Investigate Midwest will host a free, live virtual panel on May 7 examining pesticide exposure and cancer risk in agricultural communities, bringing together researchers, a physician, journalists, and lived experience to explore what is known, what remains uncertain, and how these risks are playing out across the Midwest.
“This is a can’t-miss conversation about one of the most important issues facing America’s heartland,” said Ben Felder, editor-in-chief of Investigate Midwest.
The panel will include a range of perspectives, from research and public policy to patient care and lived experience.
Confirmed panelists include:
- Dr. Richard Deming, medical director, MercyOne Cancer Center
- Kerri Johannsen, Iowa Environmental Council
- Amanda Starbuck, research director, Food & Water Watch
- Carey Gillam, investigative journalist, The New Lede
- Lisa Lawler, Iowa cancer survivor
Felder will moderate the discussion.
The panel is free to attend and will feature a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A, with time reserved for submitted and live questions.
“I think this panel brings together the people closest to this issue. These are the people analyzing the data, those treating patients, and those living with the impact. We selected these panelists to help better understand what the latest data and reporting is showing and where we go next,” said Lauren Cross, assistant editor and audience engagement manager at Investigate Midwest.
About the panelists
Lisa Lawler was born and raised on a working family farm in Hardin County, Iowa, in the 1960s. After graduating from a small high school, Lisa left Hardin County for 26 years, living in Cedar Rapids, New York City, Des Moines, Southern California, the Twin Cities and Maryland. Lisa returned to Hardin County in 2010 to be closer to her aging parents and has remained there since, working remotely as a cost controller for Eli Lilly. She is currently running for office as Hardin County Supervisor.
Amanda Claire Starbuck is the research director at the environmental nonprofit Food & Water Watch. She researches the food system through a “who holds power” lens. Her Economic Cost of Food Monopolies series documents how industry consolidation raises prices, squeezes farm income, exploits workers, and accelerates the climate crisis. Amanda also oversees Food & Water Watch’s research supporting its climate, energy, and water advocacy. Born and raised in North Dakota, she now lives in Colorado with her family.
Carey Gillam is an investigative journalist with more than 30 years of experience covering U.S. news, including 17 years as a senior correspondent with Reuters. She is the author of “Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science,” which won the 2018 Rachel Carson Book Award, and “The Monsanto Papers,” published in 2021. Gillam has testified before the European Parliament and spoken at international forums on environmental and agricultural issues. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times, Time, and other outlets. In 2022, she helped launch The New Lede, a nonprofit environmental news outlet, as part of the Environmental Working Group.
Kerri Johannsen is the senior director of policy and programs with the Iowa Environmental Council, providing strategic oversight and advocacy strategy across the council’s energy, climate initiatives, and water programs. She is an author and project lead of the 2026 report “Environmental Risk Factors and Iowa’s Cancer Crisis.” Kerri has two decades of experience in energy and environmental policy. She previously served as professional staff with the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, administered the Iowa Power Fund for innovative clean energy projects, and worked as an analyst and Legislative Liaison with the Iowa Utilities Commission.
Dr. Richard Deming is the medical director of MercyOne Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where he has treated cancer patients since 1989. A radiation oncologist trained at the University of California San Francisco, he previously served on staff at the National Cancer Institute. Deming is the founder of Above + Beyond Cancer, a nonprofit focused on holistic cancer survivorship. He has also been active in national cancer policy, serving as board chair of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. His work centers on patient care, survivorship, and reducing the burden of cancer through both medicine and advocacy.
Ben Felder is the editor-in-chief of Investigate Midwest, where he leads investigative reporting on agriculture, environment, and public policy. He previously covered state government and politics for The Oklahoman, focusing on accountability and policy. His past work examines the intersection of agriculture, corporate power, and rural communities, often using data-driven reporting to explore impacts on farmers and public health.
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