Team | Creating Responsive Action Through Empowering Resources and Strategies (CRATERS)

Faculty

Picture of Ebonee Johnson smiling wearing a Black dress in sunlight.

Assistant Professor and Project Director

Research Assistants

Salma Abu-Halawa (2026-2027)

My name is Salma Abu-Halawa, and I am from Cedar Rapids, IA. I am a rising junior pursuing a B.S in Public Health on the pre-dental track. On campus, I am involved in the Pre-Dental club and Project CRATERS. Outside of campus, I work at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic at the University of Iowa, where I get hands-on experience in a clinic setting. I also volunteer with hospice patients, which, alongside my clinic experience, has deepened my appreciation for patient-centered care. I am passionate about working towards health equity in marginalized communities and how we can use public health research to achieve it. Studying public health has given me a broader lens on how systemic issues shape health outcomes, and I hope to carry that perspective into my future career in dentistry.

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Isabella "Bella" Jimenez Rodriguez (2024-2027)

I am a junior majoring in neuroscience, biochemistry, and molecular biology on the pre-med track. I am also pursuing a certificate in clinical and translational science. I joined this project as a high schooler as part of the teen working group and began working as a research assistant once accepted to UI. Outside of my involvement with the College of Public Health, I work as a patient care technician and a phlebotomist at the clinical research unit at UIHC. I am also a research assistant at the Wessel cognitive neuroscience lab, and volunteer at the Free Clinic as a Spanish interpreter. I hope to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. once I finish my undergraduate degree and complete my residency in neurology. I have an immense passion for research and helping people in my community and see public health as a relevant perspective to bridge the socioeconomic gaps that exist within the medical world.

Hailey Koch (2026-2027)

My name is Hailey Koch, and I am from Waukee, Iowa. I am a junior studying public health on the pre-physician assistant track. I am involved in many different organizations on campus such as the Undergraduate Student Ambassadors for the College of Public Health, Project CRATERS, Pre-PA club, and American Cancer Society Club. Outside of my involvement on campus, I am a patient care technician for UIHC and a volunteer on a women's health inpatient unit. I am passionate about public health research and efforts that address healthcare disparities among vulnerable populations.

Image of Emerson Ziesmer smiling, wearing a black dress, holding an Iowa sign.

Emerson Ziesmer (2026-2027)

My name is Emerson Ziesmer, and I am from Joliet, Illinois. I am a rising junior majoring in Public Health working towards a B.A. at the University of Iowa. I am also pursuing a minor in Business Administration and a certificate in Strategic Sales. On campus, I am also involved in my sorority. I served on the executive board panel as the Panhellenic Delegate my freshman year for Alpha Phi. This year, I am honored to serve as the Mental Health Advocate for the entire Panhellenic community. My future plans are to work in the medical device sales field or possibly earn my Master of Health Administration. Being a student at the College of Public Health has taught me the drive and need for healthcare in our country and world. This has pushed me to do work throughout my undergraduate years to help promote developing health concerns and work improve health in the future.