Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Faculty mentor: Laura Dean, PhD, postdoctoral researcher, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Bachelor’s in biology, Spring 2025

Darby Forsyth’s research explores how extreme heatwaves — defined as consecutive days with temperatures at least 1°C above normal — impact the health of pregnant women. Epidemiological studies indicate that as global temperatures rise, heatwaves pose risks, potentially worsening inflammation and other health issues during pregnancy. By studying inflammatory responses during heatwaves and analyzing gene expression and measuring specific proteins in the blood, the team aims to reveal how these heatwaves create risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to protect vulnerable populations and improve public health in the face of a changing climate.

After graduation, Forsyth plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental health. Her objective is to advance her research to tackle significant environmental and public health challenges, applying her expertise to develop new strategies and contribute to meaningful research on climate change.

Banner location: Downtown—