The University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research named Gwendolyn Waddingham the director of the Office of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The Office of the IACUC spearheads the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of research animals, which are valuable resources in the effort to develop new treatments for a range of health conditions and diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, childhood blindness, macular degeneration, and many others. 

Waddingham has been part of the Office of the IACUC since 2009, previously serving as the interim director, administrator, and coordinator. She replaces Dr. Nancy Marks, who retired in July 2025. 

“Gwen is a highly accomplished research compliance professional,” says Jennifer Lassner, associate vice president for research. “Her long tenure here at the university ensures that the Office of the IACUC continues to balance the advancement of scientific research with the highest standards of animal welfare and care.”

Waddingham is a Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) who specializes in the rigorous review of animal protocols and the implementation of federal regulatory requirements. Her expertise has been recognized on a national level, having served as a subject matter expert and presenter for prestigious organizations such as the Big Ten Academic Association (BTAA) and Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R).

Waddingham earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Natural Science from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and holds an AALAS Laboratory Animal Research Support Certificate as well.