SATURDAY SCHEDULE:
Professional Development Courses
October 25, 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5. Facilities Fundamentals for Biosafety Professionals
This course is aimed at strengthening biosafety professionals knowledge of how facility operations support overall biocontainment operations. Through a mixture of presentations from experts in the field and interactive exercises, attendees will reinforce their knowledge of facility system function and their roles in facility design, construction, and operation. The target audience for the course is biosafety professionals who come with backgrounds other than facilities, and it is open to both newcomers and seasoned veterans in the field. The first portion of the course will familiarize attendees with the general concepts biosafety-related facility design and their roles in it, along with the fundamentals of HVAC system operation in the context of BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities. Topics in this portion of the course include: the role of biosafety personnel in biocontainment facility design, renovation, and operations, understanding design drawings and related construction documents, what the relationship is of facility features to biosafety levels, and HVAC components and their function relative to biocontainment. This section will end with the introduction of an interactive exercise on reviewing design drawings. The instructors will lead interactive exercises and discussions of more detailed aspects of containment facilities and their operation, including: specific infrastructure, equipment, and systems related to operation of a biocontainment facility; autoclave function, waste management, associated facility infrastructure; room decontamination in relation to facility components; interactions between facilities and containment equipment; security, operations, and biosafety.
Objectives:
- Restate the roles of biosafety professionals in facility design and operation
- Explain practical approaches for reviewing design documents.
- Describe the function of discrete facility infrastructure, equipment, and systems related to biocontainment facility operations
Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment
Target Audience: All Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
J. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)
Biosafety Engineer
Director of Biocontainment Operations
Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY
Paul Jennette holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Environmental Engineering from Cornell and the University of Massachusetts, respectively, and is both a Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Since 1999, he has held the position of Biosafety Engineer at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and has also been the Director of Biocontainment Operations there since 2013. Paul’s responsibilities include: design, verification, operation, decontamination, and program management related to Cornell’s BSL-3, ACL-3, and ABSL-3 facilities, which include both research & diagnostic laboratories as well as a BSL-3 large animal necropsy; training all Cornell BSL-3 scientific and support staff and providing direct, in-containment support for BSL-3 diagnostic operations; directing the operations of Cornell’s medical and pathological waste treatment facility, which includes a 5,000-lb/batch carcass digester; serving on Cornell’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and directing the Cornell Vet College Rabies Risk Management Program. Paul serves on biosecurity teams for Select Agent Labs at the Cornell Vet College and provides technical support for the College’s effluent decontamination systems. He served as the American Biological Safety Association’s representative on the ANSI committee to develop a national standard for the verification of BSL-3 facility performance, is a reviewer and lead author of a technical column for the Applied Biosafety journal, and is a member of ABSA’s Professional Development Team. He is a former co-chair of ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety class as well as a regular instructor for BSL-3 courses offered by the Eagleson Institute and ABSA. In addition to his position at Cornell, Paul provides biocontainment operations consulting services to a variety of academic, governmental, and pharmaceutical clients.
Stephen Helgren is a Senior Architect and Laboratory Planner for Merrick & Company, with over 24 years of diversified experience in complex life science facilities and extensive expertise in laboratory programming, planning, design, and construction. He has experience with BSL-3 facilities for private companies, public universities, the USDA, and Canadian clients.
