Twelve nationally recognized health and environmental experts gathered recently in Coralville for the inaugural meeting of the State Hygienic Laboratory’s Board of External Advisors.

The Hygienic Lab convened the board that will advise, assess, and contribute expertise to the strategic direction of Iowa’s environmental and public health laboratory. Board members represent academic and research units within the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, agencies of Iowa government, and regional leaders in the areas of service, research, and education.

“We are honored to partner with these esteemed colleagues who have generously agreed to be a part of our Board of External advisors and who will lend their insights to our advancement of public health issues in the state of Iowa,” says Christopher Atchison, director of the State Hygienic Laboratory. “This is a rare opportunity to assemble such diverse, remarkable talent, and we are grateful for the participation of each member.”

Charles Helms, professor emeritus of the UI Carver College of Medicine, is the chair of the board, which will meet twice a year.

Members are Charles Brokopp, director of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene; William Ehm, administrator of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Richard Hichwa, senior associate vice president for research at the UI Research Administration; Hector Ibarra, director of Learning Without Limits; Louis Katz, executive vice president, medical affairs for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center; Catherine Logue, professor from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Ann-Marie McCarthy, associate dean from the UI College of Nursing; Mariannette Miller-Meeks, director of the Iowa Department of Public Health; Corinne Peek-Asa, associate dean from the UI College of Public Health; Paul Romitti, director of the Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders; and Pete Weyer, associate director of the UI Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination.