68th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference
Scientific Program
October 27-29, 2025
All times listed will be Eastern Standard Time
Sunday, October 26, 2025
6:30 – 8:30 pm Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Monday, October 27, 2025
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration
9:00 am – 4:00 pm Vendor Exhibits
8:00 – 8:15 am Welcome and ABSA International President’s Address
Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), University of Maryland—Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
8:15 – 8:20 am Local Arrangements Committee Welcome
Scott Alderman, MS, CBSP(ABSA), Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC
8:20 – 8:25 am Scientific Program Committee Welcome
Colleen Kovacsics, PhD, RBP(ABSA), FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Morrisville, NC
Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)University of Maryland—Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
As the Global Biosafety Officer for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Colleen brings a wealth of experience and expertise in biorisk management, cell & viral gene therapy, and GMP operations. In this role, she serves as a centralized subject matter expert to assist in all aspects of contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) operations surrounding biologically derived therapeutics, specifically: new product introductions, risk assessments, training, and regulatory compliance. Colleen previously served as the Lead Biosafety Officer for Spark Therapeutics, overseeing capital investment projects like their new Gene Therapy Innovation Center, scaling their AAV commercial platform, and was a pivotal SME in the success of Luxturna®, the first ever FDA approved viral gene therapy for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophy. Previous to this, she worked as the biosafety officer at the University of Pennsylvania where she partnered with Dr. Carl June on the first ever CAR-T Cell therapy, Kymriah®. Colleen has a B.S. in neuroscience from Penn State University, holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania, is a registered biosafety professional though the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA International), and is the chair of ABSA’s Scientific Program Committee. She currently lives in Philadelphia, PA with her husband and 7-year-old son, as well as their Boston Terrier puppy, Millie.
Session 1 | Arnold G. Wedum Memorial Lecture Award
8:25 – 9:15 am Title: TBD
Wondwossen Gebreyes, DVM, PhD, DACVPM, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
9:15 – 9:25 am Q&A Session
9:25 – 9:55 am | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 2 | Applied Biosafety
9:55 – 10:10 am BSC MythBusters: All Airflow Monitors are Created Equal
Kara Held, PhD, Baker, Sanford, ME
10:10 – 10:25 am Heat Me with Your Best Shot
Shane Riddell, MSc, CSIRO, East Geelong, Victoria, Australia
10:25 – 10:40 am Cutting Edge Safety: Characterizing Sharps Use in the Research Laboratories
Sheryl Mansour, MPA, University of California—San Diego, San Diego, CA
10:40 – 10:55 am Q&A Session
Kara Held, PhD brings an extensive knowledge of Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Biosafety to The Baker Company. Prior to her coming on board, she was a Lab Manager, Safety Officer, and Researcher at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. She earned her PhD at the University of Vermont Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and then completed her postdoctoral training at Yale University in the Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program. Her recent experience in academic research brings a unique perspective, familiarity and hands-on knowledge base with laboratory science. As the Science Director for Baker, she has helped provide some clarity into the nuances of Biosafety through the use of Biosafety Cabinets.
Shane Riddell has worked for CSIRO for over 15 years, and in the Biorisk Management group since 2015. Shane holds joint roles as both the Biorisk Pathogen Specialist and the BSL-4 Laboratory Manager and conducts research into validation of inactivation of Risk Group 3 and 4 viruses to enable staff to work safely at lower containment levels. Shane also conducts research and validation into decontamination of room spaces with newer technologies such as vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide, Fogging Peracetic Acid and Chlorine Dioxide.
