Hygienic Laboratory announces new Ambassador
The State Hygienic Laboratory announced on Sept. 17 that Michael Schultz will be its Environmental and Public Health Ambassador for 2015 – 2016. Through the Ambassador Program, the Hygienic Laboratory works with leaders in the state who share a common goal to raise awareness of public health and laboratory science. Schultz is associate professor in the University of Iowa Departments of Radiology and Internal Medicine, Radiation Oncology. In the honorary role of Ambassador, he will focus on possible effects from hydraulic fracking on water quality. “The role of the State Hygienic Laboratory is to monitor environmental conditions and their effect on public health,” said Hygienic Laboratory Director Christopher Atchison. “Dr. Schultz’ work on the environmental impact from fracking will help us understand the consequences of the new technology.
“The farther we are ahead of the curve with matters of public health, the better prepared we are to help maintain the quality of life in Iowa. Our partnership with Dr. Schultz as our Ambassador brings focus to the impact of fracking and other emerging environmental influences.”
Schultz has worked with the Hygienic Laboratory to develop methods to measure radiochemistry in flowback water from fracking.
“My lab at the university has enjoyed a rich collaboration with the State Hygienic Laboratory, and during my tenure I would very much like to work to help other researchers around the state explore the potential of the Hygienic Laboratory as a terrific research partner,” Schultz said.
“In a more focused project, we are planning to work toward closing the loop on understanding the extent of natural radioactivity in drinking water resources in Iowa. The Hygienic Laboratory has been part of the monitoring program that focuses on radium and radon, but there is more to the story, and we plan to close the loop on understanding in this regard.”
Gathered to celebrate the Hygienic Laboratory’s Ambassador Program are (from left) Hygienic Laboratory Director Christopher Atchison, Michael Schultz, the Hygienic Lab’s 2015 Ambassador, Rep. Dave Jacoby (the 2014 Ambassador) and educator Hector Ibarra (the 2010 Ambassador). Schultz is an associate professor in the University of Iowa Departments of Radiology, Internal Medicine and Radiation Oncology.
Director Christopher Atchison (left) and Dan Reed, University of Iowa vice president of Research and Develop, pose with Rep. Dave Jacoby and Sen. Bob Dvorsky during the Hygienic Laboratory’s Ambassador celebration on Sept. 17.
