67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference
Scientific Program
November 3-6, 2024
All times listed will be MOUNTAIN Standard Time
Featured Speakers
Arnold G. Wedum Memorial Lecture Award
Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, MD
Stanford University School of Medicine
Palo Alto, CA
From a House on Fire to a World in Shutdown: The Intersection of Epidemiology and Vaccinology
Monday 8:25 am
Invited Speaker
Christopher L. Parkinson, PhD
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Mitigating Risk in the Field and Lab When Dealing With Venomous Creatures in Research
Monday 1:30 pm
Invited Speaker
George Poste, DVM, PhD
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ
Biosecurity: Complexity, Complacency, Connectivity and Commitment
Tuesday 8:00 am
Eagleson Lecture Award
David Engelthaler, PhD
Translational Genomics Research Institute and Health Observatory at ASU
Phoenix, AZ
Advancing Health Knowledge With Pathogen Intelligence
Tuesday 11:05 am
Griffin Lecture Award
Djibril Sangaré, PhD
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)
Bamako, Mali
Strengthening National and Regional Collaboration for Laboratory Biorisk Management in Mali and Across West and Central Africa
Wednesday 8:00 am
Richard Knudsen Award
Alan Beswick, PhD
Health and Safety Executive Science and Research Centre
Buxton, United Kingdom
An Assessment of Germicidal Ultraviolet Treatment Cabinets and Carousels Using a Bacteriophage Surface Challenge
Wednesday 1:45 pm
Robert I. Gross Student Award
Iris Magne
London Metropolitan University
London, England
International Biosecurity Education Network: A Timely Tool for Biosecurity
Wednesday 4:00 pm
Sunday, November 3, 2024
6:30 – 8:30 pm Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Monday, November 4, 2024
7:00 – 5:00 pm Registration
7:00 – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast in Foyer
9:00 – 4:00 pm Vendor Exhibits
8:00 – 8:15 am Welcome and ABSA International President’s Address
Master of Ceremonies
Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
8:15 – 8:20 am Local Arrangements Committee Welcome
Sepideh Hockley, MBA, Penn State University, Phoenix, AZ
8:20 – 8:25 am Scientific Program Committee Welcome
AJ Troiano, PhD, RBP(ABSA), FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Boston, MA
Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Mr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.
Sepideh Hockley, MBA
Penn State University
Phoenix, AZ
AJ Troiano, PhD, RBP(ABSA)FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
Boston, MA
AJ is the Global Director, Biosafety & Toxicology for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in biologically derived therapeutics (6 campuses globally, ~4500 employees). His role ultimately oversees worker and patient safety with respect to the various modalities used in producing biotherapeutics, including microbial and mammalian platforms, as well as cell & viral gene therapies. His leadership philosophy embodies servant leadership as a “safety diplomat”, with a core principle that successful safety leadership is predicated on collaboration with stakeholders across scientific, operational, quality, and environmental health and safety (EHS) infrastructures, as well as promoting strong grassroots efforts from the ground up.
Previously, AJ worked as a biorisk management consultant in the Greater Boston area, working with biotech, life science, academia, and public health institutions, including BSL-3 and BSL-4 operations. He holds a BS in Microbiology with 2nd Major in Classics, a PhD in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, and is completing a MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Toxicology in the Spring of 2025. AJ is a Registered Biosafety Professional (ABSA) and has served as Chair of ABSA’s Scientific Program Committee since 2021, leading conference planning efforts throughout the pandemic and into the new hybrid format. He is also a member of the newly formed ABSA Code of Conduct (CoC) Task Force, an active participant in regional ABSA affiliates (NEBSA, SBA), The Eagleson Institute, Havard-Yale IBC Symposium, BioPhorum, and toxicology based professional organizations (SOT, ACT).
Session 1 | Arnold G. Wedum Memorial Lecture Award
Introduction: Susan Vleck, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Moderator: AJ Troiano, PhD, RBP(ABSA), FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Boston, MA
8:25 – 9:15 am From a House on Fire to a World in Shutdown: The Intersection of Epidemiology and Vaccinology
Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
9:15 – 9:25 am Q&A Session
Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, MD
Stanford University School of Medicine
Palo Alto, CA
Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) A. Maldonado, MD, is the Taube Endowed Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and of Epidemiology and Population, and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is an infectious diseases epidemiologist who completed training as an Epidemiologic Intelligence Surveillance Officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Maldonado has achieved national and international recognition for her scholarship in epidemiology and control of infectious diseases. Her research addresses the prevalence, transmission and progression of HIV and vaccine preventable diseases in infants and children. She has led NIH, CDC, Gates Foundation and WHO funded domestic and international pediatric vaccine studies, as well as studies in prevention and treatment of perinatal HIV infection in the U.S., India, Mexico and Africa, and led several research projects regarding the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of COVID-19. She serves on the Council of the NICHD/NIH and the ACIP/CDC and has served on national and international committees in the area of pediatrics, vaccines and infectious diseases, including as a former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, a former member of the Board of Scientific Counselors, CDC Office of Infectious Diseases, the U.S. HHS National Vaccine Advisory Committee and the Board of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. She is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Pediatric Research, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the American Public Health Association. Dr. Maldonado has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is the co-editor of two books: Remington and Klein’s Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn and the American Academy of Pediatrics Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases (Red Book).
9:25 – 9:55 am | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 2 | Evolution of BSL-4
Moderators:
Rachel Gamble, DrPH, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Pond & Company, Peachtree Corners, GA
Kelly Flint, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
9:55 – 10:10 am Enabling Enhanced US Made BSL-4 Ensemble
Michael Rein, PhD, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), Cambridge, MA
10:10 – 10:25 am Modeling the Effects of Routine Screening for Lab–Acquired–Infections at High–Biosafety Research Facilities
Byron Cohen, PhD, Harvard University, Boston, MA
10:25 – 10:40 am The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Design, Construction and Operation of a Biocontainment Facility
E. Scott Kreitlein, MArch, BHDP Architects, Saratoga Springs, UT
10:40 – 10:55 am Q&A Session
Michael Rein, PhD
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA)
Cambridge, MA
Dr. Michael Rein is the Director of Engineering at the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) manufacturing institute. Dr. Rein is managing technology and product development of a new domestically produced BSL-4 ensemble as well as projects that introduce advanced multifunctional fibers and electronics into textiles to enable a high-tech transformation of the U.S. textile industry. Dr. Rein received a BSc degree in Materials Engineering and a BA in Physics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, MSc in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT.
Byron Cohen, PhD
Harvard University
Boston, MA
Byron Cohen is a Horizon Fellow working on biosecurity policy in the federal government. He completed his PhD in Population Health Sciences with Harvard’s Department of Global Health and Population in July 2024. In his research, Byron uses epidemiological models to evaluate interventions for early detection, prevention, and response to pandemics.
E. Scott Kreitlein, MArch
BHDP Architects
Saratoga Springs, UT
Scott Kreitlein has over 30 years of experience in the design community planning some of the most complex science related projects in the industry. Having worked exclusively in the S&T field, Scott has utilized his experience in designing different research-based projects across the globe. He specializes in biocontainment type vivarium facilities.
