Virtual Professional Development Courses – Webinars

All times listed are in CENTRAL TIME ZONE

September 12 – November 14

Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 68th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, it is not necessary to be a conference participant to register for these courses. Registration for the virtual professional development courses must be purchased on separate registration forms from the conference registration.

Friday, September 12, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

1V. A Helpful Guide to Becoming a Well-Rounded Biosafety Professional Workshop

Biosafety professionals must grasp the complexity of various hazards present in laboratories, which include not only biological agents but also chemical, radiological, and physical hazards. This course will provide an overview of these key hazards and equip participants with the knowledge needed to assess and mitigate risks within their institutions. Topics will cover biological hazards (including risk assessments and a brief review of laboratory regulations), select agents, chemical hazards (with an emphasis on safety data sheets and hazard communication), industrial hygiene (including respiratory safety, air quality, and waste anesthetic gas management), radiological hazards (including lasers), and animal-related hazards (such as physical risks and allergens). The course will conclude with practical tabletop exercises, allowing participants to apply the concepts learned throughout the course, including risk assessment development, emergency response, and handling unique laboratory conditions.

What You'll Learn

  • Biological Hazards – Summarize risk assessment methodologies, laboratory regulations, and the handling of select agents
  • Industrial Hygiene – Discuss respiratory protection needs, air quality monitoring and control, and safe handling and storage practices
  • Tabletop Exercises – Develop risk assessments, an emergency response plan, and use scenarios to problem solve unique lab conditions

Objectives:

  • Identify the diverse hazards encountered in laboratory settings and resources required to manage laboratory safety effectively
  • Summarize the principles of risk assessment and how to apply them to laboratory environments
  • Develop strategies to mitigate biological and non-biological hazards in the laboratory.

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/15/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 8/15/2025 and 8/22/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 8/22/2025.

Course is one 4-hour session. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

David Harbourt, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)

Dr. David Harbourt is a Safety and Occupational Health Manager for the Center of Veterinary Medicine at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prior to his current position, he served as the Program Director of the National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program (NBBTP) at the National Institutes of Health. Before that, he served in a variety of roles at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) including Biosafety Officer, Chief of the Biosafety Division and Deputy Director of the USMARIID Transition Office (2012-2021). Prior to working at USAMRIID, he was a fellow in the NBBTP. Preceding the fellowship, he graduated with his B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech ('05) and his Ph.D. in Toxicology from UNC-Chapel Hill ('09).

Dr. Harbourt has been an active member of ABSA International since 2010; has previously served as the Chair of the Preconference Course Committee and Chair of the Training Tools and Resources Committee; and currently serves as a member of the Exam Development Board for the CBSP Exam. He has also been a member of the Standards Committee, Professional Development Team, and BSAT Community Advocate Committee for ABSA. He has recently been named Co-Chair of the ABSA Ambassadors Committee. Locally within the Chesapeake Area Biosafety Association, Dave has been a Councilor, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for its annual symposium, and Chair of the Pre-Symposium Committee. Previously, Dr. Harbourt served as Chair of the DoD Biosafety and Scientific Review Panel.

Dr. Harbourt has published several articles on topics relevant to biosafety including bacteriology, virology, agent inactivation, effluent decontamination systems, and risk assessment. He has also taught courses both at ABSA and at local universities on biosafety, risk assessment, emergency management, and effluent decontamination systems. Dave is a Registered Biosafety Professional and Certified Biological Safety Professional through ABSA International and a Specialist Microbiologist (NRCM) through the American Society of Microbiology.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Friday, September 19, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

2V. Program Management Fundamentals for the Biosafety Professionals

This course is designed for biosafety professionals who are responsible for overseeing biosafety departments. The principles and practices briefly covered in this course are closely related to the Program Management Professional (PMP) certification. By understanding the core competencies of the PMP framework, biosafety professionals can apply project management methodologies to enhance the planning, execution, and evaluation of their biosafety programs. This integration of program management skills with biosafety expertise ensures that participants are well-prepared to lead effective, compliant and sustainable biosafety programs within their organizations. In addition, the course aligns with key international standards and guidelines, such as ISO 35001, which specifies requirements for a biosafety risk management system. Participants will gain insights into how to integrate ISO 35001 principles into their biosafety programs, ensuring a systematic and effective approach to biosafety risk management. The course also covers the World Health Organization (WHO) Biosafety Programme Management Associated Monograph, providing a global perspective on best practices for managing biosafety risks. By familiarizing themselves with the WHO guidelines, participants will be better equipped to implement and maintain robust biosafety programs that meet international standards.

