We are thrilled to share that IU alum, Dr. Callie Patterson Perry, has joined the faculty of Des Moines University (DMU) as an Assistant Professor of Public Health. Dr. Patterson Perry graduated from the IU SPH doctoral program with a PhD in Health Behavior and a Graduate Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2022, and worked closely with the CSHP throughout her studies.

Her research interests are in sexuality, sexual health, and sexual behavior. She particularly aims to understand sexual health and behavior trends, specifically in work that prioritizes stigmatized individuals and/or behaviors that examines the intersections between sexual and mental wellbeing. Her dissertation work focused specifically on the health and wellbeing of US undergraduate and graduate students involved in sex work.

In her position as faculty at DMU, she hopes to serve as a resource for students as they prepare to navigate an evolving landscape of sexual and reproductive health as emerging public health and healthcare professionals! At DMU, she currently teaches Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, Public Health Education and Promotion Methods, and Foundations in Health Promotion courses. She is also excited about a new research collaboration with her DMU colleague, Dr. Rebecca Shaw, and the Mid-Iowa Sexual Assault Response Team. Together, they are working on a research project examining characteristics of, and trends in, sexual assault reporting in their state.