“Jurnie is a wonderful scientist in the making. She has the unapologetic curiosity and creativity we need in the next generation of scientists and health professionals. She is dedicated to the research, always eager to learn new things, and never hesitates to help out her coworkers when needed.” -Michelle Tamplin, postdoctoral research scholar

Hometown: Marion, Iowa

Faculty mentor/advisor: Isabella Grumbach, MD, PhD, professor, internal medicine-cardiovascular medicine, Carver College of Medicine

What is your degree program and expected graduate date? Human Physiology, BS, 2024

Please describe your research: Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for many patients with cancer. At its core, radiation will damage healthy and cancerous tissue alike, but little is known of the mechanism of this damage. My research studies the sequence of events that follow radiation therapy, in an attempt to benchmark the observed damage to better treat it.

In simple terms, why does this research matter? Understanding the progression of tissue damage can be a steppingstone in research that seeks to investigate potential treatment options or preventative measures to be taken before and after radiation therapy. Together these studies can help improve patient outcomes.

How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? The summer after my first semester attending the University of Iowa

How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? I have had many opportunities to apply the logic and critical thinking skills I learned from my research to my classes. I’ve grown so much more confident in my skill set and knowledge and while I have much more to learn, I feel that research at the Grumbach Lab has helped me to develop into a curious and competent researcher.

What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? Inspired by the science that I have taken part in at the University of Iowa, regardless of where my career path takes me, I am determined to continue to contribute to the progression of science.

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