What You'll Learn

  • Integration of Project Management Methodologies – Focus on planning, execution, and evaluation of biosafety initiatives using structured project management tools and techniques
  • Implementation of ISO 35001 Standards – Emphasis on creating a systematic and effective approach to managing biosafety risks.
  • Adoption of WHO Biosafety Programme Guidelines – Provides a global perspective and best practices for managing biosafety risks in compliance with international expectations

Objectives: 

  • Summarize program management principles and methodologies tailored specifically for biosafety applications
  • Recognize skills needed to identify, assess, and mitigate management risks effectively
  • Apply PMP, ISO 35001 and WHO applications to biosafety

Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 4 hours (with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/22/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 8/22/2025 and 8/29/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 8/29/2025.

Course is one 4-hour session. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Jane S. Alam, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MDJane 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.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Friday, September 26 and Friday, October 3, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

3V. Introduction to the Science and Biosafety of Cell and Gene Therapy Clinical Trials

The use of recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules in clinical trials is growing at an explosive pace. This course is intended to introduce biosafety professionals to the science and biosafety of gene-based investigational products in clinical trials including gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular products, gene therapy and gene editing. This course will provide an overview of molecular biology, virology and viral vectors. Participants will discuss risk assessments and best practices for dealing with risks associated with diverse types of biological hazards.

What You'll Learn

  • Scientific Foundations of Gene-Based Clinical Trials – understanding molecular biology, virology, and viral vectors relevant to gene-based investigational products
  • Biosafety Considerations for Emerging Biotechnologies – learn how to identify and manage risks related to recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules
  • Risk Assessment and Best Practices – emphasis on conducting biosafety risk assessmentsand applying best practices for handling diverse biological hazards in clinical trial settings

Objectives:

  • Restate the basic molecular biology and microbiological principles behind gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular therapies and gene therapies
  • Summarize how to conduct a risk assessment for gene-based vaccines, gene modified cellular therapies and gene therapies
  • Identify viral vectorology (properties, uses, and risks associated with commonly utilized viral vectors)

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, New Biosafety Professionals, Research Administrators, Clinical Professionals
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions, each with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/29/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 8/29/2025 and 9/5/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/5/2025.

Course is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break each session during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Advarra, Research Triangle Park, NC

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).

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Tuesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

4V. Clinical Biosafety Essentials: A Guide to Integrating Safety Practices from Research to Clinical Environments

This course addresses the growing need for Biosafety Professionals to apply biosafety principles in the clinical environment. Clinical trials for biological therapeutics are becoming increasingly common. Therefore, safety professionals on regulatory committees such as the Institutional Biosafety Committee must possess a strong understanding of clinical safety, terminology, and regulatory requirements in order to perform an adequate risk assessment of the proposed hazard mitigation measures for these studies. In this course we will explore various clinical spaces, their unique biosafety considerations, and relevant hospital regulations that apply to patient safety, staff safety and a safe environment of care. You will also acquire the knowledge necessary to apply these safety practices in accordance with both research and clinical safety regulations while developing, in collaboration with clinical colleagues, processes that maintain staff safety at all levels.

What You'll Learn

  • Clinical Biosafety Principles and Environments – explore biosafety applications in clinical settings, including various types of clinical spaces
  • Regulatory Knowledge for Clinical Trials – gain the skills needed to participate effectively on Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs)and evaluate hazard mitigation strategies
  • Collaborative Safety Process Development – emphasis on maintaining staff safetywhile aligning with both research and clinical safety regulations

 Objectives:

  • Describe inpatient, procedural, and outpatient clinical environments, detailing the risks of pathogen transmission within each and how these risks shape the application of biosafety practices
  • Compare and contrast Biosafety Levels, Standard Precautions, and Isolation Precautions
  • Apply research and clinical safety guidelines during regulatory committee reviews of human gene therapy clinical trial applications
  • Identify the various clinical roles that facilitate the practical implementation of these precautions

Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety
Target Audience: Experienced Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 8 hours (two 4-hour live sessions, each with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/2/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 9/2/2025 and 9/9/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/9/2025.