10:55 – 11:00 am | Stretch
Session 3 | Perspectives on Regulations and Guidelines
Moderators:
Theresa Marth, MPH, RBP(ABSA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, MD
Jessica McCormick-Ell, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
11:00 – 11:15 am Evolving Landscape in Life Sciences Regulation: Assessing Impact and Advancing Biosafety
Randy A. Albrecht, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
11:15 – 11:30 am Using ISO 35001 as a Tool to Help Improve a Laboratory’s Local Community Relations
Jane S. Alam, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MD
11:30 – 11:45 am Implementation of Global Action Plan III Laboratory Containment in Poliovirus-Essential Facilities – United States, 2017-2023
Christy Ottendorfer, PhD, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
11:45 – 12:00 pm Q&A Session
Randy A. Albrecht, PhD, RBP(ABSA)Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, NY
Randy Albrecht, PhD, RBP(ABSA) is the Senior Director of Biosafety and Responsible Official for biological select agents and toxins at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. He also serves as the Director of the BSL-3 Biocontainment CoRE and oversees basic and translational research involving high-consequence pathogens. His academic research focused on investigations of host-pathogen interactions and pathogenesis of viral disease, with emphasis on studying influenza viruses, coronaviruses, alphaviruses, and picornaviruses. He is an active member of ASM’s Public and Scientific Affairs Committee.
Jane S. Alam
MRIGlobal
Gaithersburg, MD
Jane S. Alam is a Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational Excellence (ASQ CMQ/OE) with over 20 years of experience working in biosurveillance, research, and clinical diagnostic laboratories. She specializes in Quality Assurance focused laboratory management, leadership skills, training development, and implementation. Additionally, Jane Alam has supported multiple leadership, biosafety, biosecurity, and technical training events nationally and internationally for high containment laboratory staff, including capacity building efforts in West Africa post the 2014 Ebola epidemic. She is currently employed as a Senior Quality Assurance Officer at MRIGlobal.
Christy Ottendorfer, PhD
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, GA
Christy Ottendorfer, PhD is a Microbiologist and Senior Science Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/United States National Authority for Containment of Polioviruses (USNAC). In this role, Dr. Ottendorfer supported the establishment of a new national oversight program for poliovirus containment and leads research studies to develop an evidence basis for laboratory containment recommendations and guidance. Dr. Ottendorfer works closely with national, regional and global partners to develop and continually improve the audit and certification program for poliovirus-essential facilities in alignment with WHO and ISO guidelines. Between 2010-2017, Dr. Ottendorfer served as a Microbiologist with the CDC/Division of Select Agents and Toxins, participated in over 100 inspections of registered entities, and led the initial development and pilot release of the eFSAP information system. Prior to joining CDC, Dr. Ottendorfer held positions as adjunct faculty and post-doctoral scientist directing select agent arbovirus research in an A/BSL-3 facility at the University of South Florida, Virologist at the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Laboratories, and Biological Scientist at the University of Florida. Dr. Ottendorfer received her formal training in Microbiology and Public Health at the University of Florida and University of South Florida.
12:00 – 1:30 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Lunch
Session 4 | Poster Session
12:30 – 1:30 pm Presenters must be available during the session.
Session 5 | Invited Speaker
Introduction: Mike McCarthy, RBP(ABSA), Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA
Moderator: Maya Nair, PhD, RBP(ABSA), University of North Texas Science Center, Fort Worth, TX
1:30 – 2:15 pm Mitigating Risk in the Field and Lab When Dealing with Venomous Creatures in Research
Christopher L. Parkinson, PhD, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
2:15 – 2:30 pm Q&A Session
Christopher L. Parkinson, PhDClemson University
Clemson, SC
Dr. Christopher Parkinson is currently a Professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. He is also the director of the Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics facility and Graduate Coordinator for the department of Biological Sciences. He and his team utilize genomic approaches to investigate the evolution, conservation, and systematics of various animal groups, focusing on venomous snakes and their venom. He attended Ohio University for his undergraduate education then earned his PhD from the University of Louisville and conducted postdoctoral work at Indiana University and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Dr. Parkinson has extensive experience conducting fieldwork and leading expeditions in over 20 countries. Dr. Parkinson has been a University Animal Care Committee member and chair, is currently the Chair of the American Society of Ichthyologist and Herpetologists Herpetological Animal Care Committee, has lectured for Scientists Center for Animal Welfare on utilizing wild animals in research and safely conducting fieldwork, and has participated as an invited speaker at American Association for Laboratory Animal Science meetings on safely utilizing venomous snakes in research. He has authored over 90 original scientific papers and book chapters and has given multiple invited seminars on his research.
2:30 – 3:00 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 6 | Inclusive Biosafety Training for Global Communities
Moderators:
Brett Haltiwanger, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), University of Colorado—Denver, Denver, CO
Francine Rogers, MS, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Tufts University, Boston, MA
3:00 – 3:15 pm Reaching Across the Bench: Why Biosafety Education is Key for Cell and Gene Therapy
Pharmacists and Clinicians
Heidi Page, MS, RBP(ABSA), SABAI Global—Shield Consulting, Chesterfield, MO
3:15 – 3:30 pm Strategies for Improving Biosafety Accessibility, Buy-In, and Compliance
Sharon Altmann, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MD
3:30 – 3:45 pm Establishing a Regional Training and Certification Program for BSC
Thendo Netshilema, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg, South Africa
3:45 – 4:00 pm Q&A Session
Heidi Page, MS, RBP(ABSA)
SABAI Global—Shield Consulting
Chesterfield, MO
Heidi has extensive experience in, and passion for, the ‘grey zone’, intertwining regulation, safety and human behavior to find the best overall solutions to the safety and compliance challenges we face when doing research. Heidi has 15+ years of experience in the field of biosafety and has over 7 years of experience serving as the Biological Safety Officer and Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Case Western Reserve University. She earned a BS in Organismal Biology from the University of Kansas, a MS in Cell and Molecular biology from University of Missouri—Kansas City and is a Registered Biosafety Professional with ABSA International. In her role as the Director of Sabai’s Shield Consulting group, Heidi has the opportunity to work with varied clients from academic institutions, CROs, startup biotechs, large pharma, and healthcare institutions. Outside of work Heidi is often found trying her hand at something new, be it gardening, cooking, raising chickens or keeping bees. She feels passionately that there is always something new to learn.
Sharon Altmann, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)
MRIGlobal
Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Sharon Altmann is a Capability Manager II/Principal Scientist supporting biosafety and global engagement as part of the Integrated Health, Surveillance, and Diagnostics unit at MRIGlobal. She received her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin—Madison, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and currently holds both RBP and CBSP credentials from ABSA International. With MRIGlobal, Dr. Altmann has supported multiple international engagements, including BSL-3 laboratory training in Kazakhstan; Ebolavirus outbreak response and survivor study activities; laboratory design and capacity building efforts in West Africa; BSL-4 facility standup and core laboratory support; pandemic-related return-to-work planning for schools and businesses; CLIA laboratory stand-up and operations; and biorisk management training program development for multiple clients. Dr. Altmann currently serves as a Councilor for the Chesapeake Area Biological Safety Association (ChABSA).
Thendo Netshilema
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Mr. Thendo Netshilema is a biocontainment engineer with more than 8 years’ experience, supports overseeing the daily operation, maintenance, upgrading, certification and development of BSL-3 and BSL-4 facilities at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), and offers technical support on the same at other institutions in South Africa and the continent.
4:00 – 4:05 pm | Stretch
Session 7 | Clinical Biosafety
Moderators:
Colleen Kovacsics, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Sparks Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA
Colleen Driskill, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA
4:05 – 4:20 pm Risk Assessment for Clinical Trials Involving Genetically Modified Bacteria or Phages
Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Advarra, Columbia, MD
4:20 – 4:35 pm Uncovering the Hidden Threat: Acinetobacter Baumannii – A Microbiological Survey of Distribution in the Hospital Environment and Disinfectant Tolerance
Sidrah Saleem, PhD, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
4:35 – 4:50 pm Select Agent Regulatory Challenges in a Patient Care Setting
Corrie Ntiforo, MSPH, RBP(ABSA), University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, Galveston, TX
4:50 – 5:05 pm Q&A Session
Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)
Advarra
Columbia, MD
Dan Eisenman is Executive Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, a large clinical research compliance company. Dan heads a commercial IBC overseeing over 1,300 basic science and clinical research sites and institutions. Prior to joining Advarra Dan was the Biosafety Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dan holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Immunology as well as various biosafety certifications such as RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA) and SM(NRCM). Dan also holds a Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).
Sidrah Saleem, PhD
University of Health Sciences
Lahore, Pakistan
Dr. Sidrah Saleem is leading the Department of Microbiology at the University of Health Sciences —Lahore. She launched a certificate in medical teaching (CMT) for her students and professionals from across Pakistan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked with her PhD students’ team to help the Government of Punjab, Pakistan in developing biosafety guidelines for COVID-19 testing. She is supervising and co-supervising 16 PhD students and more than 35 MPhil students. She has served as a member and Co-PI of the global trial group for ZF 2001 and Casino Bio for COVID-19 vaccines. She also served as a member of the Government of Punjab’s technical working group on COVID-19 and monkeypox virus.
Corrie Ntiforo, MSPH, RBP(ABSA)
University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston
Galveston, TX
Corrie is the Assistant Director for the Department of Biosafety at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She serves the role of Biosafety Officer and Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program. Corrie is responsible for the UTMB Select Agent Program oversight and manages one of the largest Select Agent Programs in the U.S. Her primary expertise is in high and maximum containment facilities. She enjoys working with PIs to find innovative solutions to unique research projects at UTMB. Corrie received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts—Amherst where she studied Chlamydophila pneumonia and taught undergraduate microbiology laboratory classes. She received a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree in Parasitology/Tropical Medicine from Tulane University School of Tropical Medicine where she studied Schistosoma mansoni and taught graduate protozoology/helminthology laboratory classes and assisted with teaching virology courses. She is a Registered Biosafety Professional through the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) and an active member of ABSA, the NIAID NBL/RBL network, National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) and the Veterinary Science and Biodefense BSL-3 Network (RAV3N).
5:10 – Close | Members’ Business Meeting
Door prizes will be awarded—must be present to win.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
7:00 – 5:00 pm Registration
7:00 – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast in Foyer
9:00 – 4:00 pm Vendor Exhibits
Session 8 | Invited Speaker
Introduction: Colleen Kovacsics, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Sparks Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA
Moderator: Adam Fleming, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), Deloitte Consulting LLP, Waldorf, MD
8:00 – 8:45 am Biosecurity: Complexity, Complacency, Connectivity and Commitment
George Poste, DVM, PhD, Arizona State University, Scottsdale, AZ
8:45 – 9:00 am Q&A Session
George Poste, DVM, PhD
Arizona State University
Scottsdale, AZ
Dr. George Poste is Regents Professor and Del E. Webb Professor of Health Innovation and Chief Scientist at The Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative at Arizona State University. This program integrates research in genomics, synthetic biology and high-performance computing to study the altered regulation of molecular networks in human diseases to develop new diagnostic tests for precision medicine and the remote monitoring of health status using miniaturized body sensors and mobile devices. He has a multidecade career of engagement with biosecurity and control of global infectious disease. He is a Fellow of the U.K. Royal Society, the Royal College of Pathologists, the U.K. Academy of Medicine, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the Council for Foreign Relations. He is a former member of the Defense Science Board of the Department of Defense and currently serves on advisory committees for several U.S. government agencies in defense, intelligence, national security and healthcare and is an Ex-Officio Member of the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. His areas of expertise focus on zoonotic emerging infectious diseases, dual-use research in biotechnology, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence and their implications for the biosecurity landscape (https://casi.asu.edu/presentations/). He is a member of the Board of Directors of Exelixis, Caris Life Sciences and the Scientific Advisory Boards of Vir Biotechnology, DCVC Bio, the Taubman Institute at the University of Michigan and the Center for Advanced Molecular & Immunological Therapies at the University of Arizona.
9:00 – 9:05 am | Stretch
Session 9 Applied Biosafety
Moderators:
Matthew Anderson, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO
Weiying Pan, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD
9:05 – 9:20 am Deciding Upon the Best Decontamination Strategy – Follow the Literature or “Trust but Verify”?
Karen Gjendal, DVM, PhD, Bavarian Nordic A/S, Kvistgaard, Denmark
9:20 – 9:35 am Using DNA-Tagged Aerosol Tracer Particles as Challenge Agents for Measurement and Verification of Engineering Controls
Nicholas Heredia, PhD, SafeTraces, Pleasanton, CA
9:35 – 9:50 am A Modified Hand Washing Method for Resource-Limited Settings
Samreen Sarwar, MPhil, Health Security Partners, Lahore, Pakistan
9:50 – 10:05 am BSC MythBusters: Are all Performance Envelopes the Same for All BSCS?
Kara Held, PhD, Baker, Sanford, ME
10:05 – 10:35 am Q&A Session
Karen Gjendal, DVM, PhD
Bavarian Nordic A/S
Kvistgaard, Denmark
Dr. Karen Gjendal is responsible for Biosafety and Biosecurity at Bavarian Nordic, a vaccine company with a commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Kvistgaard, Denmark. Bavarian Nordic manufactures, analyzes, and releases sterile vaccines for use in humans in accordance with full EU cGMP requirements. Dr. Gjendal ensures the implementation of a proper Biorisk Management program for the entire site, especially the high containment facility. Dr. Gjendal has been head of Biorisk management for the last 2½ years.
Nicholas Heredia, PhDSafeTraces
Pleasanton, CA
Nick Heredia is Vice President of Research and Development at SafeTraces, a leading biotechnology company focused on indoor air quality and pathogen protection. He is responsible for ensuring scientific coherence across solutions and projects through the integration of multiple disciplines. He has deep expertise in leading teams engaged in R&D, product development, manufacturing transfer, instrument development, and reagents formulations. He brings over 16 years of R&D know-how in varied disciplines of biodefense applications, microfluidics, digital PCR, assay development, and genomics applications. He leads the R&D team at SafeTraces in developing new technologies in aerosol surrogates for applications in indoor air quality assessments. Nick was an early member of the QuantaLife digital PCR startup team, which was subsequently successfully acquired by Bio-Rad Laboratories. At Bio-Rad, he excelled as an R&D leader. Earlier in his career, Nick held a Biophysicist Postdoctoral position at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a Landing Support Specialist. He received his BS in Molecular Cell Biology at the University of California—Berkeley and his PhD in Microbiology Immunology and Molecular Genetics from the University of California—Los Angeles.
