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
Neuroscience and Pharmacology Seminar - Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD
Dissecting the gut-brain dynamics of anorexia and aversion
Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
Northwestern University
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 p.m. | Reception with Hors d'oeuvres & Poster Session
6–6:15 p.m. | Michael Judge: A Brother's Perspective
6:15–6:45 p.m. | Margalea...
Distinguished Biomedical Scholars Lecture - Ian S. Maze, PhD
Carver College of Medicine Events
Women In Micro & Immuno Coffee Hour
Join us for the Women in Micro & Immuno Coffee Hour. It is the monthly coffee hour on the second Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon in 1289 CBRB. Enjoy coffee, pastries and contribute to the discussion!
This is open to ALL — students, staff, postdocs, and faculty interested in promoting women in science.
Speakers change monthly. Contact: jessica-tucker@uiowa.edu for details.
REDCap Advanced Training
This is the fourth step in the REDCap training series. In this training we will cover advanced features such as:
Importing data from a CSV file
Ways to customize your data entry experience with form display logic
Making your forms more dynamic and personalized with context aware smart variables
Sending automated, conditional email alerts
Ensuring data is high quality by executing data quality rules, creating data 'missingness' codes, and opening data queries
Register by clicking the virtual event link...
Neuroscience and Pharmacology Seminar - Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD
Dissecting the gut-brain dynamics of anorexia and aversion
Lisa Beutler, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
Northwestern University
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...
Pain Interest Group Workshop - Timothy Fleagle, PT
LOAD and Nutrition as interventions for individuals with Diabetes and Achilles tendiopathy (LOAD-N-DM)
Timothy Fleagle, PT
PhD Student in Dr. Ruth Chimenti's Lab