"Hill days" at the Iowa Capitol connect legislators and constituents in an exchange of ideas and updates. Earlier this month, two young scientists shared news about their Hygienic Laboratory projects with state senators and representatives during STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Day at the Capitol. The annual event held on Feb. 6 was organized by the Governor's STEM Advisory Council.

Photos of the event

Megan Mekoli, Ph.D, (left) and Abby Walling at the Iowa state Capitol

The work of Environmental Public Health Fellow Megan Mekoli, Ph.D., and Iowa City West High School sophomore Abby Walling was featured at the Hygienic Laboratory booth.

Mekoli is working on a biomonitoring project that examines levels of arsenic in water and other matrices. Her two-year fellowship is sponsored by the Association of Public Health Laboratories and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"I've been interested in the political process for quite a while," Mekoi said. "I always assumed that these officials were too busy and important to meet with me; however, I found out that speaking with state elected officials is surprisingly easy. They want to hear from their constituents.

"Most people I met were very down-to-earth and interested in what I had to say," she added. "They were all rather busy, but willing to take time out of their day to meet with me and hear about my new project and its impact on the people of Iowa."

Walling is a former recipient of the Hygienic Laboratory's Student Mentorship program that teams laboratory scientists with students who are working on science projects that require a laboratory testing component. She has been recognized with a national award for her work that compares human and canine bacteria levels, and also researched ways to create fuel from grass clippings.

"The STEM Day at the Capitol was an excellent learning experience for me," Walling said. "I not only met with other scientists and made connections with many adults, but I also was able to experience what life at the capitol is like. My favorite experience was sitting in on a sub-committee meeting and listening to their discussion.

"I would like others to know that there are many opportunities for teenagers interested in science, and the STEM Hill Day at the Capitol was a great way to learn more about them."