Course is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break each session during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Allison Reeme, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CIC, has over 8 years of experience in infection prevention and hospital epidemiology at an academic medical center consisting of acute care, procedural and outpatient care settings. She has led multiple quality improvement projects, assisted in hospital credentialing preparedness, mitigating outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms and designing clinical spaces. Allison has 8 years of experience serving as a Human Gene Therapy expert (HGT) and Biosafety Expert on Institutional Biosafety Committees, supported CAR-T cell manufacturing facilities and assisted with the training and education of clinical staff supporting HGT clinical trials. Allison has also participated in multiple OSHA and NIH compliance programs in both the clinical and laboratory setting. She is certified through the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology, is a Registered Biosafety Professional through ABSA International and has doctoral degrees in Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics and Translational Science.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

5V. Integrating AI into Biotechnology: A Biosecurity Risk Assessment Workshop (Part 2) – Embodied AI and Automation in Biorisk Management

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into laboratory operations and risk management, it presents both challenges and opportunities for improving safety and mitigating biological threats. This advanced workshop builds on last year's course, focusing on biosecurity risk assessment frameworks for AI-enabled systems, with a focus on embodied AI agents and automation. Drawing from recent advances, including the use of humanoid robotic systems with AI in high-containment environments, this course will combine theoretical foundations with hands-on applications. Attendees will engage in case studies and group exercises to assess biosecurity risks associated with AI-driven tools and systems in laboratory settings.

What You'll Learn

  • AI in Biotechnology – Explore current AI technologies and their biotech applications
  • Biosecurity Risk Assessment – Discuss key concepts: vulnerability, threat, consequence, and mitigation—tailored for AI systems
  • Case Studies & Scenarios – Analyze real-world examples of AI in biotech by assessing associated risks and discussing appropriate mitigation strategies
  • Hands-On Risk Assessment – Work in teams to evaluate a hypothetical AI system, identify vulnerabilities and threats, assess AI system maturity and automation, determine potential consequences and risk levels, and propose mitigation strategies

Objectives:

  • Explain the integration of AI—including embodied AI agents into research and high-containment laboratories
  • Identify novel biosecurity risks arising from AI-driven automation and predictive modeling in biotechnology
  • Apply an AI-tailored biosecurity risk assessment framework accounting for automation maturity, human-agent interactions, and real-world risk mitigation scenarios

Suggested Background: Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course (BBTC®), Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 4 hours (with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/9/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 9/9/2025 and 9/16/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/16/2025.

Course is one 4-hour session. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

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 at Merrick & Co. Dr. De Haro has over 15 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. Relevant recent publications in AI: Book: 1. Biosecurity in the Age of Synthetic Biology. CRC Press (September 2024). Book Chapter: 1. Security Risk Assessment of Research Self-Driving Laboratories (SDLs). CRC Press, accepted. Published Primary Research Articles: 1. De Haro L.P. Using Embodied AI Agents to Automate Biorisk Management Tasks in High-Containment Laboratories. Applied Biosafety (2025-in press). 2. De Haro L.P. Biosecurity Risk Assessment for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Synthetic Biology. Applied Biosafety (2024),(29)2. DOI: 10.1089/apb.2023.0031 (impact factor: 1.5, citations: 1).

Vibeke Halkjaer Knudsen, PhDVibeke Halkjaer–Knudsen, PhD
Vipsit LLC
Helsinge, Denmark

Vibeke Halkjaer-Knudsen (Vips) is a Senior Subject Matter Expert (SME) in areas related to biological and chemical risk management, incident management and response, accident and incident root cause investigations, dual-use materials, and high containment lab design. She performs multidimensional impact and risk assessments from a product, GMP, GMO, environment, health and safety, emergency preparedness, animal welfare, chemical and biological point of view. She has extensive experience with lab design and sustainable solutions on all continents. She sits in several think tanks and advisory boards, revises guidelines when needed and has a true passion for building the next generation of biorisk management professionals. She serves several of these younger individuals as a mentor, coach and provides reach back capacity when the daily tasks become too challenging. For almost 20 years, she was a Director at the Danish Statens Serum Institute, responsible for quality control labs, Tuberculin production, large scale vaccine production and facility design. She has spent the last 12 years at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico as Principal and later Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, working with international stakeholders, within the biorisk management non-proliferation programs funded by the U.S. Government. Since 2006, she has been consulting as a private GMP and Biorisk Management Consultant on the side while continuing to work her daytime jobs. In the autumn of 2022, she decided to focus full time on her role as an experienced project manager, supporting clients who were implementing biorisk management standards in their labs and in making risk informed decisions for sustainable laboratory design around the globe. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Copenhagen.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