Fahim Manzur is a Senior Commissioning Specialist within the Life Sciences Commissioning Group at Merrick and Company. Fahim has 16+ years of experience in facility engineering, facility/laboratory operations and maintenance, laboratory/equipment commissioning and decommissioning, biological safety, and select agent regulatory compliance at high-containment biological laboratories. Notable work includes projects for USDA, DHS, and Mexico (University and Federal) biocontainment facilities. Prior to joining Merrick, Fahim worked as a consultant and operations & maintenance biological compliance engineering supervisor for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) for over 13 years. While at PIADC, Fahim oversaw facilities upgrades, supported biocontainment construction and commissioning projects, led decontamination and decommissioning efforts for containment spaces, and managed the effluent decontamination system building. Fahim is currently primarily providing support for PIADC terminal decontamination and decommissioning efforts at PIADC with Merrick. He holds a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and is a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) through ABSA. Fahim has been a member of ABSA since 2009 and has participated in multiple conferences through poster sessions and platform presentations over the years.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
6. Beginners’ Guide to Comprehensive Biorisk Management: Integrating Biosafety and Biosecurity Practices
This course provides attendees with a comprehensive foundation in biorisk management by integrating biosafety and biosecurity principles within a unified risk assessment framework. Centered around the AMP (Assessment, Mitigation, Performance) model, the course delivers practical tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with the handling of biological agents and toxins. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments and learn how to apply core assessment strategies effectively. Through a dynamic mix of lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on group exercises, attendees will explore both foundational and emerging issues in biorisk management. The course emphasizes actionable strategies that can be tailored to diverse institutional environments and translated into improved safety and security practices. Attendees will conclude the course with enhanced awareness of complex biorisk scenarios and the skills to implement risk-informed mitigation measures within their own organizations.
Objectives:
- Describe the AMP model of biorisk management and utilize it to address biological risks
- Develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies including engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment
- Summarize how the five pillars of biosecurity support biorisk programs, inform performance evaluation and stakeholder engagement to stregthen safety culture
Suggested Background: Micro/Molecular Biology 101
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
Dr. Antony Schwartz is the Director of Biological Safety at Duke University, where he serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program, and Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR). In these roles, he ensures institutional compliance with federal regulations governing biosafety, biosecurity, and dual-use research oversight. He also holds an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Schwartz and his team oversee biological hazards across research laboratories and healthcare settings, including the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL), clinical trials and microbiology labs, autopsy and gross anatomy labs, phytotrons, and arthropod containment facilities. His oversight spans BSL-1 through BSL-3/ABSL-3 spaces, including BSL-2+ and ABSL-2 environments. Prior to Duke, Dr. Schwartz was the Responsible Official for the National Institutes of Health Select Agent Program in Bethesda, Maryland. He was previously a postdoctoral fellow in the National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program (NBBTP), a competitive, in-residence fellowship at NIH designed to prepare professionals to manage BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories handling high-risk pathogens such as Ebola, Monkeypox, and Nipah virus. He has also served as a BSL-4 instructor and course facilitator at NIH and NIAID facilities. Dr. Schwartz holds a PhD in Microbiology with a minor in Technology Commercialization. A Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) through ABSA International, Dr. Schwartz has held numerous leadership roles in the organization, including Councilor, Chair of the Pre-Conference Course Committee, Vice Team Lead for the Regulatory and Technical Affairs Team, Journal Board Reviewer, and Co-Chair of the inaugural Biosecurity Symposium Steering Committee. He remains actively engaged in biosafety and biosecurity through research, publications, professional outreach, and mentorship.
Dr. Andrea Vogel is currently a Safety and Health Specialist in the Biological Safety Division of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office at Duke University Health Systems. She is also an Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program. The Biological Safety Division oversees programs implemented for mitigating biological hazards at Duke University, Duke University Hospital and Clinics. Programs she oversees include the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program, Tuberculosis Control Program, and the BSL-3 Laboratory Program. Dr. Vogel has been a member of ABSA International since 2021 and is an active member of the Journal Board, Finance Committee, Awards Committee, and Pre-Conference Course Committee. Her interests include biosafety/biosecurity program management, risk assessment of emerging infectious diseases and technologies, and application of technology to enhance understanding in training programs. Dr. Vogel received her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University, and was a NIH NBBTP Fellow. She has authored several papers ranging from validation of hydrogen peroxide vapor to facilitate re-use of N95s to animal behavior and group coordination.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
7. Engineering for the Biosafety Professional Part 2
Proactive biosafety professionals need to be involved and knowledgeable in the operation, maintenance and certification of their containment facilities and building systems. Frequently, the biosafety professional is called upon to participate in the planning, design, and validation of a new biocontainment laboratory or renovation of an existing facility. For the biosafety professional to participate in these activities, they need a foundation of engineering fundamentals, develop skills to ask questions in engineering terms, and have the confidence to question the answers. This course provides engineering principles that are useful in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of a BSL-3 or high containment facility. The principles are expanded to BSL-4 or maximum containment facilities for clarity between BSL-3 and BSL-4 requirements. The information covered in this course is specific to NIH, CDC, and BMBL 6th ed. requirements.
