Lisa is a fourth year PhD candidate and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She received a B.A. in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2015, and DPT from St. Ambrose University in 2018. She enjoys teaching, CrossFit, and spending time with her husband and children. Her clinical and research interests lie in maternal healthcare and improving birthing persons ability to return to and participate in fitness.

Gyurin is a second year PhD student. She received a B.A. in Human Movement Studies from Ewha Womans University in South Korea, an M.A. in Sport Management from Seoul National University (South Korea), and an M.P.H. in Health Policy and Management from Emory University. Her passion revolves around promoting healthier lives among women and children by advocating for increased physical activity as a means to prevent obesity. 

Madeline Richter

Madeline recently graduated from the University of Iowa with her B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and is now pursuing a M.S. in Health and Human Physiology, Sub-Track Child Life. She hopes to become a Child Life Specialist and continue her passion for helping children and their families as they navigate and cope with their medical procedures. 

Emma is a sophomore B.S. student studying Exercise Science on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. At Iowa, she is involved in Dance Marathon and intramural volleyball. Outside of school, Emma works as a Rehabilitation Care Technician at St. Luke’s Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new workout classes, attending concerts, and spending time with her family and pets.

Emma is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Human Physiology on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. After graduation, she hopes to attend P.A. school and eventually work in women's health or family medicine. Outside of school, she is a volunteer at Mercy Hospital and works as a nursing assistant at UIHC. She enjoys participating in physical activity on campus and sharing its benefits with others. 

Sehansa is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in Health and Human Physiology. She is a Student Clinical Technician in the Department of Anesthesia, a Student Intern in the Stead Family Children's Hospital Injury Prevention and Community Outreach Program, as well as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Physics I. She hopes to attend medical school to become a physician in Pediatrics after college graduation. 

 Brooke is a senior pursuing a B.S. in Exercise Science on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. Outside of school, she is a CLAS Ambassador, a volunteer at the Iowa Food Pantry, and a Nursing Assistant at UIHC. After graduation, she will pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. She is enthusiastic about promoting the advantages of physical activity to others and hopes to incorporate it into her career.

Karima is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Human Physiology on the pre-medicine track with minors in Spanish and Lifestyle Medicine. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. Outside of the classroom, she is a Mother/Baby volunteer at UIHC and is involved in Dance Marathon. Karima is passionate about serving underserved populations within the healthcare system.

Karina Smith, MSN, RN

Karina Smith worked in the lab as the Study Coordinator for Pregnancy 24/7 and lab manager from 2020-2025. She now has a staff position in Ob/Gyn at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 

Jacob Gallagher, PhD

Jacob worked in the lab as a postdoctoral trainee. He is now a tenure-track faculty member at Iowa State University. 

Leah Bergmann

Leah worked in the lab as a Graduate Research Assistant while pursuing a MS in Health and Human Physiology: Sub-Track Child Life. She is now completing her internship and then will seek a position as a Child Life Specialist. 

Jackie completed her MS with thesis and PhD in the lab. She is now a Postdoctoral Researcher at Northwestern University. 

Kenzie completed her MS with thesis in the lab. She is now working as a clinical trial assistant at Endogenex in Minneapolis.  

Katie completed her B.S. in Human Physiology on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. She is currently taking a gap year and plans to attend a Physician Assistant program.  

Raegan worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the lab and is now in her first year at Medical School. 

Maya worked in the lab as a Graduate Research Assistant while pursuing a MS in Health and Human Physiology: Sub-Track Child Life. She is now working as a Child Life Specialist.

Melissa worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr. Whitaker and is now a tenure-track Assistant Professor at Oakland University. 

Dong worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher with Dr. Whitaker and is now faculty at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

Minsuk received his PhD working with Dr. Whitaker and is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Baylor University. 

Piroska received her PhD working with Dr. Whitaker and is now an Assistant Professor at the University of the Ozarks.

Rachel worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Dr. Whitaker and is now in the Physician Assistant Program at Stanford.

Hailee worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Dr. Whitaker and is now in the Master of Graphic Design Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

Laney received her BS in Human Physiology on the Pre-Medicine track and is now attending medical school. Her goal is to work as a physician in  the field of women’s health or emergency medicine. 

Madeline received her MS working with Dr. Whitaker and is now a Lecturer at St. Ambrose while also running her own wellness company.