The Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of Undergraduate Research recognized nine exceptional undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers at a celebration at the Englert Theatre on Tuesday, March 4.
The cohort of winners examines topics ranging from religious history in Nigeria to the molecular evolution of parasitic resistance in snails. OVPR and OUR solicit nominations for the awards from the campus community each year.
“With support and mentorship from faculty, these rising stars are well-equipped to make significant contributions to their disciplines and positively impact our world," said Lois Geist, interim vice president for research and associate provost for faculty. “Celebrating their accomplishments not only highlights their individual successes but also reinforces the University of Iowa’s commitment to providing dynamic educational experiences and expanding the frontiers of discovery."
Postdoctoral Research Excellence Award
This award honors postdoctoral scholars and fellows whose research and scholarly activity is recognized as highly original work that makes a significant contribution to the field.
The 2025 winner is Hui Wang, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health in the College of Public Health. Wang researches the neurotoxic and systemic effects of now-banned industrial chemicals known as PCBs and their metabolites, focusing on inhalation as an important but understudied route of PCB exposure.
“Dr. Wang has consistently demonstrated exceptional scientific integrity, leadership, and productivity,” said his mentor, Hans-Joachim Lehmler, professor of occupational and environmental health in the College of Public Health. “His innovative and impactful research on the toxicity of PCBs addresses a current and significant public health challenge.”
Graduate Research Excellence Awards
These awards honor students in terminal degree programs who are conducting research and scholarly activity that is recognized as highly original work that makes a significant contribution to the field. Eligible students shall have completed a minimum of two years of graduate work in the current program of study and students in PhD programs must have completed their comprehensive exam.
Maya Evans is a sixth-year graduate student in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program who studies the development of the striatum—a key brain region associated with conditions that include autism spectrum disorders (ASD), ADHD, and Tourette’s.
“Maya has what it takes to be successful in her career and will contribute substantially to our field because of her interest in implementing the latest methods for answering scientific questions, and her very thoughtful way of addressing scientific problems,” said Hanna Stevens, professor of psychiatry in the Carver College of Medicine.
Kefas Lamak is a fifth-year PhD student in the Department of Religious Studies, who uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the customs and legacies of colonialists, missionaries, and Indigenous peoples in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria from 1860 to 1960.
“Kefas offers a new lens on the Christianization of Africa by shifting the focus from European missionaries to indigenous missionaries, whose role has been overlooked by Christian communities, historians, and scholars of colonial and post-colonial religions,” said Paul Dilley, associate professor of religious studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Nahid Zeinali is PhD student in Computer Science in the Informatics Program. She uses advanced AI techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, and large language models, to enhance cancer symptom detection from clinical notes. This work has the potential to improve personalized care and patient outcomes.
“Improving the ability to predict which individuals will develop which symptoms at what time will allow health care providers to provide tailored interventions to the right patients at the right time,” said Stephanie Gilbertson White, associate professor in the College of Nursing.
Excellence in Undergraduate Research Awards
These awards, offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research, sponsor up to five undergraduate students involved in research and creative work. Winners receive an OUR fellowship for the upcoming semester.
Seren Castellano is a junior majoring in biology and anthropology with an Ancient Civilizations minor. Her research focuses on studying the molecular evolution of a snail species to understand parasitic resistance. Seren was nominated by Maurine Neiman, professor of biology.
Sarah Guilfoyle is a political science major and is working toward international studies, German, and Economics minors. Her research focuses on investigating the impact that age and generation have on U.S. foreign policy opinions. Sarah was nominated by Brian Lai, associate professor of political science.
Ana Laura Leyser is a biomedical sciences major. Her research through the university’s Anne Frank Initiative (AFI) focuses on using Frank’s legacy to inspire children and young adults to share their voices through writing. Leyser was nominated by Kirsten Kumpf Baele, AFI director and distinguished associate professor of instruction in the Department of German / Division of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures.
Grace Peil is in her junior year and majoring math and biology. Her research focuses on colon cancer, where she investigates how cell migration is impacted by different genes. Her current gene of interest is (GPx1), which is elevated in colon cancer patients. She was nominated by Sarah Short, assistant professor of internal medicine.
Ellie Wojcikowski, is a junior majoring in neuroscience with majors in Spanish and psychology, and a certificate in clinical and translational sciences. Her research focuses on heart rate variability as a biological marker of resilience along the psychosis spectrum. Ellie was nominated by Amanda McCleery, Assistant Professor Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
