A message from the DEO
Dear Alumni,
It’s hard to believe the 2024–25 academic year has come to a close, and summer is well underway. As always, spring was a busy season for the Department of Health and Human Physiology.
Our faculty published 87 research papers on a range of biomedical and health-related topics, mentored graduate students through thesis and dissertation exams, and presented their work at national and international conferences. Instructional activity reached new heights, as our programs continue to grow with faculty teaching more students than ever. Several HHP faculty members, including Anna Stanhewicz, Kara Whitaker, and Emily Mozena received recognition for their exceptional teaching and research.
Planning is well underway for the upcoming academic year, including strategic initiatives, curriculum updates, and final preparations for our move into the new Health Sciences Academic Building in early 2026, and our department’s name change to the Department of Health, Sport, and Human Physiology.
Thank you to our alumni—including members of the new HHP Alumni Advisory Board—for your continued support! We’re proud of the growth, collaboration, and excellence that define our department, and we look forward to the year ahead.
Stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn and visit the news section on our website to explore the latest stories.
Gary L. Pierce, PhD, FAHA, FAPS
Professor and Chair, Department of Health and Human Physiology
Russell B. Day and Florence D. Day Endowed Chair in Liberal Arts and Sciences
Advisory board supports HHP’s mission and future
Meet the inaugural University of Iowa Department of Health and Human Physiology Advisory Board. These dedicated members are helping shape the department’s future by supporting student success, providing professional insight, and strengthening HHP’s commitment to excellence.
HHP prepares for 2026 move to new Health Sciences Academic Building
The state-of-the-art building will enhance the department’s teaching, research, and community engagement efforts with cutting-edge anatomy and exercise labs, health testing services, and innovative experiential learning spaces for nutrition and sport and recreation management.
HHP alum leads Chiefs to the Super Bowl
Alumnus and HHP advisory board member Ryan Reynolds (05BS) played a pivotal role in preparing the Kansas City Chiefs for the Super Bowl as head strength and conditioning coach.
HHP undergraduate student Naomi Simon excels on and off the mat
First-year student-athlete Naomi Simon, a four-time Iowa girls’ state wrestling champion, balances elite competition with her studies in human physiology. Simon aims to advance research on female athletes’ performance.
Championing inclusion through physical activity
Assistant professor Chih-Chia (JJ) Chen was featured in a Q&A discussing his efforts to promote inclusion through adapted physical activity, both in the classroom and through research.
Elevating cancer survivorship in Iowa
The work and research of assistant professor Jess Gorzelitz contributed to the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report, highlighting the needs of nearly 172,000 cancer survivors in the state. It underscores the importance of exercise to improve survivors’ medical care and quality of life.
HHP students serve up skills and community during National Nutrition Month
Students in HHP’s Community Wellness Guided Practicum partnered with UI’s liveWELL program to lead virtual cooking demonstrations for National Nutrition Month, sharing simple, healthy recipes with faculty and staff. The project offered hands-on experience in nutrition education while highlighting how “Food Connects Us” through learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
Get moving: Carr’s research on physical activity garners national attention
Research by associate professor Lucas Carr on physical activity and chronic disease risk gained national attention, highlighting the importance of incorporating exercise into routine health assessments.
Meet HHP’s new internship director
Ben Landsee is helping HHP students turn classroom learning into real-world experience. Learn how his role supports career readiness and how alumni like you can get involved.
Stay connected
No matter where you are, you're always a Hawkeye. Learn how you can stay connected to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Read the stories of fellow alumni and find out how you can volunteer and hire students. Please also update your contact information so we have your most recent mail and email address so we can stay in touch!