Dr. Mathews has a longstanding interest in neuromuscular diseases, particularly those affecting children. She completed a fellowship in genetics following her training in pediatrics and child neurology. Her initial research activities involved genetic mapping of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Dr. Mathews then transitioned to clinical research. She has directed a natural history and outcome measure study of the dystroglycanopathies, a group of rare types of muscular dystrophy, as part of the NIH-supported Iowa Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center for 15 years. As co-PI of the Iowa MDSTARnet site she has participated in the development and growth of this CDC-sponsored epidemiologic study of muscular dystrophies since 2005. She has also led the University of Iowa’s participation in the FARA-sponsored Collaborative Clinical Research Network in Friedreich Ataxia since 2007. Dr. Mathews continues to be active in the clinic, caring for patients with all types of neuromuscular diseases. Her goal throughout all these activities has been to improve care of children and adults with neuromuscular diseases and to support development of the next generation of clinical investigators.
Board Director | Vice Chair for Clinical Investigation, Director, Muscular Dystrophy Clinic and Iowa Neuromuscular Program, Professor of Pediatrics – General Neurology The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine