The Office of Undergraduate Research's Fall Undergraduate Research Festival (FURF) is held in celebration and recognition of undergraduate researchers' contributions to research, scholarly, and creative work at the University of Iowa.

Applications for Student Impact Grants for the Winter/Spring 2027 semesters are now open through Friday, October 9, at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon celebrating undergraduate research and the next generation of life sciences innovators.

Gain real-world experience, mentorship from industry professionals, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a global science-driven company.

Research Topic: Effect of chronic opioid use on early cardiovascular development. Up to 22% of pregnant women either receive opioid pain medications or misuse opioids, consequently exposing their fetuses to potential adverse outcomes such as congenital heart defects, stillbirths, and disrupted early cardiovascular development (eCVD). While cessation of opioid use might not be possible, effective and individualized pain management during pregnancy is critical and strongly warranted. However, the precise details of how opioid timing, dose, and type affect eCVD remain poorly understood. There is an urgent need to investigate the impact of opioids on eCVD in models that faithfully simulate human embryonic development. Without such knowledge, establishing a guide for opioid treatment during pregnancy to mitigate adverse cardiovascular outcomes in neonates remains unlikely.

The Attachment and Neurodevelopment Lab is directed by Dr. Lane Strathearn, a neuroscientist and developmental-behavioral pediatrician at the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD) at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Our lab explores how early relationships between parents and children shape brain development and long-term well-being. We use tools like brain imaging, semi-structured interviews, genetic and epigenetics testing, and hormone analysis to better understand how parents respond to their children—especially in situations involving stress, substance use, or developmental challenges like autism. Our goal is to support healthy development by learning how strong, nurturing relationships are built from the very beginning.

As the school year is coming to a close, it's time to celebrate our graduating seniors: Mia Dukle, Hiruni Sumanasiri, Klaertje Hesselink, Seren Castellano, Sam Lindgren, Abby McLeod, Aaron Smith, Ellie Wojcikowski, Isaiah Pielak, and Abby Myroth. We are so grateful to have had all of these students work with us, and we cannot wait to see what they do next!