6V. Anatomy of an IBC meeting: Understanding the Structure, Function, and Operations of an Institutional Biosafety Committee

This four-hour course provides an in-depth look at the anatomy of an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meeting, exploring its role within the broader biosafety program. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of IBC meeting operations, including committee structure, member responsibilities, and the processes that ensure compliance and risk mitigation. Topics covered include the intersection of biosafety programs and IBC functions; roles and responsibilities of IBC members, biosafety staff, and ad-hoc consultants based on their expertise; managing nonconformity issues and implementing corrective actions; the role of pre- and post-IBC meetings in streamlining operations; utilizing the IBC meeting matrix to improve efficiency and decision-making; engaging special reviewers and external consultants when needed; structuring an IBC meeting into different sections such as recombinant DNA, infectious agents, IRE, and subcommittees; handling NIH reportable incidents and urgent post-submission requests; and understanding IBC registration forms, help documents, and compliance tools. Through case studies and discussion-based activities, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to effectively contribute to and enhance IBC meetings. This course is ideal for current and prospective IBC members, biosafety professionals, and institutional stakeholders involved in biological research oversight.

What You'll Learn

  • Structure and Operations of IBC Meetings – learn how Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) meetings are structured, including the roles of members, biosafety staff, and consultants
  • Compliance, Risk Mitigation, and Decision-Making Tools – how to ensure regulatory compliance, manage nonconformities, and implement corrective actions.
  • Effective Participation and Collaboration – learn how to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including special reviewers and consultants, to enhance biosafety oversight

Objectives:

  • Identify the key functions of an IBC, the intersection with the biosafety program, and the roles and responsibilities of committee members, biosafety staff, and ad-hoc consultants based on their expertise
  • Utilize pre- and post-IBC meetings, and implement tools like the IBC matrix, special reviewers, and subcommittees to streamline processes
  • Summarize handling nonconformities and NIH reportable incidents, urgent requests, ad hoc meetings, and the use of registration forms and compliance documents to support institutional biosafety oversight

Suggested Background: None
Who Should Attend: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 4 hours (with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/10/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 9/10/2025 and 9/17/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/17/2025.

Course is one 4-hour session. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Maren Schniederberend, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
Yale University
New Haven, CT

Maren Schniederberend currently serves as Biosafety Supervisor and Safety Advisor Co-Manager in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Yale University. Maren has obtained an MS and PhD in Microbiology from University of Osnabrueck, Germany. As a Postdoctoral Associate, she studied the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Section of Infectious Diseases at Yale University. Maren made the transition from research to biosafety at Yale University when she joined the Office of Environmental Health & Safety in 2017. She currently manages the human pathogens compliance program, recombinant/synthetic nucleic acid compliance program and other biosafety programs. She supports the University's research community in the safe conduct of basic, translational, and clinical research. Her biosafety training programs emphasize hands-on training and provide safer alternatives to researchers for continuous program improvement.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

7V. From Concept to Operation: Key Challenges and Considerations in BSL-4 Stand-Up and Operation

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the critical considerations and challenges involved in establishing high-security laboratories, with a focus on Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) labs. Participants will gain insights into the unique safety, design, operational, and regulatory requirements that distinguish maximum containment laboratories from other labs. Through case studies, expert insights, and practical discussions, the course will cover topics such as personnel reliability, training programs, emergencies, considerations and challenges, and community acceptance and interactions. Whether you are planning a BSL-4 lab or another high containment lab, this course will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of setting up and managing these specialized environments while ensuring maximum safety and compliance.

What You'll Learn

  • Design and Operational Requirements for BSL-4 Laboratories – understand the unique safety, design, and operational features that distinguish BSL-4 and other high-containment labs from standard laboratory environments
  • Regulatory and Risk Management Considerations – overs regulatory requirements, personnel reliability, emergency preparedness, and training programsessential for safely managing high-security labs
  • Community Engagement and Real-World Challenges – explore community acceptance, public interaction, and the practical challengesof establishing and operating high-containment facilities

Objectives:

  • Analyze and evaluate the complex safety protocols, risk assessments, and regulatory requirements critical to the design, operation, and maintenance of BSL-4 laboratories
  • Explore the challenges and considerations involved in constructing and maintaining BSL-4, ensuring both biosecurity and functional efficiency
  • Examine the ethical considerations, environmental impact, and societal responsibilities associated with high-security labs, focusing on containment procedures, disaster response, and community acceptance

Suggested Background: None
Who Should Attend: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/16/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 9/16/2025 and 9/23/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/23/2025.

