Through his work as a politician, teacher, scientist and activist, David Osterberg is in what he calls the "knowledge-bringing business."

The director and a founder of the Iowa City Policy Project said he has established a career around his passions for research and politics, with the objective of working toward social change.

"We often find that the motivation behind what the government does is ideology (and) bad decision-making. That's where we want to bring knowledge," he said.

In 2001, Osterberg and a four-member board started the non-profit organization to research different areas of the state economy. Their intention was to protect workers' rights and help low-income families by educating policy makers.

The experience that led Osterberg toward a career in social activism came from serving in the Peace Corp.

"It made me realize that folks are not just going to get by on their own. It's the government that can get the things all people want, and that's shelter, food and other basic things," said Osterberg, who taught at a Kurdish region on the border of Iraq and Turkey.

The experience also influenced Osterberg's political career, and for 12 years he served in the Iowa Legislature.

"I quit . (because) I wanted to do more direct things that would have an effect on decision-making," he said. From his legislative days to his role now as director of the Iowa Policy Project and associate professor in the University of Iowa's Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Osterberg has remained a strong advocate for environmental protection and energy efficiency.

In 2002, he and four colleagues toured Northern Europe on solar powered bicycles to bring attention to global climate change and explore renewable energy methods in other countries. He has gone on three other bicycling trips since.

"It's hard to do it - fighting for the environment. You have to figure out a way to do it that's pleasant and fun," he said.

- Hieu Pham