“Ms. Powell exemplifies the University of Iowa’s commitment to impactful and community-focused research addressing one of the distinctive areas of collaboration, cancer research and patient care. Her work addresses critical public health concerns in rural communities by exploring how cancer risk is understood and communicated.” – Diane Rohlman  

Hometown: Queens, New York

Faculty mentor/advisor: Diane Rohlman, PhD, professor of occupational and environmental health, Endowed Chair in Rural Safety and Health, associate dean for faculty affairs, College of Public Health

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: MS in agricultural safety and health, Spring 2026

Caroline Powell studies cancer awareness in Iowa’s agricultural communities, focusing on what people living and working in these settings know and believe about cancer development, risk factors, and prevention behaviors. Her research examines how perceptions of risk influence engagement with health information and protective practices, aiming to shape education and outreach tailored to these populations.

“I have built connections through my research that allow me to ask questions, troubleshoot challenges, and deepen my knowledge on some of the most pressing issues in the state,” says Powell. “These relationships have not only made me a better student researcher, but also a better public health practitioner.”

Powell’s findings will help public health professionals design strategies that reflect the environmental and social contexts of agricultural life and work. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD and lead interdisciplinary research initiatives that inform policy and practice at the intersection of environmental health, occupational safety, and community development.