Hector Ibarra, a former West Branch middle-school science teacher, was selected to be the new Environmental and Public Health Ambassador for the State Hygienic Laboratory.

According to a press release, Ibarra plans to work with the laboratory — Iowa’s environmental and public-health lab — to promote science study among students in the state of Iowa.

A UI graduate, one-time Fulbright scholar, and National Teacher of the Year, Ibarra worked in education for more than 30 years. He has received the President’s Volunteer Award and the National Science Teachers’ Association Distinguished Teaching Award throughout his career. He was recently appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board.

Ibarra was preceded by Miss Iowa 2009 Anne Michael Langguth.

— by Nina Earnest