Matthew Wang moved to Iowa City from California in the spring of 2019 knowing little about the University of Iowa, other than his godparents attended graduate school here.
Fast forward five years, and Wang sees a future in Iowa.
"I really enjoy the simpler and slower pace of life," says Wang, an environmental lab analyst at the State Hygienic Laboratory and a 2023 Iowa graduate.
Wang earned his undergraduate degree in environmental sciences through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A summer internship at a water quality lab back home in the Bay Area solidified the career path he decided to pursue at Iowa.
When he returned to Iowa City for his senior year, Wang says he "threw everything at the wall to see what stuck" during his job search. Upon graduation, Wang took his first job at the State Hygienic Laboratory as a lab technician in the clinical microbiology section. He now works for the Environmental Division of the State Hygienic Laboratory testing water quality samples from across the state.
After four years, analysts like Wang have the potential to be promoted to specialists. The State Hygienic Laboratory is currently reviewing its career pathways and working to find ways to encourage professional growth within the analyst role.
"We're working to expand and broaden the skills and competencies needed for analysts to grow in their careers and engage in professional development while they work toward a promotion to specialist," says associate HR director Erin Turnis.
"Recruitment and retention of skilled and talented staff are always a high priority for the State Hygienic Lab. The work that the staff conduct to improve the health and well-being of Iowa residents is vitally important."
The State Hygienic Lab serves all of Iowa's 99 counties through disease detection, environmental monitoring, and newborn and maternal screenings. It's one of only two such laboratories in the United States operated by a university.
For Wang, the ability to learn on the job and maintain flexible work hours appealed to him during his job search and have helped keep him at the Coralville lab.
"A lot of what I learned through my environmental sciences degree is quite different than what I do at work," Wang says. "But what's great about the State Hygienic Lab is they're willing to train you on the job. I think a lot of people tend to count themselves out of potential jobs because their qualifications don't match. But at the end of the day, if you're teachable and willing to learn, that's very valuable."
Despite his degree in environmental sciences, Wang had job opportunities in sports due to his collegiate career as "Herky's security detail."
"Growing up, I really liked mascots," Wang says. "Coming to Iowa, I loved Herky's look and would always watch him do his thing on the sidelines more than the game itself."
In the spring of 2020, Wang wanted to try out for the UI Spirit Squad, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had to come up with a way to show his enthusiasm for the mascot from home. A video of Wang portraying Herky's morning routine was enough to get him an in-person tryout once students were back on campus. He landed the gig and eventually experienced "the full gamut of Herky" when in-person sporting events returned to full strength.
"Growing up in California, university pride is not that big of a thing," Wang says.
"Having the Herky experience gave me a whole new appreciation for the University of Iowa. Being able to travel with the team and meet the fan base showed me how much of an impact this school has. That experience gave me the chance to leave my mark at Iowa."