Objectives:
- Discuss engineering principles
- Apply engineering assessment tools for architectural and engineering drawings
- Implement engineering solutions
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Operations and Maintenance Staff
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
Juan Osorio provides consulting in engineering with a focus in high and maximum containment laboratories (BSL-3 and BSL-4), biomedical facilities, hospitals and research facilities. In this role, he consults with clients regarding laboratory planning, programming, commissioning, validation and third party certification activities for significant biocontainment, laboratory, vivarium, safety and healthcare projects. Mr. Osorio has consulted, reviewed, validated, and certified biocontainment laboratories, mission critical government institutions, vivaria, and world-class medical facilities. He has vast experience in the high- and maximum containment fields and participates on biocontainment projects in the United States, Asia, and South America. Mr. Osorio contributes to the design, construction, validation, third-party certification, and maintenance of such facilities. He has served frequently as a consultant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for industrial engineering issues in biocontainment, general laboratory, hospital, and vivarium projects. He has assisted in the development of high- and maximum containment government guidelines and regulations for the NIH.
Theodore (Ted) Traum has over thirty years of experience in engineering with a focus in high- and maximum containment laboratories (BSL-3 and BSL-4), biomedical facilities, hospitals and researchfacilities. In this role, he consults with clients and oversees laboratory planning, programming, commissioning, validation, and third-party certification activities for significant biocontainment, laboratory, vivarium, safety and healthcare projects. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mr. Traum received a considerable influx of biosafety and biocontainment projects to combat bioterrorism. Capitalizing on his niche expertise in this fast growing industry and its previous work with the JCAHO statement of conditions, Mr. Traum focused his business development efforts towards developing acertification program for biocontainment laboratories, their design, construction, operation, biosafety consultation, and maintenance through World BioHazTec (WBHT). Being one of the only few firms in the United States with a significant level of expertise and previous success in niche projects for the healthcare and research laboratories, Mr. Traum became sought after nationally and internationally as the premier consultant for oversight, management, and certification of biocontainment facilities. Mr. Traum has consulted, reviewed, validated, and certified biocontainment laboratories, mission critical government institutions, vivaria, and world-class medical facilities. He is a highly respected professional engineer in the high- and maximum containment field and is sought worldwide for his experienceand expertise in design, construction, third-party certification, and maintenance of such facilities. He has served frequently as a consultant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for HVAC, mechanical, and industrial engineering issues in biocontainment, general laboratory, hospital, and vivarium projects.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
8. Emergency Planning for Biological Incidents in High-Containment Labs
Planning for emergencies in biocontainment labs is challenging and requires a specialized approach due to the presence of high-consequence pathogens and complex response needs. This course is designed for emergency managers, laboratory personnel, and response teams focusing on preparedness for biological incidents at your facility. Attendees will explore the regulatory requirements outlined in U.S. federal compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program and OSHA guidelines for developing and implementing a comprehensive incident response plan. An efficient and responsive emergency management program closely integrates with biosafety and biosecurity professionals, as well as local emergency management agencies, health departments, and first responders/receivers, to ensure an effective collaborative response. Through hands-on training, attendees will gain practical skills in incident response planning for biocontainment laboratories. Using interactive activities and case studies, participants will learn to conduct risk assessments, develop and implement comprehensive incident response plans, and coordinate effectively with local emergency management agencies. The course emphasizes a systematic planning process—guided by frameworks like FEMA’s 6-step methodology—to help attendees create tailored, compliant, and proactive emergency response strategies. This training enhances both facility preparedness and community safety in the face of biological incidents.