Samreen Sarwar, MPhil
Health Security Partners
Lahore, Pakistan
Samreen Sarwar is working as a Technical Advisor at Health Security Partners (HSP), where she provides coordination and technical support to HSP’s health security programs in Pakistan and across the globe. She has six International Federation for Biosafety Associations (IFBA) certifications and serves as an IFBA (2019-2023) global mentor. She has also worked as a member of the technical committee for the development of the IFBA Risk Assessment certification exam. She has also worked as ASM Young Ambassador to Pakistan (2013-2016). She has contributed to the development of several biorisk management manuals including Biosafety and Biosecurity Guide for High School Students (ISBN 978-969-23519-0-4), BioPrism: A Laboratory Safety Training Initiative, Program Manual (ISBN 978-969-23213-0-3) and Dual Use Research of Concern Training Program Manual (2021). She has provided biosafety and biosecurity training to healthcare and laboratory professionals in several countries including Libya, Iraq, and the Philippines. She is also an alumnus of the UNODA’s Biosecurity Diplomacy workshop. She evaluates the safety and security of projects submitted for the international synthetic biology competition known as iGEM every year.
Kara Held, PhD
Baker
Sanford, ME
Kara Held, PhD brings an extensive knowledge of Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Biosafety to The Baker Company. Prior to her coming on board, she was a Lab Manager, Safety Officer, and Researcher at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. She earned her PhD at the University of Vermont Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and then completed her postdoctoral training at Yale University in the Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program. Her recent experience in academic research brings a unique perspective, familiarity and hands-on knowledge base with laboratory science. As the Science Director for Baker, she has helped provide some clarity into the nuances of Biosafety through the use of Biosafety Cabinets.
10:35 – 11:05 am | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 10 | Eagleson Lecture Award
Introduction: Mary Ann Sondrini, Eagleson Institute, Sanford, ME
Moderators:
Shelley Jones, MS, RBP(ABSA), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Darlene Ward, RBP(ABSA), Advarra, Boca Raton, FL
11:05 – 11:50 am Advancing Health Knowledge with Pathogen Intelligence
David Engelthaler, PhD, Translational Genomics Research Institute and Health Observatory at ASU, Phoenix, AZ
11:50 – 12:05 am Q&A Session
Mary Ann Sondrini
Eagleson Institute
Sanford, ME
David Engelthaler, PhDTranslational Genomics Research Institute and Health Observatory at ASU
Phoenix, AZ
David Engelthaler is a proud Arizona native and has been an active researcher and leader in Public Health in the Southwest for over 30 years. He is currently the Executive Director of the Arizona State University Health Observatory and a Professor and the Director of TGen North, the northern Arizona division of the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute. Dave’s team coordinated the statewide SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing of the first year of the pandemic and conducted clinical testing for tens of thousands of underserved Arizonans, especially in Tribal and rural communities. The majority of Dave’s work over the past three decades has been advancing the state of public health research and application, particularly with next generation science. Dave oversees a number of pathogen research groups, and his teams also provide genomic services to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state, local and tribal health departments and Arizona healthcare institutions. Dave was previously the Arizona State Epidemiologist and State Biodefense Coordinator, a biologist for both the CDC and the U.S. Forest Service. He has published over 175 scientific papers and chapters on epidemiology, disease ecology, and genetics, which have been cited over 10,000 times, and he has over two dozen patented inventions, ranging from new antimicrobial drugs, to diagnostics, to software tools. Dave has testified before U.S. Congress, has been approved by state senate confirmation, and has briefed senators, congressmen, governors, state legislators and mayors on public health and health care issues.
12:05 – 1:35 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Lunch
Session 11 | Poster Session
12:35 – 1:35 pm Presenters must be available during the session.
Concurrent Session 12(a) | Biosafety by Design
Moderators:
Julianne Baron, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Science and Safety Consulting, Venetia, PA
Noman Siddiqi, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA
1:35 – 1:50 pm The Value of Biosafety Input at the Design Table for New or Renovated Laboratory Projects
Carrie A. Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO
1:50 – 2:05 pm Designing for the Future: Converting Office Space into Open Labs
Kimberly DiGiandomenico, MS, RBP(ABSA), AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD
2:05 – 2:20 pm Integrating Laboratory Safety with Instrument Manufacturers
Michael Pentella, PhD, SM(ASCP), CIC, D(ABMM), State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa, Coralville, IA
2:20 – 2:35 pm Biosafety and Sustainability: Building a Resilient Future
Ryan Bartlett, MS, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), CPBCA, Sitero, Coral Gables, FL
2:35 – 3:05 pm Q&A
Carrie A. Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)Merrick & Company
Greenwood Village, CO
Carrie Smith has served as a biosafety professional for over fourteen years in academia, the government, and the private sector. In her current role, she serves as a Senior Scientist with Merrick & Company, specializing in biosafety and laboratory operations planning for new laboratories, renovations, and laboratory transitions. Prior to her role at Merrick, she served as BSO and ARO at Oklahoma State University, a biosafety specialist and trainer at University of Wisconsin—Madison, and BSO and ARO at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. Carrie earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University. Her research included work with recombinant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants as well as biological toxins. As a biosafety professional, Carrie has managed both small and large biosafety programs and her expertise includes BSL-3/ABSL-3 oversight, atypical animals in biocontainment, select agent program management, recombinant technology, plant biosafety, diagnostic labs, and on-line and in-person training development. She serves as Co-Chair and Instructor for ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety Course and is a member of the Preconference Course Committee.
Kimberly DiGiandomenico, MS, RBP(ABSA)AstraZeneca
Gaithersburg, MD
Kimberly DiGiandomenico serves as the Biological Safety Officer and SHE Director-Research & Animal Safety at AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg, MD. Kim spent time as a researcher at the University of Virginia before moving into the safety field while working at Vanderbilt University. She has been in the safety profession for over 15 years in academic, government and biopharma industries and is also a Registered Biosafety Professional with ABSA International. She holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Management and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Highlights of her safety career include publications in the peer reviewed journal Applied Biosafety, Past-President of the ABSA affiliate Pharmaceutical Biosafety Group, 2021 AstraZeneca OneSHE Excellence Award – Stay Safe for development of AZ’s first high throughput CLIA certified lab, 2020 AstraZeneca CEO award – COVID Award “Keeping People Safe” and recipient of the National Poster Award at the 57th American Biological Safety Association Biosafety Conference.
Michael Pentella, PhD, SM(ASCP), CIC, D(ABMM)
State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa
Coralville, IA
Dr. Pentella is a Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa, College of Public Health and Director of the Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory. His experience spans over forty years in clinical microbiology and public health laboratories. He is certified as an American Board of Medical Microbiology Diplomate, a specialist in microbiology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology and certified in infection control through the Association of Professionals in Infection Control. Dr. Pentella is a member of the APHL Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee, Antibiotic Resistance Lab Workgroup, the Infectious Disease Committee, and the Respiratory Viruses Subcommittee. He has made several contributions that have improved the practice of clinical microbiology and biosafety. He has written over 50 articles and twenty book chapters.
Ryan Bartlett, MS, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), CPBCASitero
Coral Gables, FL
Ryan is a Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP) and Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) with ABSA International with extensive experience in biosafety, hazardous materials management, and emergency management. Ryan also holds a Certified Professional Biosafety Compliance Administrator (CPBCA) (Biosafety Administrator’s Association). He is highly skilled in handling and tracking biological, chemical, controlled substances, and radioactive materials and has worked in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 environments. Ryan currently works as a Biosafety Officer at Sitero in the Research Compliance Group. He is responsible for reviewing biosafety protocols, providing biosafety training for clients, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional regulations/guidelines. Previously, Ryan was the Biosafety Officer and Responsible Official at Montana State University—Bozeman, a Carnegie Classified Institution of Higher Education. He has provided biosafety expertise in a variety of biotech and academic settings and has completed various training programs in biosafety, emergency management, hazardous waste management, and radiation safety. Ryan received his MS in Biomedical Sciences from Hood College, Frederick, MD and his BS in Microbiology from Ohio University—Athens, OH.
