Principal Investigator

Hanna E. Stevens, MD, PhD

Associate Professor 
Phone: 319-353-4200 
E-mail: hanna-stevens@uiowa.edu  

Hanna Stevens runs the Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab (PENDL) at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Her research seeks to understand molecular and cellular aspects of early brain development and their relevance to psychiatric disorders. Her work is particularly focused on understanding how prenatal stress, environmental exposures and genes that play a role in early development have an impact on childhood behavior and act as risk factors for multiple psychiatric disorders. Our goal is to advance mental health diagnosis and treatment of disorders across the lifespan. We particularly focus on the high risk times of pregnancy and early development.

Lab Staff

Robert Taylor, MS

Lab Manager

I have undergrad and graduate degree in biology, both focusing on neurobiology.  I'm interested in cell and molecular biology more generally as well as mentoring and teaching. As lab manager, I am keeper of lab lore; keeper of animals, fridges, and freezers; and general all around "labrarian." I also teach and mentor new personnel and handling training thereof.  Hobbies include tutoring, reading, gaming, and lounging with my fur child, Peaches. 

Ben Hing, PhD

Assistant Research Scientist

I am a research scientist in Dr. Hanna Stevens’ and Dr. Rainbo Hultman’s labs. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Immunology from the University of Aberdeen, UK. I later obtained my PhD in Cell Biology where I studied how conserved non-coding regions of the genome regulate gene expression in the brain and the negative impact disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms can have in these regions resulting in dysregulated gene expression. To complement my graduate training, I pursued post-doctoral research projects at the University of Iowa and University of Toronto studying how adverse environmental exposures such as chronic stress and chemical exposures can alter epigenetic mechanisms in the brain resulting in negative behavioral outcomes. My overall research interest includes gene expression mechanisms involved in neurodevelopment and mental health. Outside of the lab, I enjoy badminton, hiking and travel.

Maya Evans

Neuroscience Graduate Student

Anna Carver

Genetics Graduate Student

Sara Mitchell

Neuroscience Graduate Student

I am a Neuroscience PhD student co-mentored by Dr. Hanna Stevens and Dr. Rainbo Hultman. My hometown is Morton, Illinois, the ‘Pumpkin Capital’ of the world. I obtained my BA from Augustana College, double majoring in Biology and Neuroscience. While at Augustana, I gained my first research experience studying fear memory in young chickens. Before joining the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa, I first worked in research on campus studying a mouse model of DYT1 dystonia and offspring neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal NAD+ precursor supplementation. My current research interests include neurodevelopmental impacts of adverse early life experience, maternal brain network dynamics, and electrical signatures of stress vulnerability and maternal engagement brain states.  Outside of science I enjoy embroidery, reading, running, travel, pasta, and exploring the great outdoors.

Research Areas: early life stress, electrophysiology, maternal brain and behavior

Michelle Chen

MSTP Student

I’m an MSTP student from Aurora, Colorado. I received a BS in Biopsychology from Tufts University. While in undergrad, I began my research career in the neurobiology of fear lab at McLean Hospital, where I studied mood and anxiety disorders. Through my classes and work in lab, I developed an interest in psychiatry, both in the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disease as well as the ways that we can help those that suffer from mental health conditions. These intersecting passions drove me to pursue the MD-PhD path. After undergrad, I moved to New York City, where I did research in the molecular and cellular neuroscience lab at Rockefeller University, before coming to Iowa to start medical school. In the Stevens lab, I work on the pesticides project, investigating how exposure to pesticides affects neurodevelopment. Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, taking care of my plants, going to the gym, and watching Denver sports! 

Research Areas: neuroscience, psychiatry, neurodevelopment

Faith Fairbairn

Postbaccalaureate Research Intern

I am a Postbaccalaureate Research Intern mentored by Dr. Hanna Stevens. My hometown is Cottage Grove, MN. I received my bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Iowa. During my time as an Undergraduate student at Iowa, I became involved in research in the Stevens lab. This experience grew my interest in psychiatry and developmental biology. Outside of the lab I enjoy tennis, yoga, and listening to new music. 

Mia Dukle

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Ahmed Baig

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a senior at the University of Iowa pursuing a B.S. in Neurobiology on the pre-medicine track. I work in Dr. Hanna Stevens' lab where I am currently investigating the effects of prenatal stress on astrocyte number in the dorsal striatum in an adult mouse model. Previously, I examined the effects of prenatal stress on dorsal striatum volume and cell density in mice at P0. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, playing soccer and football, and spending time outdoors.

Research Areas: neurodevelopment

Maddy Grueter

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am a second-year student at the University of Iowa, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Philosophy, as part of the Honors Program. Currently, I am involved in prenatal stress research in Dr. Hanna Steven’s Lab. In North Liberty, Iowa, I worked as a rehabilitation technician at a pediatric speech and occupational therapy clinic. Outside of the lab I like to go swimming, take my poodle for walks, and practice yoga.

Research Areas: neurodevelopment, neural behavior

Disha Chawla

Undergraduate Research Assistant

I am an undergraduate pre-medical student at the University of Iowa, majoring in Biology. Currently, I am working with the team to study placental and brain outcomes in offsprings after the knockout of placental Igf-1. Additionally, evaluating placental outcomes for the 16p11.2 microdeletion that is commonly associated with ASD. My interest in neurodevelopmental research stems from my experiences working with children, particularly those with disabilities. These experiences have shaped much of my volunteer work and extracurricular activities. This past summer, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a nursing home. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, and trying new coffee shops.

Research Areas: neurodevelopment, psychiatry, and genetics. 

Kenna Skinner

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hi! My name is McKenna Skinner, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences on the pre-medicine track within the Honors program. I contribute to research in Dr. Steven’s lab under the mentorship of Michelle Chen, where I am driven by a strong interest in neurodevelopment. A topic that relates to my previous experience on a Neurology Trauma floor caring for patients with complex neurological conditions. Currently, I work as a Patient Care Technician on 2JCP and volunteer on 6JCP at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. These roles, along with my academic and research endeavors, have been instrumental in shaping my passion for medicine. Outside of my commitments, I enjoy long walks, traveling, reading, and exploring the outdoors.