Course is one 4-hour session. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break during the course. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Krystle Hensley, MPHTM, BSL-4 Manager, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS

Krystle Hensley is the BSL4 Manager at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), a critical facility within the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA. In this role, she helps facilitate the standup of the BSL4 program and maximum containment research related to zoonotic and emerging diseases and agricultural threats. Prior to joining NBAF she worked at the Integrated Research Facility – NIAID supporting international programs and clinical trials, as well as establishing laboratory capacity in West Africa. She holds a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from Tulane University and has experience in BSL3 and BSL4 research laboratories. Krystle is dedicated to advancing knowledge and contributing to cutting-edge scientific efforts to protect against emerging infectious diseases and biological threats.

Lisa Hensley, PhD, MSPH, Distinguished Senior Research Scientist Lead, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS

Dr. Lisa Hensley serves as the research leader for the Zoonotic and Emerging Disease Research Unit, or ZEDRU, located at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), which is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Hensley's team at NBAF focus research efforts on zoonotic and emerging pathogens in large livestock and look for ways to interrupt or stop diseases, which is something USDA scientists cannot do anywhere else in the U.S. at the highest level of biocontainment or BSL-4.Before joining the USDA team at NBAF, Dr. Hensley served as the associate director for science at the National Institutes of Health's Integrated Research Facility in Frederick, Maryland, where she was responsible for developing and managing a multidiscipline/multifaceted research portfolio supporting biodefense, potential pandemic pathogens, and emerging infectious disease research.Dr. Hensley also served as the director of regulatory science for the Medical Countermeasures Initiative in the Office of the Commissioner at the Food and Drug Administration and was the chief of Viral Therapeutics at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). She has an extensive background in public health, obtaining her doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree in immunology and infectious disease from The Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. She spent the last 25 years developing and characterizing animal models for high-consequence and emerging pathogens, including Ebola and Marburg, SARs, MERs, Variola, mpox (formerly monkeypox) and other viruses. She used these models to develop, evaluate and help advance candidate countermeasures, including therapeutics, post-exposure prophylaxes, vaccines, and diagnostics to improve national and global health.Beyond the confines of the maximum containment laboratory, Dr. Hensley worked in remote locations such as West and Central Africa, where she established research laboratories to respond to outbreaks and conduct clinical trials in low-resource environments. She is considered one of the world's leading subject matter experts on emerging diseases and high-consequence pathogens. She is one of few scientists with experience in the development of medical countermeasures from discovery topre-clinical evaluation and through clinical trials. Dr. Hensley has authored over 250 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters and holds multiple patents.

Reed Johnson earned his PhD from Texas A&M University in 2003 studying mouse hepatitis virus replication under Julian Leibowitz MD, PhD. He joined Ronald Harty PhD's laboratory at UPenn for a post-doctoral fellowship working on Ebola virus virus-like particle formation for their use as vaccines. He then joined Peter Jahrling, PhD at NIAID as a Post-Doc, Research Fellow, and a Staff Scientist working on animal models of emerging infectious diseases and incorporating medical imaging such as PET-CT and MRI into those models. Dr. Johnson then acted as Director of the SARS-CoV-2 Virology Core to support COVID-19 research across the NIH intramural research program. In 2024, Dr. Johnson joined the Zoonotic and Emerging Diseases Research Unit at the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility at the USDA. His focus is on mechanisms of emergence to characterize threats and develop countermeasures to help protect U.S. Agriculture.

Chad Mire, PhD, Research Leader, National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), Manhattan, KS

Dr. Chad E. Mire serves as the NBAF Research Leader for the Foreign Anthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Prior to joining the USDA, Dr. Mire has worked at the University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Microbiology and Immunology (UTMB) for nearly a decade. Here, Dr. Mire took on several positions including Associate Professor and High-Containment Program Coordinator for Animal Research. As an Associate Professor, Dr. Mire developed research ideas in diagnostics, animal model development, vaccine, and therapeutic development in relation to emerging and zoonotic pathogens such as Ebola virus, Marburg virus, and Nipah virus. Dr. Mire received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rowan University, followed by receiving his Doctorate in Molecular Sciences with a focus on Virology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In addition to his educational and employment history, Dr. Mire has been internationally recognized for performing leading research on emerging pathogens to develop preventative measures against emerging and zoonotic pathogens.