Concurrent Session 12(b) | Global Perspectives
Moderators:
Michele Howard, MPH, RBP(ABSA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Washington, DC
Kalpana Rengarajan, PhD, MPH, JM, RBP(ABSA), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
1:35 – 1:50 pm Alternative Methods for Biohazardous Waste Inactivation
Aline Anne Baldo, DVM, PhD, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
1:50 – 2:05 pm Rapid Disease Screening for Biosecurity Protocols in Containment Facilities
Lia Suzanne Rotherham, PhD, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
2:05 – 2:20 pm One Health Approach in the Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance: Biosafety and Biosecurity Perspectives
Md Asadulghani, PhD, International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh
2:20 – 2:35 pm Establishing a Gnotobiotic Mouse Colony Disinfection Protocol
Allison Fowler, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
2:35 – 3:05 pm Q&A
Aline Anne Baldo, DVM, PhD
Sciensano
Brussels, Belgium
Aline Baldo is a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine. She has a PhD in Medical Mycology from the University of Liege, Belgium. She has been working in the Service Biosafety and Biotechnology at Sciensano for 12 years as a biosafety expert. She evaluates the risk related to the contained use of genetically modified and/or pathogenic organisms. She gives advice for Belgian competent authorities.
Lia Suzanne Rotherham, PhDAgricultural Research Council
Pretoria, South Africa
Dr. Lia Rotherham completed her undergraduate degree in BSc: Zoology, as well as her Honours and MSc in Zoology at the University of Pretoria. She joined the CSIR in 2007 to complete a PhD studentship (at the University of Pretoria) focusing on the development of a rapid human tuberculosis diagnostic assay. During her PhD, she was awarded a Columbia University—South African Forgarty AIDS International Training and Research Program Scholarship, where she spent six months at Harvard School of Public Health learning how to work in a BSL-3 facility and the techniques required to culture M. Tuberculosis with Dr. Fortune. After completing her PhD, Lia joined the ARC-OVR in 2013 as a postdoctoral fellow doing research on FMD vaccine development. During this time, Lia was awarded a Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship, where she spent four months at Plum Island Animal Disease Centre working on possible adenovirus-vector vaccine candidates with Drs. De Los Santos and Reider. In 2015, she joined the Vaccine and Diagnostic Development Programme of the ARC-OVR with a research focus on diagnostic development and pathogen characterization. A large part of her research focuses on diagnostic development for poultry and livestock diseases to enable rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tests that can be used in veterinary laboratories in South Africa, while also providing support to diagnostic laboratories at ARC-OVR in terms of whole genome sequencing of various pathogens.
Md Asadulghani, PhD
International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research
Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. Asadulghani has been working in the field laboratory systems strengthening using One Health platform in Bangladesh since 2010, with 14 years’ experience of research in the field of Molecular Genetics and Bacteriophage Biology, at home and abroad, since 1993. He has an MSc and MPhil in the field of Molecular Genetics, from the University of Dhaka. He has a PhD, in the field of post-transcriptional regulation of genes expression, from the Saitama University, Japan in 2004. Completing his postdoctoral research as a Research Associate and JSPS Postdoc Fellow, at the University of Miyazaki, Japan, he joined as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Microbiology and continued working in the Microbial Whole Genome Sequencing Group, Japan. Since September 2009, he has been working as the Head of Biosafety, leading biosafety and biosecurity program, at the International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). Side by side, he is leading the nationwide Biosafety and Biosecurity (BSBS) program, as well. He is leading strengthening AMR laboratory capacity program under the First Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh. He is also the lead for “Qualifying Workforce for AMR Surveillance in Asia and Africa” in Bangladesh. He is the initiator of the BSBS program in Bangladesh and working for strengthening country status. He has been working for ISO 15189 accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Services at ICDDR,B since 2010, and solely contributing to ISO 15190 accreditation of the same since 2016. He is a member of the ISO Biorisk Management working group ISO/TC 212/WG5 representing IFBA. He is the Chairman and Coordinator of Training of BBBS and President of the FABA. Furthermore, he is the EXCO member of A-PBA for 2024 to represent Bangladesh. He was a Member of the Board of Directors of IFBA until September 2020. Currently, he is a member of the ABSA International Engagement Committee.
Allison Fowler
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Columbus, OH
Allison Fowler joined the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2014 and gained eight years of experience working in a gene therapy lab producing AAV before transitioning to the AWRI Research Safety Team in 2022. As a Research Safety Specialist, her work focuses on hazardous chemical management, disposal, emergency response, and training research employees in biosafety practices.
3:05 – 4:05 pm | Coffee Break, Posters, Exhibits, and Raffle
Exhibitor raffle prized will be awarded – must be present to win
Concurrent Session 13(a) | Public Health
Moderators:
Jessica McCormick–Ell, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Aderemi Dosunmu, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), Mount Sinai, New York, NY
4:05 4:20 pm Biorisk Management Implementation in Select Public Health Laboratories Across the U.S.
Folasade Kembi, PhD, CPH, MPH, MSc, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
4:20 – 4:35 pm Advancing Health and Safety at the NICD in Johannesburg, South Africa
Kovashnee Naidoo, PhD, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Johannesburg, South Africa
4:35 – 4:50 pm Designing and Validating a Framework for Multisectoral Preparedness for Deliberate Biological Incidents Involving Zoonotic Pathogens in Egypt
Ali M. Asy, PhD, Animal Health Research Institute, Benha, Egypt
4:50 –5:05 pm Q&A
Folasade Kembi, PhD, CPH, MPH, MSc
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, GA
Folasade (Sade) Kembi, PhD, is a Health Scientist and subject matter expert in the Quality and Safety Systems Branch of the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She has been a biosafety professional and leader in the biosafety field for over twenty years. She has combined experience in biorisk management, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness. Prior to joining DLS, Dr. Kembi was a Senior Microbiologist and Inspector at the CDC’s Division of Select Agents and Toxins, Center for Preparedness and Response, where she provided leadership, strategic planning, and oversight to Responsible Laboratory Officials registered with the Federal Select Agents Program (FSAP) to possess, use, and transfer biological select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to the public, animal, plant health, or to animal or plant products. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia—Athens, a Master of Public Health from the Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, and a Master and Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. She is Certified in Public Health (CPH).
Kovashnee Naidoo, PhD
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Dr. Kovashnee Naidoo is a Principal Medical Scientist with more than 8 years’ experience in diagnostics of neglected zoonoses. Dr. Naidoo is a champion for biosafety and biosecurity at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) with over 6 years’ experience in biorisk management within high-containment laboratories and currently serves as the Chairperson of the NICD Health and Safety Committee.
