June 6, 2026
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Purdue Memorial Union, East and West Faculty Lounges

Lu Ann Aday Awardee, Laura Murray-Kolb, professor and head of the Department of Nutrition Science in the College of Health and Human Sciences, will present “Iron Deficiency Research Impacts Maternal, Child Health.”

Iron deficiency, the leading micronutrient deficiency worldwide, undermines both physical health and cognitive function. Anemia affects an estimated 40% of children aged 6 months to 5 years, 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15-49 years, placing millions at risk during critical stages of development.

Murray-Kolb studies the neurophysiological and neuropsychological consequences of iron deficiency with the aim of improving maternal and child health worldwide.

By integrating nutrition, psychology and development, her research has advanced understanding of the consequences of iron deficiency, identified critical windows for intervention and informed evidence-based recommendations and policies to prevent its most damaging effects. Her work has contributed to shaping World Health Organization guidance to use serum ferritin, a pre-anemic biomarker, as a screening tool to better protect the developing brain.

This event is free and open to the public.