On any given day in Iowa City, scientists are parsing DNA samples to deduce which of the more than 20,000 human genes are most associated with autism. "SPARK for Autism" researchers, including Jacob Michaelson at the University of Iowa, are trying to figure out which genes are important in neural development and how they lead to behaviors associated with autism. SPARK is an example of the more than 70 research endeavors associated with the university's new "Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center." Funds will come from NIH dollars, the Carver College of Medicine, the departments of pediatrics and psychiatry, and the INI, as well as expected support from "foundations and philanthropy."

Thomas Pak, a student in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, partially credits his interest in child psychiatry to his time spent learning from his mentor, Carissa Gunderson, MD, a child psychiatrist at UI Hospitals & Clinics.

When Taylor Werkheiser arrives on the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) at UI Hospitals & Clinics for her overnight shift, she reminds herself of the importance of patience. It’s something of a mantra for Werkheiser, a psychiatric nursing assistant, as the CSU environment can be different each night.

Psychometrists in the Department of Psychiatry administer neuropsychological tests and evaluations to referred patients, some of whom are as young as four or five years old and some of whom are in their 90s.

Benjamin Miskle, PharmD, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the UI College of Pharmacy, works side-by-side with faculty and staff from the Department of Psychiatry in the outpatient clinics. This year, he has had nine fourth-year pharmacy students work at the MAT clinic for five weeks each.