Ali M. Asy, PhD
Animal Health Research Institute
Benha, Egypt
Dr. Ali Asy is a distinguished figure in biosafety and biosecurity, renowned for his extensive contributions to global health security and the responsible use of life sciences. With a multifaceted career spanning academia, and international consultancy roles, Dr. Asy has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices to mitigate biological risks worldwide. As a Professor and Biosafety Advisor at the Animal Health Research Institute in Egypt, Dr. Asy has dedicated himself to advancing research and practices safeguarding public health. His academic pursuits have been augmented by a commitment to practical application, evident in his roles as Chairman of various regional technical committees and his involvement in developing biosafety regulations and frameworks in Egypt and across Africa. Beyond his national borders, Dr. Asy’s impact extends globally. His affiliation as an Adjunct Professor at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska underscores his international standing in the field. Dr. Asy’s influence reverberates within prestigious international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC. As a member of the Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research for WHO and co-chair of Emerging Biological Risks Working Group of Global Health Security Agenda APP3 and former chairman of Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity North African Technical Working Group at Africa CDC, he has been at the forefront of shaping global health security agendas. His commitment to global public health leadership has been recognized through prestigious fellowships such as the Kofi Annan Fellowship of Global Public Health Leadership at Africa CDC. Dr. Asy’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of dedication, expertise, and global collaboration in safeguarding humanity against biological threats. As a beacon of innovation and advocacy in the field of biosafety and biosecurity, he continues to inspire change and drive progress toward a safer, more secure world.
Concurrent Session 13(b) | High Containment Case Studies
Moderators:
Kaci Van Dalen, MS, NIH/NIAID, Bethesda, MD
Max Schroeder, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
4:05 4:20 pm Adapting Small Animal MRI for Safe Use in BSL-3 Facilities
Alexander R. Kneubehl, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
4:20 – 4:35 pm Establishing a High Containment Laboratory in the Resource-Limited Country
Angelo Dela Tonga, MSc, MTM, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
4:35 – 4:50 pm A Case Study of the Complexities with Finalizing ABSL-3 Construction Project
Beata Clapp, DVM, PhD, Penn State University, University Park, PA
4:50 –5:05 pm Q&A
Alexander R. Kneubehl, PhD
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
Alex Kneubehl is a post-doctoral associate at Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine.
Angelo Dela Tonga, MSc, MTMUniversity of the Philippines Manila
Manila, Philippines
Angelo Dela Tonga MSc, MTM, CBO finished his Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, also took up Master of Science in Microbiology and Master of Technology Management at the University of the Philippines Diliman. His area of research is on antimicrobial resistance and the development of diagnostic devices for infectious diseases such as M. tuberculosis and HIV. He is also a University Researcher and Biosafety Officer at the National Training Center for Biosafety and Biosecurity. A graduate of ABOT 2.0 and has passed the International Federation of Biosafety Associations for both Biorisk Management and Biosecurity. He is a part of the U.S. project to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in the Philippines where he helped establish different animal laboratories. During the pandemic, he worked as the laboratory manager for the UP NIH COVID-19 Task Force, one of the earliest non-DOH laboratories to perform PCR for COVID-19.
Beata Clapp, DVM, PhD
Penn State University
University Park, PA
Beata is a Senior Biosafety Officer and the Responsible Official for the Federal Select Agent Program at Penn State University. She received her biosafety “bootcamp” training at Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, TX where she oversaw very complex BSL-3 and
BSL-4 biosafety programs involving non-human primates in the middle of COVID-19 pandemic. Before transitioning to the biosafety world, she worked for over 10 years as a scientist in the academic infectious diseases research environment, at Montana State University and University of Florida. She has very extensive research experience working with select agents in BSL-3 and ABSL-3 containment including work with small laboratory (rodents) and large (livestock) animal models.
6:00 – 10:00 pm | Banquet at Desert Foothills
This year’s banquet will take place at Desert Foothills, a breathtaking private events venue located in North Scottsdale, just a 10-minute drive from the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa conference site. Selected for its exquisite views of the Sonoran Desert, set against the backdrop of the Valley of the Sun Phoenix Metro area, this venue showcases the unique beauty of the region. The Sonoran Desert stands out as one of the most ecologically diverse deserts in North America, boasting a wide array of plant and animal life. As you take in the scenery, savor the food and drinks, and partake in games, music, and the warmth of fire pits. Join us for a delightful evening of great barbeque, entertainment, and stunning landscapes with friends and colleagues.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
7:00 – 5:00 pm Registration
7:00 – 8:00 am Continental Breakfast in Foyer
Session 14 | Griffin Lecture Award
Introduction: Erin Sorrell, PhD, MSc, Elizabeth R. Griffin Program, Washington, DC
Moderators: Sarah Ziegler, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Sitero, Coral Gables, FL
8:00 – 8:45 am Strengthening National and Regional Collaboration for Laboratory Biorisk Management in Mali and Across West and Central Africa
Djibril Sangaré, PhD, Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Bamako, Mali
8:45 – 9:00 am Q&A Session
Erin Sorrell, PhD, MScElizabeth R. Griffin Program
Washington, DC
Djibril Sangaré, PhD
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC)
Bamako, Mali
Dr. Djibril Sangaré holds a PhD in Medical Entomology and Parasitology from the University of Mali, Bamako Mali. He also holds a PhD in Biology (Molecular Entomology) from the University of Notre Dame and is working at the Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC) in Bamako, Mali as a Senior Scientist Researcher. He was the head of the Malaria Vector Bioinformatics and is currently leading the Vector Immunity and Molecular Entomology Units. As a lecturer, he teaches Cell and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine and is directly involved in the training of students for their thesis/dissertations in medical Entomology/Parasitology. Dr. Sangaré is a member of the Biosafety & Biosecurity Institutional Comity of the University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB) and a member of the National Biosafety Comity of Mali. He is the Master of Biosafety and Biosecurity Coordinator at USTTB and President of the Malian Association for Biosafety and Biosecurity, whose primary mission is to train life scientists working in public health, animal health, agriculture, research, and education in biosafety and biosecurity. At the regional level, he is a member of the West African Biorisk Management Network (WABNet) and is a West African BRM Trainer for the Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Network (RISLNET). Dr. Sangaré greatly contributes to the development and implementation of tools, guidelines, legislation, and regulations to inform and educate laboratory staff, health service agents, and national authorities on biorisk issues.
9:00 – 9:05 am | Stretch
Session 15 | Biosafety Program Management: Topics, Trends, and Analyses
Moderators:
Sunny Hoffman, MPH, RBP(ABSA), Clinical Biosafety Services, Columbia, MO
James Baugh, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
9:05 – 9:20 am Biosafety Assurance: Tracking Compliance and Operational Excellence
Luis Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
9:20 – 9:35 am Trends in Demographics Among Biosafety Professionals: A Decade-Long Analysis
An Tran, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
9:35 – 9:50 am Developing an Effort Coefficient to Strengthen Programmatic Statistics
Andrew B. Maksymowych, PhD, MS, RBP(ABSA), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
9:50 – 10:05 am The Impact of Targeted Interventions on Overall Safety Culture and Injuries
Samantha Parsons, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
10:05 – 10:35 am Q&A Session
Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Mr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.
An Tran
University of Nevada
Reno, Reno, NV
An Tran is a first-year PhD student in Environmental Science and Health at the University of Nevada—Reno. She earned her Master’s Degree in Information Systems from the same institution. Her research focuses on data analysis, statistics, and prediction modeling, particularly using health data.
