Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience | Graduate College

Start your journey

Study aspects of the human brain with top-notch researchers in the University of Iowa's Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience.

Director Spotlight

On location with Neuroscience Program Director Daniel Tranel, PhD

"Join the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Iowa and become part of the bright team of scientists trying to solve the mystery of the human brain."

Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Provides collaborative support for the neuroscience community.

Learn more

News & Events

Congratulations to Sara Mitchell on the successful presentation and defense of her doctoral thesis in Neuroscience!

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Sara Mitchell successfully presented and defended her thesis on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Her research in the laboratories of Hanna Stevens, MD, PhD, in the Department of Psychiatry, and Rainbo Hultman, PhD, in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Benjamin DeCorte, PhD

Monday, June 1, 2026

To honor Ben's memory and enduring contributions to the Neuroscience Graduate Program, we are proud to announce that the Young Investigator Award will be renamed the Benjamin J. DeCorte Young Investigator Award. This recognition reflects the qualities Ben exemplified throughout his career: scientific excellence, innovation, integrity, and a commitment to advancing neuroscience.

Congratulations to all of our students who successfully defended their thesis this academic year!

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience thesis defense students!

Congratulations to Annie Rohl on the successful presentation and defense of her doctoral thesis in Neuroscience!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Annie Rohl successfully presented and defended her thesis on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Her research was conducted under the guidance and mentorship of Jeremy Greenlee, MD and Joel Berger, PhD. Annie joins a growing list of new PhDs graduating during the 2025 - 2026 academic year.

Congratulations to Brooke Yeager on the successful presentation and defense of her doctoral thesis in Neuroscience!

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Brooke Yeager successfully presented and defended her thesis on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Her research was conducted under the guidance and mentorship of Nandakumar Narayanan, MD, PhD. Brooke joins a growing list of new PhDs graduating during the 2025 - 2026 academic year.

IDGP Neuroscience Events

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Seminars

Thursday, June 11, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Eckstein Medical Research Building

The first of a series as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Seminars

Thursday, June 18, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Eckstein Medical Research Building

The first of a series as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Summer Undergraduate Research Program Seminars

Thursday, June 25, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Eckstein Medical Research Building

The first of a series as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Outstanding Alumni

Alex Petrucci

Eric Emmons

Katelyn Joyal

9

DISSERTATION PRIZE WINNERS AWARDED BY THE GRADUATE COLLEGE. Joseph Parvizi, Michael Koenigs, and Benton Purnell (right), Katelyn Joyal EARNED THE SPRIESTERSBACH DISSERTATION PRIZE. Matthew Sutterer, Arianna Rigon, Banu Gumusoglu, Victoria Muller E

"The fact that I was able to perform at this level and do this work is representative of this program. The strength of the Neuroscience Program at the University of Iowa is what makes it such a destination program for people.”

Banu Gumusoglu, PhD
2020 winner, Rex Montgomery Dissertation Prize