Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds stopped by the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa July 31 to tour the lab's recently completed Center for the Advancement of Laboratory Science and learn about STEM outreach.

During the tour—which marks Reynolds' second visit to the Hygienic Lab—the lieutenant governor performed three experiments with the assistance of one of the lab’s externs, Bill Gelhaus.

Gelhaus, a sixth-grade math and physical science teacher for the West Branch Community School District, plans to implement what he learned during his UI externship in his middle school classroom.

“I can take a lot of what I’ve learned from this experience and make my class even better,” he says.

Reynolds, who co-chairs the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, says the council is trying to grow its Real World Externship Program.

“We’re so grateful to the lab for providing that opportunity for educators," she says. "It’s a great experience."