Andrew B. Maksymowych, PhD, MS, RBP(ABSA)University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Andrew has been at the University of Pennsylvania since 2006. He is Penn’s Institutional Biosafety Officer and Associate Director for Life Sciences Safety (BIOSAFETY) and Compliance Programs, IBC Director & Administrator, and the Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research. He sits on the Vice Provost’s for Research, Human Research Advisory Committee, the Human Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee, the Cadaver and Body Parts Oversight Committee, and a Veterinary IRB. Andrew obtained his BS and MS degrees from Villanova University, and his PhD in Biochemistry from Bryn Mawr College. He has more than 20 years of teaching and 35 years of research experience, a major portion of which included oversight of research safety and compliance programs. Prior to his journey at Penn, he held a faculty appointment at Thomas Jefferson University where his research focused on the analysis of structure-function relationships in proteins, including protein toxins that poison the human nervous system, studying the mechanism of action of botulinum neurotoxins. For the past 10 years Andrew has been involved in programs with the Biosafety Administrator’s Association (BSAA).
Samantha Parsons
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Columbus, OH
Samantha Parsons is a graduate of Ohio State University. She has worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the past 5 years within the Research Safety Department. She is enthusiastic about promoting a positive safety culture in support of high quality research.
10:35 – 10:45 am | Coffee Break
Session 16 | Animal Biosafety
Moderators:
Gregory Powell, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Frank Novembre, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
10:45 – 11:00 am Improving Hazard Communication in Animal Research
Sarah Capasso, PhD, RBP(ABSA), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
11:00 – 11:15 am Adapting a Behavioral Arena for Rodent Neuroinfectious Disease Research
Brinkley Morse, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
11:15 – 11:30 am The Introduction of University of Southern California’s Newly Established Animal Research Safety Program Within its Research Community
Bagrat Khachatryan, PhD, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
11:30 – 11:45 am Expecting the Unexpected – Preparations and Complications of an ABSL-3 Renovation Project
Liliam Montoya, University of California – Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
11:45 – 12:15 pm Q&A
Sarah Capasso, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Sarah Capasso, Associate Biosafety Officer, has been at the University of Pennsylvania since 2017. She obtained her BS in Biology from Gettysburg College in 2008 and her MS and PhD in Plant Pathology from Penn State University in 2010 and 2016, respectively. At Penn, she works closely with researchers, the Institutional Biosafety Committee, and the university’s large animal laboratories and hospital. Among her many duties, she is the biosafety liaison to the University Laboratory Animal Resources (ULAR) where she provided technical biosafety support and outreach. Sarah also serves as an alternate member of Penn’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Brinkley MorseBaylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
Brinkley Morse is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin majoring in Biochemistry. He conducts research at UT in the Laboratory of Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, and Bionanomedicine and the Melamed Lab at Dell Medical School and at Baylor College of Medicine in the Laboratory of Translational Virology, where this research was conducted.
Bagrat Khachatryan, PhDUniversity of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Bagrat Khachatryan is a talented professional who resides in North Hollywood, California. He has a strong interest in two areas: animal research and environmental health and safety (EH&S). Dr. Khachatryan has a distinguished academic record. He graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Armenian State Agrarian University and a PhD from the National Academy of Sciences’ Zoological Institute of the Scientific Center of Hydro Ecology and Zoology. Los Angeles Valley Colleges awarded Dr. Khachatryan an AA in Biology as well. Throughout his career, Dr. Khachatryan has amassed extensive experience in EH&S and animal safety, demonstrating proficiency in lab management, ISO 17025 compliance, safety program management, and risk assessments. Fluent in English, Russian, Armenian, and Polish, he excels in communication and collaboration, working effectively within teams to achieve organizational objectives. Currently serving as a Biosafety/Animal Safety Specialist II at the University of Southern California’s Environmental Health and Safety Department, Dr. Khachatryan has been instrumental in establishing and managing animal research safety programs, conducting risk assessments, and training staff on biosafety protocols. Dr. Khachatryan’s background as a Laboratory Specialist at Jacobs/Ch2M demonstrates his expertise in the management of laboratories for both human and animal health. At the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, he ensured adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, and quality control requirements. At the Armenian State Animal and Food Safety Laboratory, Dr. Khachatryan oversaw multinational partnerships, implemented quality management systems, and managed large-scale projects in his capacity as Director of Field Activities. Dr. Khachatryan showed his dedication to advancing safe laboratory procedures worldwide by offering advice and training on biosafety regulations while serving as a Subject Matter Expert at PTB (Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt).
Liliam Montoya
University of California – Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Liliam Montoya is an Assistant Biosafety Officer from University of California—Berkeley. She assists with the oversight of High-Containment lab operations on campus. As part of the biosafety team, she reviews Biological User Authorizations for projects across campus and is a member of the Urgent Response Support Program Team. Before transitioning into Biosafety, Liliam worked as a mycologist, lab manager, and lab safety coordinator for eight years. She assisted with the opening and management of operations for a mycological lab researching risk group 3 fungal pathogens.
12:15 – 1:45 pm | Honor Awards and Special Recognition Luncheon
Presenter: Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Arnold G. Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award
Everett J. Hanel, Jr. Presidential Award
John H. Richardson Special Recognition Award
Diane Fleming Leadership Award
Scientific and Informational Poster Awards
Hashimoto Award for Service and Honor
Richard Rebar Recognition of Certified Biological Safety Professionals and Registered Biosafety Professionals
Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Mr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.
Session 17 | Richard Knudsen Award
Introduction: Matthew Anderson, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO
Moderator: Darlene Ward, RBP(ABSA), Advarra, Boca Raton, FL
1:45 – 2:05 pm An Assessment of Germicidal Ultraviolet Treatment Cabinets and Carousels Using a Bacteriophage Surface Challenge
Alan Beswick, PhD, Health and Safety Executive Science and Research Centre, Buxton, United Kingdom
2:05 – 2:15 pm Q&A Session
Alan Beswick, PhD
Health and Safety Executive Science and Research Centre
Buxton, United Kingdom
Alan Beswick is a Principal Microbiologist at the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Laboratory in Buxton, England, where he mainly works on projects investigating occupational exposure to microorganisms or their by-products. His previous studies for HSE and other UK Government organizations include evaluations of automated decontamination equipment such as fumigation and germicidal UV systems. He also led a recent assessment of air cleaning devices for the removal of airborne microorganisms to reduce pathogen exposure. Alan has undertaken major projects for multiple government departments, in relation to bio-decontamination and contributed to HSE’s training program for BSL-3 level bio-scientists. He has previously supported prior major HSE incident investigations, assisting HSE inspectors with scientific testing at our Buxton Laboratory. Alan’s work has also included reviews of published evidence for HSE, to support policy and regulatory decision making, including projects on safer sharps use (to reduce needlestick injury), control measures related to surgical smoke exposure, and the evidence supporting the use of mental health first aid. A recent review has involved an assessment of the evidence around anaerobic digestion process safety and control.
2:15 – 2:20 pm | Stretch
Session 18 | Navigating Challenges in Biosafety Facilities
Moderators:
Shelley Jones, MS, RBP(ABSA), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
Jeffrey Potts, MPH, CBSP(ABSA), U.S. Geological Survey, Falls Church, VA
2:20 – 2:35 pm Fixing Broken Laboratories
Mark Wheatley, BEng, CEng, MCIBSE, Environment & Services Ltd., Cornwall, United Kingdom
2:35 – 2:50 pm BSL-2 Lab Decommissioning Project Management: Challenges and Solutions
Jacqueline Hardt, CBSP(ABSA), Zoubek Consulting LLC, Palm Springs, CA
2:50 – 3:05 pm The Cold Room That We Forgot
Tim Strovas, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Puget Sound Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA
3:05 – 3:20 pm Air Changes Effectiveness in Laboratories
Cory Ziegler, PE, Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO
3:20 – 3:50 pm Q&A
Mark Wheatley, BEng, CEng, MCIBSE
Environment & Services Ltd.