Objectives:
- Identify and prioritize biological risks and hazards in high-containment environments
- Apply structured emergency planning principles to support laboratory leadership decision-making
- Coordinate response efforts with internal stakeholders and external support agencies
Suggested Background: Recommend completion of the web-based course FEMA Independent Study Course IS-230 – Fundamentals of Emergency Management (for familiarization; exam not required)
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals, Emergency Management and Health Preparedness Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
COURSE FACULTY
Garth’s career in emergency management is built on a foundation of 13 years of service as a Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Marine Corps. After transitioning to the civilian sector, he applied his skills and expertise as a County Emergency Planner, where he developed and implemented emergency response plans to protect communities from natural disasters and other hazards. He then joined the Department of the Army as an Installation Emergency Manager, overseeing emergency management programs and operations at the installation level. Currently, Garth serves as an organizational Emergency Manager, providing strategic guidance and expertise to ensure the readiness and resilience of his organization in the face of emergencies and disasters. He is a graduate of the Army Management Staff College Advanced Course, the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, and the Planner Practitioner Program at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute. Garth holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University and a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis from The Johns Hopkins University School of Education.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
9. Nanoparticles in Modern Science—Understanding Hazards, Controls, and Safe Practices
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing many areas of modern life, offering innovative solutions across medicine, science, engineering, and technology. Nanoparticles (NPs), with their unique properties, are defined by composition, size, shape, and surface characteristics, hold significant promise in these fields. However, these same properties present challenges in recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating potential environmental, health, and safety risks associated with the production and application of nanoparticles. This course introduces the types, properties, production and synthesis of nanoparticles, focusing on their interactions with biological systems and associated chemicals, as well as potential implications of radiolabeled nanoparticles. This understanding is crucial for developing effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies for both in-vivo and in-vitro applications. It covers biosafety, biosecurity, and occupational health risks, emphasizing hazard identification, control measures, and knowledge gaps in nanotechnology. Through case studies and interactive exercises, attendees will explore best practices for safe handling, waste management, exposure assessment, and transport of nanoparticles. These hands-on activities will reinforce key concepts, fostering peer learning and collaboration.
Objectives:
- Identify common types of nanoparticles and their key properties
- Evaluate potential risks and safety concerns associated with the production and use of nanoparticles, including occupational exposure and environmental impacts.
- Develop and implement effective risk management strategies for laboratory projects involving nanoparticles, including hazard identification, exposure controls, and best practices for safe handling, waste disposal, and transport
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Animal Caretakers
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
Dr. Maya Nair is the Director of Biological Safety at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also serves as the Biosafety and Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. In this capacity, she oversees a broad range of safety programs, including biosafety, radiation safety, DEA-controlled substances, animal safety, laser safety, and risk management.Dr. Nair has been instrumental in establishing and leading the UNTHSC Biosafety Program and has served as the Biosafety Officer for the past 18 years. She has also held the role of Reviewing Official for the institution’s Increased Control Program. With over 25 years of experience in biomedical research, Dr. Nair’s scientific background is focused on nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on the application of nanoparticles in the biomedical field.In addition to her scientific contributions, Dr. Nair is passionate about education and training. She has developed