Starts in:
67th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference
Tuesday Scientific Program
November 5, 2024
All times listed will be MOUNTAIN Standard Time
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.