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!

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.  

 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).

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!

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!

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!

Gretchen is a 5th-year undergraduate student here at the University of Iowa. She is currently majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Medicine track, as well as minoring in American Sign Language and Chemistry. Gretchen's research interests span the field of pediatric neurodevelopment, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, as well as neurogenetics. After graduation Gretchen plans on attending medical school and becoming a pediatric surgeon.  Fun fact: Gretchen and her older brother were both low birth weight premature babies. Also, their mom went into labor on the same day 5 years apart.

Parker is currently a fourth-year student earning her B.S. in Public Health and a minor in Public Policy. She is also an Undergrad to Graduate student in the MPH Health Policy program. Broadly, her research interest is the intersection between human health and policy and how each one can affect the other. Fun fact: Parker has been a vegetarian for her entire life!

Maria is a 1st year graduate student in the speech-language pathology program. She is very interested in studying the speech and developmental outcomes of children. She is specifically interested in learning how other factors like disabilities or preterm birth can affect the trajectory of children. Fun Fact: Maria is very lucky when it comes to winning raffles. She has won everything from a parking spot to a TV!

Paige is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Pediatrics, with a focus in developmental cognitive neuroscience. Her research utilizes behavioral and neuroimaging methods to study plasticity in the developing brain. Specifically, she aims to determine how early life experiences and biological risk factors experienced by preterm infants interact to create a cascade of downstream influences predicting later health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Fun fact: Paige loves to travel and even studied abroad in France for a semester!