and taught graduate-level safety courses for public health students and has mentored many students in the field of Environmental Health and Safety. She is an active member of UNTHSC’s Institutional Compliance Group, contributing to policy development and review, and collaborates with key committees such as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB). Dr. Nair also serves as an external reviewer for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) at other institutions.Dr. Nair has been an active member of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International since 2007, serving on various committees and task force. She served as the Chair of the Training Tools Committee for 2020-2025. She is also a member of the Southern Biosafety Association. Her professional interests include the effective management of comprehensive safety programs and exploring the impact of emerging technologies on safety and security.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
10. The Big Bright Beautiful World of BSL-2
Ever wondered why handling human blood samples and culturing infectious influenza both require BSL-2 containment? Or the defining characteristics between BSL-2 and BSL-1 or BSL-3? This course transforms biosafety from a checklist into a strategic risk management framework, adaptable to any facility or resource level. We’ll go beyond textbook scenarios, tackling the gray areas of BSL-2 where critical thinking and adaptability are key. Starting with a rapid refresher on core biosafety principles, we’ll explore how to adjust BSL-2 containment ‘levers’ for real-world applications, even in non-ideal or resource-limited labs. This course isn’t just about following rules—it’s about understanding why they exist. Attendees will explore key topics in biosafety, including distinctions and special considerations of BSL-2 and ABSL-2, the critical difference between regulations and recommendations on lab operations, compare global biosafety guidelines with the BMBL, safe handling of RG-3 agents in BSL-2 settings, emerging BSL-2+ practices, and real-world case studies—such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2—through interactive activities. This course empowers new biosafety professionals to move beyond a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Attendees will develop the confidence to make informed, customized containment decisions—becoming strategic biosafety leaders in their field.
Objectives:
- Utilize the BMBL as a framework and move beyond a checklist approach and apply adaptive biosafety practices in diverse laboratory settings, including resource-limited or non-ideal facilities
- Explain BSL-2 containment principles and practices and how this relates to “BSL-2+” containment and allows for the handling of Risk Group 3 agents under BSL-2 conditions
- Adapt the foundation necessary to confidently make non-textbook containment recommendations that will meet BSL-2 recommendations and keep researchers safe
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Animal Caretakers
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
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.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
11. Writing Effective Standard Operating Procedures
This course will offer attendees an understanding of key principles for writing effective standard operating procedures (SOPs). An introduction to the importance of SOPs in achieving desirable and consistent outcomes and issues that must be considered in the SOP writing process will be presented. Examples will include some of the most common human behavior considerations such as compliance, behavioral evolution, complaisance, and strategies to address behavioral concerns that may arise. Attendees will engage in guided discussions about the benefits of an effective SOP writing process and the most common mistakes made by the authors of SOPs. The course will take attendees through the process of writing feasible standard operating procedures (SOPs) including SOP evaluation and validation. Through group interactions, attendees will develop examples of SOPs to illustrate effective writing concepts, present their SOPs to the class, and evaluate each other’s SOPs for feasibility. Instructors will guide attendees through the process by providing critical feedback on the SOP writing process as they progress. The goal of this course is to increase attendees’ awareness of issues that arise when writing standard operating procedures and how these issues affect SOP compliance. Furthermore, the course will provide examples of well-written SOPs that contribute to overall SOP compliance at an institution. The course is intended for those who want to be able to lead or aid in the creation of feasible and effective SOPs in order to enhance both biosafety and biosecurity at their institution.
