Injury Prevention Research Center

“My experience working with the IPRC staff and faculty has been a critical key to my workforce development. Through their supportive atmosphere, I have acquired and honed a diverse range of skills, thanks to their continuous guidance and constructive feedback. Notably, my epidemiologic skills have been sharpened through immersion in injury research and collaboration with other organizations, equipping me for continued growth and success.”

Mimi Moreno, MPH Epidemiology, 2023

“Before starting my position at the college of public health, I studied transportation safety engineering, which is mainly focused on environmental and urban factors before crashes. However, most crashes are impacted by behavioral, social, and individual characteristics, which are taken into account through injury prevention research studies and projects. The capability to translate research-based safety measures into practical solutions and policies, the knowledge and expertise of the professors, and the supportive and cooperative atmosphere of the College of Public Health are the main reasons I chose to be part of a bigger family known as the University of Iowa.”

Projects: Bike safety: how training promotes bicycle safety in children aged 9-12; Farm equipment safety: how drivers behave when confronted with farm equipment on the road

Amir Ghanbari, MS Engineering

“I enjoy injury prevention research as it looks for solutions as well as identifying the root causes of problems. The research teams I have worked on involve many different disciplines collaborating to ensure the best programs are implemented. It has been very informative to work with people from multiple different departments. I chose Iowa and the College of Public Health because of the focus on health equity and social justice as well as the extensive range of research and practical opportunities. There is a focus on both local/national interventions and also on leading to change at the policy level. Everyone in the college is welcoming and ready to support each other in whatever way is needed which creates an inclusive and productive environment to work and learn.”  

Projects: Bicycle safety education study for children aged 9-12 within the TRIPS lab; Previously worked on farm equipment safety which involved analyzing how vehicles interact with farm equipment on roads.  

Esme Gibson, MPH Community and Behavioral Health

During my time with the IPRC at the University of Iowa, I’ve focused on researching how bike education affects child safety while riding. This work has taught me a lot about the real-life challenges kids face on the road and the importance of not only the necessary safety equipment but also the information that kids need to learn to be safe on the road. I chose Iowa because of its strong focus on promoting public health and the chance to collaborate with other people who are passionate about this work. I’ve enjoyed jumping into community projects and seeing how education can make a difference in preventing injuries. It’s rewarding to know that our research could help keep kids safer, and I’m excited to keep exploring this important area. 

Project: The impact of bicycle education programs on kids aged 9-12 

Elizabeth Theeler, BS Public Health