For 28 years, Lori Wallrath, PhD, has been a steady presence in the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine, shaping the educational experiences of thousands of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in both classroom and laboratory settings.
As a professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as the director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, Wallrath has made a profound impact on both students and faculty alike. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and curriculum development has not only defined her career, but also enriched the learning experience for students across all levels.
Bridging the lab and lecture hall
Wallrath’s journey into academia and research was fueled by her fascination with the intricate biochemical processes that govern life. She was especially intrigued by the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression during development, in disease states, and in response to environmental cues.
“I strive to share my knowledge in this area to educate the next generation of scientists and health professionals,” she explains.
She joined the university as an assistant professor and rose to the rank of full professor, taking on leadership roles along the way—including serving the last decade as vice chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Along with her leadership experience, Wallrath also uses research to inform and inspire her approach to teaching. Research in the Wallrath Lab currently focuses on nuclear processes disrupted by mutations that result in human diseases such as rare types of muscular dystrophy and a vision disorder.
“There are numerous parallels between directing a research laboratory, mentoring students, and teaching,” Wallrath says. “Clarity of instruction, promoting creativity, and giving sound advice are common threads.”
As director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, she’s also played a key role in modernizing the curriculum to meet the evolving demands of the field. Her dedication to shaping graduate education ensures that her students are well-prepared for a range of careers in molecular genetics.
“I engage students by asking challenging questions, discussing scientific controversies, and providing interactive lecture activities,” she adds. This commitment to fostering curiosity and critical thinking has earned her the respect and admiration of her students and colleagues.
Beyond the classroom, Wallrath’s mentorship has further played a significant role in guiding students through their academic and professional journeys. She emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding students’ perspectives, and serving as a role model.
For aspiring scientists and future faculty members, Wallrath's advice is simple: "Follow your passions in research and share your excitement through education."
One particularly memorable mentorship experience involved a student conducting research in her lab who faced a personal tragedy that abruptly changed their education goals. Despite the challenges faced along the way, Wallrath continued to support the student who ultimately pursued a PhD in Pharmacology and is now a leader in the pharmaceutical industry—a testament to the lasting impact of her mentorship.
“I always find it important to understand a student’s perspective prior to providing advice,” she notes.
A lasting legacy
As she reflects on her career thus far, Wallrath hopes that her students and colleagues remember her as someone who sparked their interest in research and learning. “I hope that they remember how I enjoyed the process of learning alongside them,” she says.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, Wallrath was recently honored with the University of Iowa’s Hubbard-Walder Award for Excellence in Teaching. This prestigious accolade, first introduced in 2021, celebrates faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional teaching across various levels while also contributing to curriculum and program development.
Although the Hubbard-Walder Award for Excellence in Teaching is a well-deserved recognition of her achievements, Wallrath remains focused on what truly matters—empowering students and advancing scientific knowledge.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to teach some of the best and brightest students in our country and to work at an institution that highly values education.”
