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/Barbara Stay Alumnus Seminar featuring UI Alumnus Atulya Iyengar
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
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: open
Jan. 27: open
Feb. 3: open
Feb. 10: open
Feb. 17: Tyler Woodward, PhD Candidate, 4th Year...
ACB Seminar Series - Joy James & Dr. Emma Thornell
Joy James, a Cell and Developmental Biology Student in the Stephens Lab, will present a seminar titled “Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Mediate Early Β-cell Dysfunction In Type 1 Diabetes."
Dr. Emma Thornell, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, will present a seminar titled “Sustainable Science: Integrating Sustainability and Innovation in Biomedical Research."
Hardin Open Workshops - PubMed (Zoom)
This hands-on session will help you improve your searching through best practices for basic and advanced searching and show you features for saving or exporting citations. The session will also help you understand medical subject headings (MeSH) and how they improve your search as well as the benefits of a MyNCBI account.
PLEASE NOTE:
Enrollment in HOW is open to all University of Iowa affiliates and residents of the state of Iowa. Advance registration is required for Zoom classes, though walk-ins...
Neuroscience & Pharmacology Workshop - Yuxi Li and Hyojin (Julia) Kim
Using projection-based transcriptomics to study metabolic control by the PVH
Yuxi Li
Pharmacology Graduate Student
Dr. Jon Resch's Lab
Neuronal mechanism of hunger-induced reward sensitization
Hyojin (Julia) Kim
Pharmacology Graduate Student
Dr. Deniz Atasoy's Lab
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.