Dare to Discover, 2026
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 4 of the 40 rising stars in this year’s banner campaign as connected to our department.
Harry Bui, Undergraduate student (science studies)
Paves way for better patient care
Faculty mentors: Martha Carvour, MD, PhD, assistant professor of internal medicine-infectious diseases, Carver College of Medicine, and Sherry Watt, PhD, professor of higher education and student affairs, College of Education
Harry Bui bridges scientific and social science research as he investigates ways to improve the experiences of patients and community members with diabetes and diabetes-related complications, using innovations that range from biosensors that detect infection to dialogue frameworks aimed at improving access to care. With a focus on patients with diabetes, Bui has studied access to preventative kidney care and worked to improve the diagnosis and treatment of foot wounds.
Collectively, Harry’s work demonstrates a strong dedication to pursuing research that improves the experiences of patients and community members across Iowa, while his enthusiasm for sharing and communicating about his work has consistently shone through.
– Martha Carvour
Beck Fitzpatrick, Undergraduate student (microbiology)
Breathes life into airway health
Faculty mentor/advisor: Amy Ryan, PhD, associate professor of anatomy and cell biology, associate professor of internal medicine, Carver College of Medicine
Beck Fitzpatrick’s research focuses on understanding how genetic disease impacts airway cells’ ability to function and regenerate, work that could inform future strategies to improve lung health. By studying the biology of airway tissue, Fitzpatrick aims to uncover insights that may one day lead to therapies that restore normal breathing and enhance patient care.
Beck is highly motivated to succeed in whatever he pursues next, and I believe his combination of scholarship, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for science make him an outstanding representative for the Dare to Discover campaign.
– Amy Ryan
Josh Kettelkamp, MD student
Personalizes organ transplant care with AI
Faculty mentors/advisors: Melissa Swee, MD, MME, clinical assistant professor of internal medicine-nephrology, Carver College of Medicine; David A. Axelrod, MD, MBA, FACS, Carver College of Medicine
Josh Kettelkamp leverages machine learning to improve post-kidney transplant outcomes for patients by optimizing immunosuppressant therapy. His research uses real-world data from large networks to identify risk factors and trends that clinical trials often miss, laying the foundation for predictive models that personalize care and reduce complications. He also has a deeply personal connection to his work—his grandfather was among the first kidney transplant recipients at the University of Iowa’s hospital in 1973. While the transplant extended his grandfather’s life, he passed away at age 57, before Kettelkamp was born.
Josh exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives University of Iowa research. His work directly improves patient care by addressing real-world problems, including reducing electronic health record alert fatigue and advancing transplant care through predictive analytics.
– Melissa Swee
Winter Philibert, PhD student (biomedical engineering)
Investigates lung defense systems
Faculty mentor/advisor: Mahmoud Abou Alaiwa, MD, associate professor of internal medicine-pulmonary, critical care and occupational medicine, Carver College of Medicine
Winter Philibert studies how mucus transport in the airways helps keep lungs clean and healthy. This natural defense system traps dust, microbes, and allergens and sweeps them out of the lungs. When this process malfunctions, as in diseases like cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, it leads to worsening respiratory health, chronic infections, and lung damage.
Winter’s research lies at the junction of biomedical engineering and medicine. She leverages her expertise in biomedical engineering to understand complex mechanisms.
– Mahmoud Abou Alaiwa
Another thing to live about UI and UIHC.