An advocate for Iowa's biotech business sector is the new Environmental and Public Health Ambassador for the State Hygienic Laboratory.

The Hygienic Lab introduced Rachel Hurley, executive director of the Iowa Biotech Association, as its ambassador at a Sept. 26 reception held at the Lab's facility on the UI Research Park campus in Coralville. Hurley accepted the one-year honorary position to help raise awareness of the role of laboratory sciences in economic development and in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

Hurley is the Hygienic Lab's fifth ambassador.

Rachel Hurley

"In addition to promoting the State Hygienic Laboratory and its unique services on a national level, I also hope to use my background to grow and develop industry collaborations, increase STEM education in the area and broaden public perception and understanding of the important roles the laboratory plays in protecting Iowans," Hurley said. "The hard work completed by previous ambassadors has put the State Hygienic Lab in a great position, and I look forward to the challenge of following in their footsteps."

Iowan leaders who previously served as the Environmental and Public Health Ambassador are Anne Michael Langguth (2009-2010), Hector Ibarra, Ph.D. (2010-2011), Doug Herman (2011-2012) and Sandra Daack-Hirsch, Ph.D. (2012-2013).

Prior to Hurley joining the Iowa Biotech Association, she was the director of Legislative Relations for the Michigan attorney general's office where she helped develop several statewide efforts, including the Senior Brigade and the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative. Hurley earned an associate's degree from Indian Hills Community College, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Graceland University and a law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law.