DMU’s Growing Research Enterprise
We promote research and education excellence by facilitating collaborative relationships, providing resources, and opportunities for creating, applying, integrating and disseminating knowledge across disciplines.
Our faculty and student scholars work closely together on various research projects to provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing health problems. These researchers are attracting increasing extramural grants, including from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Justice, major foundations and corporations.
Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program
November 13-14, 2026
DMU’s Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program is a two-day forum for scholars to present what they have learned through their research experiences and to engage the larger community in discussion on cutting-edge health topics through poster displays and podium presentations.
Whether you’re presenting your work or exploring new ideas, this is your chance to connect, collaborate and get inspired.
Student research: Supporting your success
Students at DMU have had scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals, traveled the country to present their abstracts, and won prestigious national awards, fellowships, and scholarships. Our annual Research Symposium gives students the opportunity to present the results of their research projects.
Core facilities and equipment: Unlimited possibilities
DMU provides our researchers the resources and support they need to excel in their research endeavors. The University supports a wide range of shared resources and core facilities designed to advance basic and applied research conducted by faculty, staff, and students and that provides educational and training opportunities for students.
Publications and presentations: Share your knowledge
Our researchers have gone on to publish their work in various publications and presentations within the DMU community and across the nation.
“Research at DMU drives scientific discovery and fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation. Our lab provides an interdisciplinary environment where students and faculty from various scientific specialties can interact daily, making research at DMU an amazing opportunity for both hands-on learning and collaboration.”
Merna Mohamed
Merna Mohamed, PhD Candidate, Biomedical Sciences, Class of 2025
Contact the Office of Research
The Office of Research sponsors and organizes a wide variety of programs and events throughout the year. Reach out to get involved in or learn more about research at DMU.
Research News
When Water Turns Toxic
A growing public health crisis is flowing through Iowa’s rivers and taps. Jason Semprini, PhD, MPP, assistant professor of public health at DMU, is studying the link between nitrate contamination in drinking water, rising cancer rates and pregnancy-related outcomes across the state.
2025 in Review: DMU’s Most Memorable Stories
From major milestones to quiet moments of impact, 2025 was a year of progress, purpose, pride — and beauty — at DMU. Let’s look back at some of the stories that made this year one to remember.
New Research Shows Collaborative Care for Plantar Heel Pain Leads to Long-Term Savings and Better Outcomes
A multi-year study led by Shane McClinton, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., shows that combining physical therapy with standard podiatry care for plantar heel pain improves patients’ quality of life while also cutting long-term health care costs.