The sky's the limit. This is a message that adults frequently use to encourage children, but one that may not always be fully appreciated.

A celebration held at the State Hygienic Laboratory on May 20 honored a rare group of students who took that mantra to heart and, in the process, are helping reshape legislation and environmental policy.

Team DeIcers Linzee Espensen, Ian Andrews and Russell Martin with David Leshtz, of Congressman David Loebsack's office

The atrium of the Hygienic Laboratory was filled with posters made by students from Grant Wood Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School, Prairie Creek Intermediate School and West Branch Middle School and High School. These young scientists were reunited with scientists from the Hygienic Laboratory and the University of Iowa who mentored them throughout their projects.

"I know firsthand how exciting discovery can be," University of Iowa President Sally Mason told the students and guests who were gathered at the Coralville Laboratory. "There is nothing more exciting than the passion that goes with the discovery part of research."

The students explained their theories to some 70 guests, including state Rep. David Jacoby and Sen. Bob Dvorsky along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack.

These legislators may have already known of some of the projects. The Alpha Eliminators team worked with Dr. Bill Field of the UI College of Public Health to raise awareness about radon exposure. The team also drafted a bill to the Iowa legislature that would require passive radon mitigation systems in homes under construction and allow electronic radon detectors - now prohibited - to be sold in Iowa.

"I was excited that the President of the University was taking her time to talk to some kids," said Eleanor Mildenstein, of Alpha Eliminators. "She probably had several places she was asked to be, but she chose this one. It made me feel proud that this was the event she chose.

University of Iowa President Sally Mason shares her experiences as a student of science.

"Before I was on this team, I only thought I would grow up to be something to do with literature. Now, I realize I can do much more. I can become a science-related person if I choose."

Team Dead Weight was part of a movement that persuaded the Environmental Protection Agency to consider banning the use of lead in wheel weights. John Vargo, Ph.D., and Michael Wichman, Ph.D., of the Hygienic Lab worked with this team and with Team DeIcers that examined a waterway near the Eastern Iowa Airport for the presence of contaminants used to deice planes.

With the help of Dr. Tim Brown of the National Advanced Driving Simulator, team Buzz Busters demonstrated the effects of high energy drinks on the driving abilities of teens. Team Carb Alert examined food labeling and nutrition requirements with the assistance of Dr. Todd Wiblin and Vicki Kraus of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, nutritionist Cathy Gehirs of HyVee and Jennifer Stahle of Abbott Diabetes Care.

Also highlighted during the event were Archy and the Flatfooters for studying damage caused from wearing flip flops, and The Notifiers who measured the effectiveness of handwashing in controlling bacteria.

The central figure for all of these projects is Hector Ibarra, Ph.D., a nationally recognized educator who, through his "Learning without Limits" initiative helps students pursue scientific study. Ibarra is also the Environmental and Public Health Ambassador for the Hygienic Laboratory.

Hygienic Lab Director Christopher Atchison welcomes visitors.

"He has inspired every group represented here and several others to create award-winning projects that, among other things, have helped spur the EPA to reexamine their position on lead in the environment," said Hygienic Laboratory Director Christopher Atchison about Ibarra.

Jordan Cohen, UI vice president for Research and Development, spoke of the potential for further science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) collaborations on the UI Research Park campus.

"Having the SHL, the National Advanced Driving Simulator and other forward thinking companies and core laboratories at the Park available for hands-on student experiences is a major part of this agenda, as is our growing partnership with the Iowa City and surrounding school districts and Kirkwood Community College to develop and assess new approaches to STEM education," said Jordan Cohen.

On Sept. 18, the Hygienic Laboratory will team with the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership to present at the Research Park iExploreSTEM, a statewide festival to encourage study in the STEM fields. Before then, many of the student teams who took part in the Hygienic Laboratory celebration will be taking part in national competitions. They will take with them the encouragement of their mentors and the advice of an accomplished woman of science.

"President Mason made me feel that if we set our goals high and work very hard that many of our individual goals can be achieved," said Jathan Kron of Team Dead Weight. "She made me feel proud of our environmental science project and accomplishments and that the sky was the limit."