Allison Momany. PhD
Dr. Momany is a Clinical Child Psychologist at the University of Iowa. Allison’s research examines biologic (genetic and epigenetic) and physiologic variation in preterm infants, and the extent to which these factors confer risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. Allison’s clinical work focuses on neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born preterm in early childhood (2-6 years old).
Fun Fact: Dr. Momany is a huge Taylor Swift fan and has been since her debut album. She once got to go backstage and meet Taylor at one of her concerts even!
John Dagle, MD, PhD
Dr. John Dagle is a professor of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Epidemiology, the interim medical director of the Stead Family Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Transport, and co-director of the Iowa Statewide Perinatal Care Program. His research is focused on identifying genetic and metabolic risk factors for several common complications seen in infants following preterm birth. The goal of this clinical/ translational research is to allow early identification and precision-based environmental modification to reduce short-term morbidities and improve long-term health outcomes into adulthood.
Fun Fact: Except for college, Dr. Dagle has lived in Iowa his entire life.
Jeff Murray, MD
Dr. Murray is an Emeritus professor of Pediatrics. He is still actively involved in the Neonatal biorepository, mentoring faculty, and conducting research on preterm birth and birth defects. Dr. Murray has a 40+ year career that included several honors and awards including being elected the 2013 President of the American Society for Human Genetics, as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM).
Fun Fact: Dr. Murray now spends much of his day walking his dog Howchi and tasting wild fruits and berries to see if they are safe/good (pokeberry-bad, thimbleberry-good, wild plum-bitter, elderberries-meh) and making jam from the very good ones (juneberry and black raspberry this year).
Patrick McNamara, MB, BCH, BAO, DCH, MSc (Paeds), MRCP, MRCPCH
Dr. McNamara is the Director of the Division of Neonatology and Vice Chair for Inpatient Acute Care at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. He is a Professor of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and the current chair of the Paediatric Academic Society Neonatal Hemodynamics Advisory, American Society of Echocardiography Neonatal Hemodynamics TnECHO Special Interest Group, Association of Academic Neonatal Division Directors, and co-director of the Neonatal Hemodynamics Research Center. His clinical and research interests include myocardial performance in the settings of a hemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hypertension and targeted neonatal echocardiography.
Fun fact: Dr. McNamara has coached an international soccer team!
Jennifer Bermick, MD
Dr. Bermick is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Research Director for the Division of Neonatology. Dr. Bermick runs a basic science laboratory that focuses on understanding how the neonatal immune system develops under normal and inflammatory conditions. This includes the study of fetal and neonatal immune responses during chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis, with the goal of identifying therapies that can mitigate the morbidities and mortality associated with these conditions.
Fun Fact: Dr. Bermick has been at three other Big Ten institutions, the University of Iowa is the fourth!
Nancy Weathers
Ms. Weathers supports all aspects of the Neonatal Biorepository including overseeing subject recruitment and sample collection, IRB communications, data use agreements and research agreements, clinical data extraction and management.
Fun fact: Nancy is an avid bicyclist and has ridden across Missouri, Vermont, and from Pittsburg to D.C. She also enjoys other outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and kayaking!