Program Director: Rainbo Hultman, PhD

Associate Directors: Sheila Baker, PhD; Stephanie Gantz, PhD; Susan Shen, MD, PhD

Administrative Director: Meghan Lawler-Heis

Rainbo Hultman, PhD

Rainbo Hultman, PhD

Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Associate Director, Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Dr. Hultman employs a value-based mentorship approach, and evidence-based mentoring strategies, encouraging students to bring their whole identity to the table, which has been incredibly effective at helping a wide range of students to flourish. In congruity with this approach, Dr. Hultman’s scholarship reflects not only her strength in a rigorous scientific research program, but also a commitment to working with larger scientific community to prioritize the mentorship and development of students. Dr. Hultman’s mentorship strategies proved especially helpful to her students during the pandemic, earning her the 2020 Distinguished Mentor Award from the Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates. Dr. Hultman’s neuroscience research expertise is aimed at studying electrical brain networks using a multidisciplinary approach integrating systems and computational neuroscience. 

Sheila Baker, PhD

Sheila Baker, PhD

Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Dr. Baker has mentored trainees ranging from high school students to junior faculty in her research laboratory and serves as Associate Director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, where she advises first-year graduate students. She is committed to developing independent, rigorous, and thoughtful scientists through individualized, evidence-based mentorship. Drawing on formal mentorship training, she tailors her mentoring to each trainee's experience, goals, and stage of development while fostering open communication and shared responsibility for the mentoring relationship. She emphasizes critical thinking, quantitative rigor, experimental design, and scientific integrity within an inclusive and supportive research environment that encourages trainees from all backgrounds to achieve their career goals.


 

Stephanie Gantz, PhD

Stephanie Gantz, PhD

Assistant Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics

Dr. Gantz is dedicated to fostering the next generation of scientists. Using evidence-based mentorship training (“Entering Mentoring” and “Mentoring Up”), she employs individualized mentorship strategies based on on-going dialogue between herself and each mentee while also empowering her mentees to consciously contribute and guide their own training. 

Susan Shen, MD, PhD

Susan Shen, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry

Dr. Shen is enthusiastic about fostering the career trajectories of individuals from all backgrounds, including non-traditional students and those from the humanities. She places a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills, rigorous quantitative training, and asking big questions. Dr. Shen's research is focused on using cellular models to understand the complex environmental risk factors that contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Meghan Lawler-Heis

Meghan Lawler-Heis, BA

Program Manager, Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Meghan Lawler-Heis employs a mentorship-centered leadership approach rooted in collaboration, access, and whole-person development. She is known for building strong, supportive relationships with trainees, fostering environments where individuals from all backgrounds can develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a sense of belonging within science. She has been instrumental in building the Iowa Neuroscience Institute’s post-baccalaureate training initiatives, including launching the iDREAM program and fostering national partnerships that expand opportunities for trainees. She brings experience spanning clinical and research environments, and is dedicated to advancing initiatives that strengthen workforce development, research excellence, and educational access.