Gene Garrard Olinger, Jr., PhD, MBA, Director—GNL, Professor—Microbiology & Immunology, UTMB—Galveston, Galveston, TX

Dr. Gene Olinger is Professor of Microbiology & Immunology and Director of the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL) at UTMB, one of the largest maximum containment laboratories in the United States. A leading expert in biosafety and biosecurity, Dr. Olinger brings extensive experience in the safe operation and oversight of high- and maximum containment laboratories. He is ISO 35001 and ISO 9001 Lead Auditor trained, with a strong focus on biorisk management systems and quality assurance. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams in developing and implementing biosafety practices that support research on high-consequence pathogens. As GNL Director, he continues to advance international standards for biosafety and biosecurity while fostering global collaborations to strengthen preparedness and response to infectious disease threats.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Wednesday, October 15 and Friday, October 17, 2025 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm CDT

8V. Host Pathogen Interactions for Biosafety Professionals

The course is intended to introduce biosafety professionals to host-pathogen interactions by focusing on fundamentals of immunology, microbiology and their interplay as they pertain to biosafety risk assessments utilizing instructional videos, case studies, established lab acquired infections and publications. Information from this course can assist biosafety professionals assess risks from microbiological research including potential effects of genetic modifications on virulence and infectivity of pathogens, susceptibility of hosts in in-vitro and in-vivo models for IBC review, assessing impact to the wellbeing of research animal hosts for IACUC review, as well as the occupational safety and occupational health of research personnel.

What You'll Learn

  • Fundamentals of Host-Pathogen Interactions – how do these biological systems interact in the context of infection and defense
  • Application of Biosafety Risk Assessments – evaluate pathogen virulence and infectivity, especially with genetic modifications
  • Regulatory and Ethical Oversight in Research – evaluate animal welfare for IACUC review and ensuring occupational safety of research personnel

Objectives:

  • Restate the fundamentals of microbiology and immunology as they pertain to host-pathogen interactions
  • Identify how host-pathogen interactions affect risk assessments for maintaining the wellbeing of animal hosts
  • Describe how host-pathogen interactions affect risk assessments for the safety of research personnel

Suggested Background: None
Who Should Attend: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Animal Caretakers, Anyone involved in IBC, IACUC, occupational health or infection prevention and control
Audience Level: Basic
Course Length: 4 hours (2 2-hour live sessions)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/17/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 9/17/2025 and 9/24/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 9/24/2025.

Course is two 2-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Advarra, Research Triangle Park, NC

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).

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 4 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 4.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 6, 2025 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm CST

9V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term

Keeping a select agent program going can be difficult, especially in the face of ever-changing regulatory requirements and limited resources. Established procedures may suddenly become unacceptable, interrupting research and frustrating laboratorians. Likewise, a single unexpected adverse event can put an entire program at risk. Being prepared to deal with such changes and events is critical to maintaining a robust program. Anticipating future challenges can be even more advantageous, elevating a program from good to great. A proactive approach can minimize the impact of new requirements and reduce duration and frequency of crises sparked by sudden, unexpected requirements or events. This course will explore strategies for maintaining and improving an existing program, including how to anticipate and respond to new requirements. The focus will be on U.S. select agent requirements, although a small section on comparable requirements in the international community will be included. Strategies will be based on the instructors' experience with their program with additional input solicited from class attendees during open discussions. Topics will include select agent program history; effective oversight; efficiently meeting ongoing requirements; reporting, responding to, and analyzing incidents; suitability program case studies; inactivation requirements, including "failure" investigation; and inspection preparation and response. The course will consist of topical presentations followed by group discussions aimed at facilitating application of presented strategies to attendees' individual programs and providing a platform to capitalize on attendees' collective experience.

