Kristen Davis is originally from Durban, South Africa. She received her BS in Exercise Science with a minor in Health Science from South Dakota State University and went on to compete a MS in Nutrition and Exercise Science. Kristen’s research concerns cardiovascular disease mechanisms and exercise as a strategy for its prevention and treatment, with a current focus on central arterial stiffness and pressure hemodynamics in postpartum women. When not in the lab, she enjoys the gym as her go-to stress reliever, traveling, being outdoors, and trying new recipes.

Breanna is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar who joined the Pierce Lab in April 2025. She received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Carolina in 2024, focusing on vascular calcification and peripheral artery disease. Her work in the Pierce Lab focuses on retinal vascular flow and its associations with age, hypertension, vascular health, and end-organ function. In her free time, Breanna enjoys reading and traveling.

Amy received her BSN from Mount Mercy College in 2002. She returned to school in 2012 and received her MSN from Mount Mercy University in 2014, while raising three children. She joined the Pierce Lab in April 2015 as part of the AHA SFRN preeclampsia study. Since then, Amy has greatly expanded her research skills within the Pierce Lab, becoming an integral part of the team.  As a Research Specialist, Amy keeps the lab running smoothly by training new students and lab personnel, coordinating studies, recruiting study participants and phlebotomy, working with EHS for the lab audits, collaborating with other research labs, and many other crucial tasks vital to the lab.  In her free time, Amy enjoys exploring nature, hiking, kayaking, camping, rock hounding, reading, and making jewelry.

Nathan is from Bettendorf, Iowa, and is a second-year Biomedical Sciences major at the University of Iowa. Nathan serves as the President of the Iowa Tennis Club and Outreach Coordinator for Camp Kesem. Outside of studying and extracurricular activities, he stays active by playing pickleball, pick-up basketball, and lifting weights along side friends.

Nate is a third-year Human Physiology major at the University of Iowa. Outside a research setting, he participates in the Iowa America Chemical Society club and works at the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center performing EKGs. Along with his coursework, he enjoys golfing with friends, hiking with his dog, fishing, and weightlifting.

Tucker is a fourth-year student at the University of Iowa on the pre-medical track. Originally from Decorah, Iowa, he has dedicated the past three years to providing patient care in various capacities, including roles as a phlebotomist and patient care technician. He’s looking forward to contributing to the research that pushes medicine forward. Tucker plans to pursue medical school following a gap year enriched with additional research experience. Beyond his academic and research pursuits, he enjoys weightlifting and spending plenty of time outdoors with friends and family.