Migraine headache is one of the most debilitating disorders in the world and treatments are insufficient. The Sowers laboratory studies the neurocircuitry underlying migraine and post-traumatic headache. Our preclinical laboratory focuses heavily on the sensory abnormalities associated with migraine and post-traumatic headache, including photophobia, spontaneous pain and touch hypersensitivity. Our lab’s research uses functional MRI, optogenetic and DREADD approaches to better understand the circuits contributing to those sensory abnormalities. We recently identified the deep cerebellar nuclei as possible sensory integration centers underlying sensory abnormalities in migraine. We are a VA associated lab and part of the VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss with a special emphasis on Veteran related problems in headache. Post-traumatic headache is similar to migraine and affects about 50% of Veterans who saw combat in war zones. Our hope is to one day identify brain regions that can be manipulated in humans to treat headache. Our promotion of a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to tackle these important questions in headache medicine offers trainees room to grow and become wonderful independent scientists.
Dr. Sowers was recently featured in Medicine Iowa, a publication of University of Iowa Healthcare featuring stories of research and education at Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. View the article here: https://medicineiowa.org/fall-2025/levi-sowers-shedding-light-migraine-and-post-traumatic-headache
Iowa Neuroscience Institute Events
Biology Seminar: "Oxidative stress, lipid damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction may potentiate epilepsy and autism"
Neuroscience and Pharmacology Seminar - Justin Wolter, PhD
Molecular Determinants of Purkinje Neurodegeneration in ARSACS
Justin Wolter, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Genetics, Waisman Center
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Many Keys, One Conversation: Schizophrenia, Neuroscience and Creativity
This event brings together storytelling, dance, science, and dialogue to destigmatize schizophrenia and mental illness. Through personal narratives, artistic expression, cutting-edge research, and expert insight, attendees will discover the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community support in mental health. When we share our stories, we heal together
5:30 - 6:00 PM | Reception with Hors d'oeuvres & Poster Session
6:00 - 6:15 PM | Michael Judge: A Brother's Perspective
6:15 - 6:45 PM |...
Carver College of Medicine Events
Hardin Open Workshops - EndNote Desktop (Zoom)
EndNote is a reference management tool that helps you to easily gather together your references in one place, organize them, and then insert them into papers and format them in a style of your choosing. This session will walk you through the basics of using EndNote to collect and format your citations. The class will be hands-on, and there will be time for questions at the end.
PLEASE NOTE
Enrollment in HOW is open to all University of Iowa affiliates and residents of the state of Iowa. Advance...
Clinical Rounds: Carolyn Turvey, PhD
Neuroscience & Pharmacology Postdoctoral Seminar - Zhenggang Zhu, PhD
The Dopamine Pedal for Feasting with Friends
Zhenggang Zhu, PhD
Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Neurosciences
University of California San Diego
Zoom link: elyse-myers@uiowa.edu
BMB Research Workshop
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology holds research workshops featuring internal speakers on Tuesdays, 12:30-1:20pm. For Spring 2026, these will occur in 2117 MERF. Presentation titles are not publicly available due to the use of unpublished research. Individuals interested in attending workshops or being added to the email list should contact the office at biochem@uiowa.edu.
Jan. 20: CANCELED
Jan. 27: Lori Wallrath, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Feb. 3...
ACB Seminar Series - Raji Shyam
Dr. Raji Shyam, an Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology will present a seminar titled "Elucidating the Cross-talk Between Descemet's Membrane and Corneal Endothelium."
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