Dr. Michael O’Rorke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. His research focuses on rare cancers, particularly neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). He leads the nationwide PCORI-funded NET-PRO cohort study, contributes to the Iowa Neuroendocrine Tumor Specialized Program of Research Excellence (NET SPORE), and oversees the Iowa Residual and Virtual Tissue Repositories.

Michael welcomes questions from undergraduate, graduate, and professional students about navigating university life, finding research and educational opportunities, preparing for graduate school, and developing careers in public health, research, or academia. He is especially interested in helping first-generation students build supportive networks, understand the unwritten conventions of University life, and develop confidence and a sense of belonging.

Michael is one of six siblings who were the first generation in their family to earn university degrees. Coming from a disadvantaged background, he is particularly proud of his parents’ strong advocacy for higher education, which helped their children pursue careers in education, management, computer science, and other fields. This family experience continues to shape his commitment to supporting first-generation students.