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Mark Wheatley is a Biocontainment Engineer, Chartered Building Services Engineer and Specialist Consultant in Containment Laboratory Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance (since 1998). Mark provides consultancy services to companies, organizations, institutions, governments and NGOs worldwide. Marks particular specialism lies in detailed investigation, fault-finding, root cause analysis, and remediation of poorly functioning, failing or failed biocontainment facilities. Mark has 25+ years biocontainment facility related problem-solving experience. Mark is currently project manager for the MORU DTRA BTRP RRLFMDSEA renovation project in Thailand. Mark acted as technical expert in biocontainment engineering advising the Dutch NAC WHO GAPIII audit team (2019-23). Mark was Senior Biocontainment Engineer at Defra UK (2018-19). Mark was Key Expert 4, EU CBRN CoE Project 46 (2015-18) during which he developed and delivered training to Engineers, Architects and Scientists from 8 ASEAN countries on ‘Laboratory Design, Construction, Operation and Management’ including writing the booklet “A broad introduction to the design and construction of biosafety laboratories in low-resource settings”. Mark contributed to the WHO LBM4 monograph on Laboratory Design and Maintenance and has volunteered twice on the SNL twinning programme. Mark is a member of ISO TS 7446 ISO 35001 guidance writing team. Mark specializes in biocontainment facility technical peer-review and is often invited as a technical expert to join structured risk assessment teams reviewing critical systems such as: EDS; Autoclaves; high containment HVAC and Controls. At Defra, Mark worked closely with a specialist functional safety team to satisfy the requirements of UK HSE. Mark first worked on structured risk assessments during the response to HSE investigations after the 2007 UK FMD Outbreak. Mark worked closely with HSE delivering a £3M+ project of improvements to enhance safety systems at the Pirbright and Compton sites of the Institute for Animal Health. Mark lives in Cornwall, UK.
Jacqueline Hardt, CBSP(ABSA)
Zoubek Consulting LLC
Palm Springs, CA
Jacqueline started her career as a Molecular and Cellular Biologist working in R&D as a bench scientist specializing in enzymology and microbiology before progressing into the safety profession. For the last eleven years, she has been a Senior Consultant at Zoubek Consulting, supporting multiple companies in the San Diego area, other regions of the U.S., and globally, specializing in the field of hazardous materials safety. She is a Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) and Trainer (CDGT), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT). She has served as an alternate biosafety officer and alternate responsible official, and, in her current role as company biosafety specialist, she effectively manages all aspects of complex biosafety programs, including those at high containment, and those involving toxins, GMOs and live animals.
Tim Strovas, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
Puget Sound Veteran Affairs Medical Center
Seattle, WA
Tim Strovas has a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Washington. Prior to his current position, he conducted research in stochastic biological systems and optical device development. For the last twelve years he has been a Senior Scientist in the Kraemer Lab at the VA Puget Sound studying pre-clinical pathways that lead to protein aggregation in Tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s Disease. His research focus is on the development of novel cellular models of neurodegenerative diseases. Since 2020, he has been the Biosafety Officer for the third largest research program in the Department of Veteran Affairs and has been a Registered Biosafety Officer since 2023.
Cory Ziegler, PE
Merrick & Company
Greenwood Village, CO
Mr. Cory Ziegler is a registered professional engineer in the United States and Canada, and has over 25 years of experience with design, construction oversight, and commissioning of HVAC and specialty plumbing systems for BSL-3, BSL-3Ag, and BSL-4 laboratories world-wide. Mr. Ziegler has been a senior mechanical engineer with Merrick and Company for the past 15 years, and with Hemisphere Engineering for more than 10 years before that. Mr. Ziegler has been the lead engineer for multiple projects with a special focus in effluent decontamination systems, solid and tissue waste disposal systems, BSL-4 chemical shower and breathing air systems, and laboratory ventilation control strategies. Mr. Ziegler has extensive field experience during construction, commissioning, and operation, which allows for real life examination of engineering systems, including constructability as well as long term maintenance analysis. Mr. Ziegler has authored articles as well as presented for such organizations as ABSA, Tradelines, Eagleson, and I2SL. Topics are focused on laboratory engineering systems design and operations.
3:50 – 4:00 pm | Coffee Break
Session 19 | Biosecurity
Moderators:
Susan Vleck, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Brett Haltiwanger, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), University of Colorado—Denver, Denver, CO
4:00 – 4:15 pm Robert I. Gross Student Award: International Biosecurity Education Network: A Timely Tool For Biosecurity
Iris Magne, London Metropolitan University, London, England
4:15 – 4:30 pm Biosecurity Risk Assessment for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Synthetic Biology: A Practical Approach
Leyma P. De Haro, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO
4:30 – 4:45 pm A Century of Assessment – The Collection of Biothreat Risk Assessment (COBRA)
Michael Parker, PhD, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
4:45 – 5:00 pm Q&A Session
Iris Magne
London Metropolitan University
London, England
Iris Magne is the Research Assistant for the International Biological Security Education Network (IBSEN) at the Biological Security Research Centre, London Metropolitan University. Dual-Use Research of Concern (DURC) is scientific research with significant potential for generating information that could be used to harm national security, public health, or the environment. The rapid advances in life sciences represent also more capabilities for malign uses of the research. However, there is a clear lack of education on these issues in the scientific community and other stakeholders from civil society. The IBSEN will provide tools to fill this gap. At the BSRC, Iris is currently developing the foundations of the Network and creating a contact database of people interested in the project and at the core of biosecurity education across the world. Iris holds an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a BA (Hons) from King’s College London. She is also currently pursuing a MPhil/PhD in Russian and Eurasian Studies at King’s College London.
Leyma De Haro, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
Merrick & Company
Greenwood Village, CO
Dr. Leyma P. De Haro received a BS in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles, and holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of New Mexico. She is a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) by ABSA International. She completed two postdoctoral fellowships, including one at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. De Haro worked at Sandia National Laboratory, in the internationally renowned Global Chemical and Biological Security Team, where she specialized in Biosafety and Biosecurity on a global scale. She is currently a Senior Scientist specializing in Biosafety and Laboratory Operations at Merrick. Dr. De Haro has over 14 years’ post PhD experience as a scientist, helping laboratories and organizations enhance their biosafety and biosecurity practices. Her background in innovative scientific research enables her to understand the unique safety challenges laboratories and organizations face in today’s rapidly evolving world of life sciences. With a keen focus on fostering a culture of responsibility and safety, Dr. De Haro is committed to promoting best practices in biosafety and biosecurity worldwide, supporting the life sciences community in pursuing groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Michael Parker, PhD
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Michael Parker is an Assistant Dean at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He holds a BS in Biology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and both an MS and PhD in Immunobiology from Yale University. In graduate school, Dr. Parker studied the innate immune responses of mammalian cells to RNA viruses, specifically focusing on better understanding the restriction of RNA virus infection by DNA-specific innate sensing pathways. Currently, he advises Georgetown’s majors in Biology and Chemistry and teaches coursework as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology. For the past five years, his research group has investigated topics such as the history of the select agents list, the role of public commenting on select agent regulation decisions, and the risk-assessment landscape for high-risk biological agents.
5:00 pm | Close of Conference
Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), University of Maryland—Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)University of Maryland—Baltimore
Baltimore, MD