What You'll Learn

  • Regulatory Compliance and Program Oversight – understand and navigate S. Select Agent Program requirements
  • Incident Management and Program Resilience –reporting, respond to, and analyze incidents, including inactivation failures and prepare for and respond to inspections
  • Strategic Program Improvement and Risk Anticipation – apply strategies to improve efficiency, minimize disruptions, and strengthen overall program robustness

Objectives:

  • Identify strategies to efficiently maintain a compliant select agent program and anticipate future regulatory focus
  • Develop effective approaches for preparing for inspections and implementing required changes
  • Review a series of suitability program case studies and identify strategies for dealing with potential suitability concerns
  • Summarize inactivation requirements and identify successful strategies for compliance

Suggested Background: None
Who Should Attend: All Safety Professionals, Select Agent Program Safety Professionals
Audience Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 8 hours (2 4-hour live sessions, each with a 15-minute break)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/7/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 10/7/2025 and 10/14/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 10/14/2025.

Course is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. There will be a 15-minute break each session. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY

Amy Vogler, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Amy Vogler, PhD, RBP(ABSA)
Associate Director – Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Amy Vogler is an Associate Director at the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University (NAU). She has worked at PMI since 1997 as a researcher and has been responsible for managing their BSL-3 Select Agent laboratory since 2009. She received her B.S. in Microbiology and Chemistry in 1999 and her Ph.D. in Biology in 2003 from NAU and is an author on 45 publications in the field of population genetics and molecular epidemiology of bacterial pathogens. She continues to conduct research on Yersinia pestis while also managing the BSL-3 laboratory. She received her RBP in 2012.

Shelley Jones, MS, RBP(ABSA), Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ

Shelley Jones, MS, RBP(ABSA)
Director of Biological Safety | Responsible Offical
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Shelley Jones is the Director of Biological Safety and Responsible Official at Northern Arizona University. She received her B.S. from Illinois State University and her M.S. from Arizona State University, both in environmental disciplines. Shelley has over 30 years of diverse experience in environmental health and safety. She has been a Responsible Official/Alternate Responsible Official for 19 years.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

Monday, November 10 through Friday, November 14, 2025 | 1:30 pm – 3:10 pm CST

10V. Infectious Substance Shipping Program Management

This course is tailored for individuals responsible for establishing and overseeing infectious substance shipping programs within their facilities. This webinar series aims to assist institutions in developing robust shipping programs tailored to their needs. Course elements include: training; written policies; written descriptions of program plans; transport and shipping specific SOPs; safety and security plans; emergency response plans; logistics and supplies; carrier selection and support; MOUs and authorizations; access control and personnel assurance. The instructor will provide a detailed and comprehensive shipping program assessment and implementation guidance document. Attendees will receive an introduction to this document and step-by-step guidance on its completion. By completing the assessment document, attendees will conduct a thorough review to identify areas for improving existing shipping programs. This interactive, instructor led, web-based training will invite attendees to share examples of how these elements are addressed at their own institution.

What You'll Learn

  • Development and Oversight of Infectious Substance Shipping Programs – establish program components such as training, SOPs, safety/security plans, and emergency response procedures
  • Program Assessment and Implementation Guidance – use a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate and improve current shipping practices
  • Regulatory Compliance and Operational Logistics – ensure personnel assurance and regulatory compliance in program operations

Objectives:

  • Evaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that impact shipping policies and program components at a facility, emphasizing the relevance of international regulations (ICAO TI), international standards (IATA DGR), and other guidance (CDC, WHO, CWA) for developing a robust shipping program
  • Recognize the components of a shipping program and utilize provided tools and templates to assess current shipping program elements, identifying opportunities for improvement
  • Compare and contrast various approaches to setting up a shipping program (centralized, decentralized, hybrid), and gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each

Suggested Background: IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification
Who Should Attend:       Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers
Audience Level: Advanced
Course Length: 8 hours (five 1-hour 40-minute sessions)

Questions

Please direct questions about this course to:
KariAnn DeServi, MEd
Director of Education, ABSA
866.425.1385 / education@absa.org

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Confirmed, paid participants will receive course details a few days prior. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/13/2025. Cancellations incur a 15% fee. Between 10/13/2025 and 10/20/2025, 50% refunds apply. No refunds after 10/20/2025.

Course is five 1-hour 40-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 15 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the session and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

COURSE FACULTY
COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

To receive the ABSA member rate, participants must be current ABSA members during the training year. Fees include course handouts, access to the ABSA International training site, and 8 hours of expert-led interactive instruction.

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 clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 8.0 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.