Daniel Haws
Tiffin
Summary
Infantry Officer | U.S. Army Ranger | Medical Student | Researcher | Mentor
A lifelong learner and dedicated mentor, I have spent over a decade leading and collaborating with teams ranging from small-unit tactical elements to brigade-level strategic planning. As a former Infantry Company Commander and Brigade Plans Officer, I developed the ability to synthesize complex information, train and guide others, and operate effectively in high-pressure environments. These skills seamlessly transitioned into my academic journey, where I have become a trusted resource for my peers, particularly in Anatomy, using my both my love for the subject and my writing background to create a question bank of every bone and landmark in the human body.
My military training in critical thinking, problem-solving, and structured analysis has shaped my approach to medicine, research, and education. Whether in a combat zone, a microbiology laboratory, or a medical classroom, I thrive on challenging myself and those around me to push beyond limitations, embrace curiosity, and achieve excellence.
Nominated for the Hancher-Finkbine Medallion for Learning, I take pride in sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the success of those around me.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
University of Iowa Healthcare - Patterson Lab
08.2024 - Current
- Contributed to and edited manuscript pertaining to Parsonage-Turner Syndrome for publication
- Created research proposal with research team for project to begin May 2025
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
Company Commander
C Co RSP, Iowa Army National Guard
11.2022 - 10.2024
- Command the Recruitment Sustainment Program (RSP), directly supervising a full-time recruiting team of nearly 20 Non-Commissioned Officers.
- Guide, mentor, and prepare incoming Iowa National Guard Soldiers for Basic Combat Training (BCT) and their integration into final duty units.
- Led the #1-ranked RSP program in the nation (2023) in overall success as well as the #1-ranked honor role graduates in the state of Iowa.
- Successfully trained nearly 300 Soldiers, achieving a 96% BCT graduation pass rate.
- Served as an ambassador for the organization during community outreach events, strengthening relationships with local stakeholders and enhancing public understanding of military missions.
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Microbiology
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Served as lab manager for a research group of 10, handling all laboratory needs, including purchasing materials, specimen/tissue preparation, and coordinating with utilities/facilities management.
- Conducted murine-modeled malaria and Plasmodium research, contributing to experimental design and execution.
- Designed and ordered biochemical tools, including PCR primers, gel electrophoresis materials, and custom DNA assays for genetic analysis.
- Oversaw a mouse colony of 2,000+ mice across 600+ cages, ensuring proper husbandry practices and facility compliance.
- Implemented new animal husbandry protocols, leading to a $60,000 reduction in housing costs through optimized colony management.
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Microbiology
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted virological research focusing on Herpes Simplex Virus II genetics and viral processing.
- Performed PCR amplification, primer design, gel extraction, vector infusion, bacterial transformation, transfection, and plasmid/DNA digestion (miniprep).
- Presented findings in weekly meetings with the Principal Investigator to ensure proper documentation and data analysis.
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Biochemestry
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Conducted Drosophila research on gene mutations related to progeria within the University of Iowa Medical Education and Research Facility.
- Presented findings and data through weekly meetings with the Principal Investigator to ensure accurate research progress and analysis.
- Performed microscopy (immunofluorescent, light, THUNDER, confocal), PCR/PAGE, Western Blot, and gene sequencing to analyze genetic mutations.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Served as primary trainer for incoming undergraduate researchers, providing instruction on laboratory protocols, experimental design, and research techniques.
Battle Captain (Plans Officer, S3 Section)
2nd Brigade Combat Team, Iowa Army National Guard
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Served as Future Operations (FUOPS) and Current Operations (CUOPS) Officer in a 28-Soldier Brigade Plans section, responsible for mission planning, execution, and support for Brigade level operations involving over 4,000 Soldiers.
- Developed and issued Operations Orders (OPORDs), Warning Orders (WARNOs), and Fragmentary Orders (FRAGOs) for Brigade mission set for both CUOPS (0–180 days): Immediate mission planning and execution, and
FUOPS (180+ days) Long-term strategic planning and resource allocation teams. - Conducted Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) to prepare OPORDs for approval by the Brigade Commander and S3, ensuring effective mission planning and execution.
