UI State Hygienic Laboratory Director Michael Pentella and Director Emeritus Christopher Atchison were honored for their contributions to the advancement of laboratory science and public health leadership at the annual meeting of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) held June 2–5 in Pasadena, California.

“I’m pleased, honored, and humbled to receive the award and to join past recipients who I have admired and respected,” Pentella said. “I’m very glad that in 2002 I took the opportunity and left the hospital clinical lab to join the public health lab community, where I found great people doing great things collaboratively.”

Pentella was named interim SHL director in January and permanent director in March. Atchison served as SHL director from 2007 until he retired in January 2017.

“During my 33 years in public health practice I have come to deeply appreciate the dedication and creativity of those in the field who work 24/7 to identify and address threats to our health,” Atchison said.

APHL works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally. It represents state and local governmental health laboratories in the United States. Its members monitor, detect and respond to health threats.