Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Faculty mentor: Michael O’Rorke, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health
Degree program and anticipated graduation date: Bachelor’s in public health, December 2024

Abbey Wehrheim studies neuroendocrine tumors, a rare form of cancer which can occur in areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, pancreas, and other tissues. Because this is a low incidence cancer, the proper ordering of treatments is not well understood. To advance understanding of how to treat these rare tumors, the research team is collecting medical records and treatment information from 3,000 volunteers as a part of a multi-site study. They hope to identify the most effective treatments, including the ideal ordering of treatments, to help doctors combat the disease.

After graduation, Wehrheim plans to continue to pursue research in the areas of maternal and child health, cancer, and infectious disease. After gaining direct experience in the workforce, she plans to obtain a Master of Public Health degree, and work as an epidemiologist.

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