From engaging girls in science, to maternal and newborn screening, biotechnology and more, the State Hygienic Laboratory's Ambassador Program has worked to raise awareness about lab-related issues since 2009. On July 31, it moved into the future with the appointment of Dave Jacoby as its new Ambassador.

Hygienic Laboratory Director Christopher Atchison (left) with State Rep. and State Hygienic Laboratory Ambassador Dave Jacoby

The program began as a way to draw attention to the work of the state lab, science and workforce development, and Iowa STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) initiatives.

"I think the program is very worthwhile," said Hector Ibarra, who served as the second Ambassador, beginning in 2010.

A past National Teacher of the Year and former science teacher at West Branch Middle School, Ibarra promoted the study of science by students throughout Iowa as Ambassador and continues his involvement with the lab as an advisory committee member.

Sandra Daack-Hirsch, who served as Ambassador from 2012 to 2013, also remains associated with the laboratory.

"The biggest thing it did for me was to open the doors for collaboration," said Daack-Hirsch, associate professor in the University of Iowa College of Nursing, whose emphasis as ambassador was on maternal and newborn screening. The Hygienic Laboratory performs screening as the designated laboratory for this potentially life-saving program.

Past ambassadors reflected on their volunteer appointments as State Rep. Jacoby was welcomed as the new Ambassador during a reception July 31 at the Lab’s new Center for the Advancement of Laboratory Science in Coralville.

Jacoby, the University of Iowa's public relations outreach coordinator for the Southeast Iowa STEM Region, will serve in the honorary position through 2015.

Dignitaries attending the event included William “Sandy” Boyd, president emeritus at the University of Iowa, and several state senators and representatives.

"The education of kids is a key building block to our efforts," Christopher Atchison, director of the State Hygienic Laboratory, said in reference to Jacoby's emphasis on STEM education.

Jordan Cohen, special associate to the Provost and immediate past Vice President for Research and Economic Development for UI, said Jacoby symbolizes the importance of public/private partnerships.

Visiting during the Ambassador event are University of Iowa President Emeritus Sandy Boyd (left) and Jordan Cohen, University of Iowa professor and dean emeritus of the College of Pharmacy.

Jacoby, who represents Coralville in the Iowa House, advocated for funding for the new Center, and previously served at Kirkwood Community College as program director of Workforce Initiatives, specializing in youth employment and training.

"This is truly a great honor," Jacoby said of the appointment, adding that previous ambassadors are "tough acts to follow."

The first Ambassador, Anne-Michael Langguth, is a former Miss Iowa who graduated from Harvard University and from the UI Carver College of Medicine in 2014.

She was followed by Ibarra in 2010 and another science teacher, Doug Herman, of Iowa City West High, in 2011. Herman, whose emphasis was on laboratory science in the classroom, was a national Outstanding Biology Teacher.

Daack-Hirsch, the fourth Ambassador, was followed by Rachel Hurley in 2013. Hurley, former executive director of the Iowa Biotechnology Association, emphasized biotechnology and economic development.

Jacoby, the sixth Ambassador, said he is excited to work with the lab and the new Center for the Advancement of Laboratory Science, which serves as a fully functioning educational and training lab.

"We don't know what the future holds," he said, "but with the partnership at the Hygienic Laboratory, we're going to prepare our students for the future."