Articles from 2026

Jesus Gomez-Velez

Media coverage: Jesus Gomez-Velez leads NASA-funded nitrate forecasting project

Friday, July 24, 2026
University of Iowa professor Jesus Gomez-Velez leads a NASA-funded project using AI and satellite data to forecast nitrate levels and support water quality management.
NPR Features DSRI

University of Iowa study finds wildfires have worsened ozone pollution across the U.S.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026
University of Iowa researcher Jun Wang explains how wildfire smoke is worsening ozone pollution across the U.S., reversing air quality gains and impacting Midwest health.
Greg Carmichael

“The Foundation of the Global Atmosphere Watch is a Long-term, Open and Trusted Source of Information”

UI atmospheric scientist Gregory R. Carmichael reflects on four decades of advances in air quality research and the growing role of artificial intelligence.
Water quality monitoring equipment installed beside a stream flowing under a rural bridge.

UI water sensors will continue this year

Sunday, July 12, 2026
Larry Weber, director of the UI’s IIHR-Hydroscience and Engineering department — which operates the water sensor network and its public website — said the program received one-time donations from several Iowa counties, as well as $80,000 from the Izaak Walton Foundation, to keep the sensors running this year.
Front view of a yellow-and-black University of Iowa Engineering aircraft displayed inside a large hangar, with unmanned aerial systems and research equipment arranged around the aircraft.

Aerospace hub initiative leverages University of Iowa flight-test capabilities, could create opportunities to stay in Iowa

Wednesday, July 8, 2026
As public and private sector leaders in Iowa launch the Ascentus Aerospace Hub initiative to attract aerospace investment and accelerate innovation, forces in industry, infrastructure, workforce development, and research are being combined to create an environment where aerospace and aviation companies can thrive and skilled graduates find reasons to stay in Iowa.
A group of children and adults walk across a large paved outdoor area on a sunny day, many carrying bright orange drawstring backpacks. Tents, trailers, and light poles are visible in the background under a clear blue sky, suggesting a community event or educational activity.

University of Iowa biomedical engineering students showcase health care tech at Community STEM Day, July 16

Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Explore how engineering innovations can improve lives and shape the future of health care through interactive demonstrations led by University of Iowa engineering students, during a 2026 Community STEM Day in Cedar Rapids on July 16.
Ring doorbell camera screenshot of several people gathered arm-in-arm around a piano on a front porch. NBC Chicago news banner reads, "Impromptu Porch Performance Caught on Camera."

Rainy Fourth of July leads to unforgettable impromptu piano concert in Evanston

Monday, July 6, 2026
Skyler Kramer, an Evanston native who studies mechanical engineering at the University of Iowa, was interviewed about his impromptu piano performance, seen by thousands after being captured on a Ring camera and posted online.
People walk and gather in a bright indoor lobby or hallway, with several individuals standing and talking while moving through the open space.

Iowa engineers investigate links between LED blue light and health impacts

Friday, June 26, 2026
New research from the University of Iowa uses data from the TEMPO satellite mission to examine how blue light common in LEDs may disproportionately affect sleep patterns and health conditions of those in lower income areas. The findings, published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, were presented at a TEMPO DART conference in Iowa.
King Charles III in a gray suit speaks with a man holding a bright orange sign reading “Pull the emergency brake on climate change” inside an ornate room with red curtains, as a small crowd looks on.

Iowa engineering alumnus engages King Charles III on methane solutions

Friday, June 26, 2026
Marcelo Mena, a University of Iowa engineering alumnus making a global impact on climate action, recently had an audience with His Majesty King Charles III at a reception following a call to action on methane emissions.