University Of Iowa College Of Public Health

In this episode of Plugged In to Public Health, we sit down with James Byrne, assistant professor of radiation oncology and biomedical engineering at the University of Iowa, to explore how interdisciplinary science is reshaping cancer care. Dr. Byrne shares his path through MD-PhD training and explains how his work bridges medicine, engineering, and biology to address some of the biggest challenges in oncology. From oxygen-delivering foams inspired by everyday tools to radiation-protective proteins borrowed from extremophile organisms, this conversation highlights how surprisingly simple concepts can lead to powerful clinical innovations. We also discuss why curing cancer is no longer the only goal. As survival rates improve, protecting patients’ long-term quality of life has become just as critical. Dr. Byrne explains how his lab is working to prevent the lasting side effects of cancer treatments, not just treat the disease itself. This episode also offers practical insight for students and early-career r