UIowa Molecular Medicine Graduate Program

⏰ Application Deadline Approaching!

The application portal for the 2026 Biomedical Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Program (BSURP) at the University of Iowa Graduate College closes Sunday, February 1.

BSURP offers undergraduate students the opportunity to:
🔬 Engage in hands-on biomedical research
🧠 Work with faculty mentors across Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Medicine, and Neuroscience
🎓 Explore graduate-level research and career pathways

Eligibility highlights:
✔️ Sophomore or junior standing
✔️ Major in a biological science (or related field)
✔️ Enrolled at an accredited four-year institution
✔️ U.S. citizen or permanent resident

📲 Scan the QR code or visit the program website to learn more and apply before the deadline.

Please share with students who may be interested!

🎉 Congratulations to Joseph Chin! 🎉

The Molecular Medicine Graduate Program congratulates Joseph Chin on the successful defense of his PhD thesis, “Resolving the Hidden Heritability of Hearing Loss,” completed on December 12, 2025. Joseph conducted his PhD research in Dr. Richard Smith’s laboratory.

Joseph will continue his training in the Medical Scientist Training Program, where he will earn a dual doctorate (MD, PhD). We are proud of Joseph’s accomplishments and wish him continued success as he moves forward on his physician-scientist journey.

🎉 Big congratulations to Jianyu Yu! 🎉

Jianyu has just published his first-author paper in Cell Reports! His study, “FABP5 in skin macrophages mediates saturated fat-induced IL-1β signaling in psoriatic inflammation”, sheds new light on how diet and immune cells interact to drive skin inflammation.

This is a tremendous achievement that reflects both Jianyu’s hard work and the exciting science happening in the Molecular Medicine Program. We’re so proud of you, Jianyu — and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead! 👏🧬

📖 Read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116254

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Nathan Witmer! 🎉

The Biomedical Science (Molecular Medicine) Program is so proud to celebrate Nathan Witmer’s successful PhD thesis defense! 👏 Nathan completed his innovative research in the Boudreau Lab, exploring fascinating discoveries in gene regulation and microproteins. His dissertation, "Exploring the Genome: Serendipitous Discoveries in Gene Regulation and Microproteins," showcases his creativity and dedication to science. 🧬✨

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Nathan as he heads to Colorado for his next adventure. Best wishes and congratulations, Dr. Witmer! 🎓🌟