Allison Momany, PhD
Dr. Momany is a Clinical Child Psychologist at the University of Iowa. Allison’s research examines biologic (genetic and epigenetic) and physiologic variation in preterm infants, and the extent to which these factors confer risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. Allison’s clinical work focuses on neurodevelopmental assessment of infants born preterm in early childhood (2-6 years old).
Fun Fact: Dr. Momany is a huge Taylor Swift fan and has been since her debut album. She once got to go backstage and meet Taylor at one of her concerts even!
Nancy Weathers
Ms. Weathers supports all aspects of the Neonatal Biorepository including overseeing subject recruitment and sample collection, IRB communications, data use agreements and research agreements, clinical data extraction and management.
Fun fact: Nancy is an avid bicyclist and has ridden across Missouri, Vermont, and from Pittsburg to D.C. She also enjoys other outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and kayaking!
Paige Nelson
Paige is a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Pediatrics, specializing in developmental neuroscience. Her research utilizes clinical neuroimaging techniques, including ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, to investigate brain plasticity in extremely preterm infants born as early as 22 weeks of gestation. She aims to examine the interplay between neonatal morbidities and intervention strategies in relation to brain growth and maturation, while also exploring neuroprotective measures to mitigate the negative impacts on the developing brain
Fun fact: Fun Fact: Paige loves to travel and even studied abroad in France. She also enjoys taking daily walks with her goldendoodle, Auggie!
Gretchen Larson
Gretchen is an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. She is currently majoring in Neuroscience on the Pre-Medicine track, as well as minoring in American Sign Language and Chemistry. Gretchen's research interests span the field of pediatric neurodevelopment, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, as well as neurogenetics. After graduation Gretchen will be attending medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric surgeon.
Fun fact: Gretchen and her older brother were both low birth weight premature babies. Also, their mom went into labor on the same day 5 years apart!
Parker Harlow
Parker is currently a fourth-year student earning her B.S. in Public Health and a minor in Public Policy. She is also an Undergrad to Graduate student in the MPH Health Policy program. Broadly, her research interest is the intersection between human health and policy and how each one can affect the other.
Fun fact: Parker has been a vegetarian for her entire life!
Maria Thurow
Maria is a graduate student in the speech-language pathology program. She is very interested in studying the speech and developmental outcomes of children. She is specifically interested in learning how other factors like disabilities or preterm birth can affect the trajectory of children.
Fun Fact: Maria is very lucky when it comes to winning raffles. She has won everything from a parking spot to a TV!
Lindsey Rhea
Saffron McNamara
Saffron is an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa and is currently majoring in Psychology. Her research focus is on neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants. After graduation, Saffron may either continue her focus in psychology by attending graduate school, or attend medical school with a focus on child psychiatry.
Fun fact: Saffron has been playing competitive soccer for more than 10 years and is an avid FC Barcelona fan.
Cian McNamara
Cian graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) from Western Illinois University. His research interest centers on the neurodevelopment of infants born prematurely. Through his role in the NEST lab, he seeks to gain valuable hands-on experience in the medical field.
Fun fact: Cian played professional soccer overseas in Northern Ireland with Cliftonville FC!