Jackie is a third year PhD student. She graduated with my B.A. in Biology from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2019 and a MS in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2021. She is a passionate advocate for women's health and desires to reform the education, current medical practices, and treatments available to these populations to strive towards improved healthcare for all. 

Lisa is a third year PhD student 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 first 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. 

Kenzie is a second year graduate student pursuing a M.S. in Health and Human Physiology. She graduated with her B.A. in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2022.  She is passionate about creating an influence on maternal healthcare both locally and globally, educating others on key topics of passion, and promoting physical activity.  

Leah Bergmann

Leah is a first-year graduate student pursuing an M.S. in Child Life. She graduated with her B.A. in Child and Adolescent Development at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. She is passionate about supporting children and families as they process medical situations and encourage optimum development throughout medical care.  

Maya is a second year graduate student pursuing an MS in Health and Human Physiology: Sub-Track Child Life.  She graduated with a B.S. in Human Development from Howard University.  

Raegan is a senior pursuing a B.A. in Health and Human Physiology on the Pre-Medicine track. After graduation, she hopes to attend medical school with the goal of becoming a family medicine physician. Outside of the lab, she is the president of Circle K and a member of Delta Gamma. She is passionate about promoting physical activity and women’s health, especially in rural communities. 

Emma is a sophomore 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 Karunatilaka

Sehansa is a junior 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. 

Katie is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Human Physiology on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. After graduation, she plans to attend a Physician Assistant program and is interested in specializing in women’s health or dermatology. Outside of class, she volunteers at UIHC, is a CNA, and is involved in Dance Marathon. Katie hopes to promote the positive impact of physical activity on building healthy habits both on campus and in the local community.  

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 working 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.

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

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. 

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

Courtney worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with Dr. Whitaker and is now in the number one ranked Physician Assistant Program at Iowa.

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. 

Megan was an INSPiRE Study Coordinator and Health Coach while completing her Masters in Clinical Nutrition and is now a Dietician at UIHC.  

Chelsie was an INSPiRE Study Coordinator and Health Coach. She is now in the Physician Assistant Program at St. Catherine’s University.