- Participated in the development of the Brigade 5-year operational training plan to include the alignment with Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) cycles for an Infantry Battalion combat deployment.
Company Commander (Infantry)
Bravo Company, 1/133D IN, Iowa National Guard
10.2019 - 05.2022
- Commanded a 131-Soldier Rifle Company composed of three Infantry Platoons, a Mortar Section, and a Headquarters Section, ensuring combat readiness for worldwide deployments and statewide emergency response.
- Led training and tactical employment in urban, limited visibility, precision, and counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, integrating joint exercises with Host Nation Security Forces.
- Ensured personnel readiness, retention, and combat effectiveness in accordance with Brigade-level requirements.
- Deployed to the Middle East for an acting period of over 400, successfully returning all personnel and equipment without loss.
- Oversaw maintenance and accountability of $1M+ in company-level equipment.
- Mentored junior officers and enlisted personnel, contributing to their professional growth and career progression.
Plans Officer (Assistant S3)
1/133D IN, Iowa Army National Guard
06.2018 - 10.2019
- Served as Assistant S3 Plans Officer for an 817-Soldier Infantry Battalion, responsible for future operations planning and execution.
- Developed operational plans integrating all Warfighting Functions, ensuring unit readiness for combat and homeland emergency missions.
- Assisted in preparing OPORDs, updating Tactical Standard Operating Procedures (TACSOPs), and drafting yearly training guidance and publications in alignment with Battalion Commander’s intent.
- Mentored and trained Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) within the operations section.
- Served as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert for colleagues seeking guidance on project planning and execution strategies.
- Assessed potential risks and developed contingency plans to mitigate their impact on project timelines and outcomes.
Education
M.D. -
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Iowa City, IA05-2028
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2023
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2013
Skills
- Training & Development
- Leadership and Command:
- Trained and mentored over 300 Soldiers, achieving a 96% pass rate at Basic Combat Training (BCT)
-Served as a primary trainer for undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques and scientific protocols
- Operations and Logistics Management
- Commanded 131-Soldier Infantry company with direct responsibility for combat readiness, training, and tactical employment
- Oversaw the maintenance and accountability of >$1M in Company-level and installation equipment
- Managed Mouse colony of 2,000 mice, optimizing procedures to reduce housing costs by over $60,000 over the course of 1 year
Accomplishments
Order of Saint Maurice Recipient– Recognized for exceptional leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the Infantry community. This national honor is the highest award given by the National Infantry Association and United States Army. Those awarded demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Infantry mission and uphold the highest standards of excellence in training, development, and operational effectiveness.
Meritorious Service Medal – Awarded for exemplary leadership while acting in command during a deployment to the Middle East in support of U.S. Central Command operation Spartan Shield: OEF.
Qualifications
United States Army RANGER: Small Unit Tactics
Completed on of the U.S. Army's most rigorous leadership and small-unit tactics courses, demonstrating exceptional endurance, resilience, decision-making under stress, and combat leadership in austere environments.
Timeline
Research Assistant
University of Iowa Healthcare - Patterson Lab
08.2024 - Current
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Microbiology
05.2023 - 08.2024
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Microbiology
12.2022 - 06.2023
Company Commander
C Co RSP, Iowa Army National Guard
11.2022 - 10.2024
Research Assistant
University of Iowa - Department of Biochemestry
06.2022 - 06.2023
Battle Captain (Plans Officer, S3 Section)
2nd Brigade Combat Team, Iowa Army National Guard
05.2022 - 11.2022
Company Commander (Infantry)
Bravo Company, 1/133D IN, Iowa National Guard
10.2019 - 05.2022
Plans Officer (Assistant S3)
1/133D IN, Iowa Army National Guard
06.2018 - 10.2019
M.D. -
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Bachelor of Science - Microbiology
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Iowa
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