WHAT: Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will visit the University of Iowa campus for a tour of three research facilities on Thursday, July 31.

Bill Gelhaus, an extern at the State Hygienic Laboratory at the UI, will demonstrate an experiment for Reynolds during the Hygienic Lab tour.

Gelhaus is a sixth-grade math and physical science teacher for the West Branch Community School District. He began his externship at the lab on June 16, and plans to take what he has learned back to West Branch where he will apply his experiences to the way he teaches his students.

Gelhaus will speak with Reynolds about his experience as an extern through the Real World Externship program during her visit. The externship is an initiative of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, which Reynolds co-chairs.

Christopher Atchison, director of the State Hygienic Laboratory, will be leading the tour of the lab and will be available for questions after the tour. Reynolds and Gelhaus will also be available for interviews at that time.

Reynolds will also tour the National Advanced Driving Simulator and the Wynn Institute for Vision Research during her visit to campus.

“I look forward to visiting the University of Iowa on Thursday to learn more about the innovative work occurring campus-wide,” says Reynolds. “The research occurring at the Hygienic Lab, the National Driving Simulator, and the Wynn Institute for Vision Research is attracting attention and accolades. This type of analysis and course work is helping prepare University of Iowa students for the careers of tomorrow.”

WHEN: Thursday, July 31, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: The State Hygienic Laboratory, 2490 Crosspark Rd. Coralville.

WHO: Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Christopher Atchison, director of the State Hygienic Laboratory, and Bill Gelhaus, West Branch physical science and math teacher and extern at the lab.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Media that wish to attend the tour of the Hygienic Lab are required to present photo identification to gain access to the tour.