Objectives:
- Summarize the range of issues that must be considered when writing effective standard operating procedures (SOPs), including human behavior
- Identify strategies for writing effective SOPs
- Illustrate how good standard operating procedures (SOPs) work to enhance both biosafety and biosecurity
- Recognize the value of “feasible” and therefore effective standard operating procedure (SOP) in promoting biosafety and biosecurity best practices
Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, International Attendees
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
Natasha Griffith is the CEO of SOTER Bio Consulting, where she leads different national and international projects in response to health emergencies. She also serves as Associate Director, High Containment Core at Georgia State University (GSU) where she leads a multidisciplinary team to support safe operations and maintenance (O&M) of all high-containment facilities (BSL-3, ABSL-3, and BSL-4) at GSU. Natasha earned her Master of Science degree in Microbial Pathogenesis and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA as well as Master of Public Health in Paris, France. With over 20 years of experience, Natasha has led numerous international missions in response to infectious disease outbreaks. Before joining GSU, Natasha was the Branch Chief of Quality and Safety Systems, DLS, CSELS at the CDC where she led quality and safety staff to support the development of standards, guidelines, recommendations, and tools for improved quality and safety in clinical and public health laboratories. While at the CDC, Natasha also implemented and managed international projects in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases in various countries. These projects included development of program initiatives for a variety of local, national and international public health institutions in both English and French. Prior to her work at CDC, Natasha established and operated a state-of-art Tier 1 Select Agent high-containment program at UCLA. For over a decade, Natasha directed all high-contaminant facilities and served as the Responsible Official (CDC DSAT) for all select agent research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
William (Bill) Arndt is Senior Biosafety Officer (BSO) at Georgia State University where he oversees biosafety and biosecurity for the GSU research community and leads a multidisciplinary team to support safe research at GSU. Bill earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Microbiology from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from South Dakota State University. Bill is virologist by training and subject matter expert in areas of disease surveillance, infectious disease diagnostics, incident/outbreak response, vaccine development/production, high-containment laboratory operations, biorisk management, and dual-use research of concern (DURC). He has supported the US Government health security and capacity building initiatives for 12+ years across Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Before joining GSU, Bill was a Biosafety Team Lead and International Program Lead in the Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS), CSELS at the CDC where he was responsible for managing multi-member teams and projects related to providing support to public health and clinical laboratories and development of national biosafety and biosecurity legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines development. Prior to his work at CDC, Bill was a Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia national Laboratories where he led various activities related to laboratory design best practices and outbreak response.
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.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
12. Integrating Cyberbiosecurity into Laboratory Biosecurity Programs: Addressing Emerging Threats in the Digital Age
As laboratories adopt AI, digital data systems, and networked instruments, cyberbiosecurity—the intersection of cybersecurity and biosecurity—has become vital. This interactive course introduces cyberbiosecurity as an essential discipline, equipping attendees with the knowledge and strategies to safeguard laboratory Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Operational Technologies (OT), and data assets against evolving cyber threats. Attendees will explore the fundamentals of cyberbiosecurity by diving into key concepts such as identifing laboratory assets, mapping data, and assessing vulnerabilities. Attendees will learn how to conduct comprehensive threat and vulnerability assessments and apply these principles to reinforce biosecurity programs through structured guidance and practical activities. As cyber threats continue to evolve, biosecurity programs must stay agile—capable of identifying, mitigating, and recovering from cyberattacks. This course presents strategies for strengthening cyberbiosecurity resilience through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that blends technical skills, professional roles, and oversight responsibilities. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and mapping exercises, participants will evaluate real-world risks and co-develop tailored solutions for laboratory settings. At the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to embed cyberbiosecurity into their biosecurity frameworks, ensuring their labs remain secure and adaptable in a dynamic threat environment.
Objectives:
- Define and identify laboratory cyberbiosecurity assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
- Apply threat and vulnerability assessment techniques and develop risk mitigation strategies to enhance laboratory resilience
- Develop a team-based approach to cyberbiosecurity management as an emerging critical component of an overall biosecurity program
Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: Laboratory Workers, All Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
COURSE FACULTY
Drew Fayram is a Senior Scientist in Biosafety and Biosecurity for Merrick & Company. He consults on international and domestic projects related to laboratory planning, design, operations, biosafety, and biosecurity. Drew’s expertise includes containment laboratory operations and program management, public health laboratory testing, biosafety, biosecurity, and training. He currently serves on the Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee for the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and is an instructor for ABSA International’s Principles and Practices of Biosafety (PPB) course. Drew holds the Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) and Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) credentials through ABSA International and is registered as a biosafety officer (RBSO) with the Canadian Association for Biological Safety.
CONTACT HOURS
This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.