Sean Strand, an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and a member of Tina Tootle's lab in the Department of Biology, received a 2026 Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award (EURA)! This award, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Office of the Vice President for Research, recognizes outstanding accomplishments in scholarly investigation, artistic creation, or performance by an undergraduate student. EURA awardees receive an OUR Fellowship for their choice of the upcoming summer or academic year, a travel scholarship, and campus-wide recognition.
Learn more about Sean and his research below! This content is copied from a page on the Office of Undergraduate Research about Sean being named a 2026 EURA winner and can be accessed here.
The Office of Undergraduate Research proudly presents 2026 EURA Winner Sean Strand
Sean currently studies Biology as a junior at the University of Iowa. Department of Biology professor Tina Tootle facilitates Strand's research endeavors.
Describe your current project.
I study how cells move and change shape, processes that are essential for normal development and cancer metastasis. By using fruit flies as a model organism, my research helps reveal basic principles and mechanisms of how cells migrate and spread.
What do you enjoy most about research?
Research is a great way to get involved with science at the hands-on level and forces you to think critically. It also supports an environment of like-minded individuals who all strive to help each other grow!
Outside of research and academics...
I am involved in the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters where I volunteer and support members of my community. In my free time I find myself participating in intramural sports and watching movies!
He has major plans after graduation:
After college I plan to go into medical school where I have aspirations of becoming an oncologist. Here I hope to serve patients in my community whilst maintaining an active involvement in research.