Services Coordinator, Iowa Institute of Human Genetics