Sheryl Mansour serves as the Biosafety Officer at the University of California—San Diego, where she plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community through comprehensive biorisk management. With her recent completion of a Master’s in Public Administration and years of experience, Sheryl brings a unique perspective by applying principles of public management to the specialized field of biosafety. Her integrated approach combines rigorous scientific standards with effective administrative practices to create sustainable safety protocols that protect researchers and the broader community.10:55 – 11:00 am | Stretch
Session 3 | Poster Speed Talks
11:00 – 11:30 am
Implementing Risk-Based Stratified Controls for the Safe Use of Diphtheria Toxin
Mary Brock, CBSP(ABSA), CPBCA, Duke University, Durham, NC
Use of Hybrid Hydrogen PeroxideTM Vapor to Decontaminate a Small Hepa Housing with Hepa Filter Installed
Rachael Sullivan, MS, RBP(ABSA), Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Tips & Tricks for Designing Studies with UV-Reactive Microorganism Simulants
Devin Boyles, MS, RBP(ABSA), CPH, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MD
Mobilizing Biosafety — An Intro to Mobile Laboratories & Event Preparedness
Shoolah Escott, MS, MT(ASCP), Biosafety and Biosecurity Trainer, Lexington, MA
Developing Pharma Biosafety Professionals: The Right Mix of on the Job and Structured Training
Michelle Frondelli, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Johnson and Johnson, Raritan, NJ
Advancing Laboratory Safety: The Impact of Community Outreach and Training Initiatives at Boston Children’s Hospital
Madeeha Maqsood, MS, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Celebrating 50 Years of the Needlestick Prevention Act!
Crystal Fortune, MPH, RBP(ABSA), MT Laboratory Services Bureau, Helena MT
Efficacy of Current Vaccines Against Recently Isolated Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Type A South America (Venezuela) in Egypt 2022
Nermeen Shafik, PhD, Central Laboratory for Evaluation of Veterinary Biologics, Cairo, Egypt
Evaluating Biorisk Management Improvements: Re-Assessment of Life Sciences Laboratories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan, Pakistan (FY19)
Muhammad Atif Jafar, DVM, MSC (HONS), Association for Biorisk Management, Peshawar, Pakistan
Devin is a Registered Biological Safety Professional (RBP) that serves as a staff scientist and technical developer for biorisk management and diagnostic training programs in support of various governmental, academic, and commercial clients. Previous to her work at MRIGlobal she spent two years in laboratory safety and biological import specialist positions at the University of Pittsburgh, and, before that, worked as a virology research technician in Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research where she studied the neurological and congenital effects of Rift Valley fever virus infection in rodents. Devin has a Master of Science in Environmental and Occupational Health and is Certified in Public Health.
Shoolah Escott is currently an independent, Biosafety, Biosecurity, and Bioterrorism Preparedness Trainer and a COVID-19 Contact Tracer with Partners In Health. She was the Biosafety Manager and ARO at the MA State Public Health Laboratory for over 2 years where she provided biosafety training and support to over 50 clinical laboratories and to internal public health laboratory staff. She worked for APHL/CDC National Laboratory Training Network, CDC Laboratory Training Branch for over 17 years developing, implementing, delivering, and presenting national training programs in biosafety, biosecurity and bioterrorism preparedness. She has a strong background in clinical microbiology and was the safety officer for the Memorial Hospital clinical laboratory. Currently, she serves on several ABSA and APHL committees. Here are a few key biosafety accomplishments: What Constitutes an Effective Biosafety Plan at the World Microbe Forum; Biosafety and Biosecurity: Minimizing the Risks in the Laboratory and Clinical Laboratory Biosafety Risk Assessment seminars presented nationally multiple times; and the lead on the initial development and revision of the Clinical Laboratory Preparedness and Response Guide.
11:30 – 1:00 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Lunch
Session 4 | Poster Session
12:00 – 1:00 pm Presenters must be available during the session.
Session 5 | Invited Speaker
1:00 – 1:45 pm Title: TBD
Matthias Gromeier, MD, PhD, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
1:45 – 2:00 pm Q&A Session
2:00 – 2:30 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 6 | Perspectives Beyond the Traditional Lab
2:30 – 2:45 pm Biosafety from the Field: Livestock to Public Health Laboratories
Eric Lundquist, RBP(ABSA), Minnesota Department of Health, St Paul, MN
2:45 – 3:00 pm Biosafety & Beyond in Marine Research
Shane Gillooly, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), CSP, University of Miami, Miami, FL
3:00 – 3:15 pm Developing CAR-T Therapies: Lessons Learned from a Biosafety Perspective
Edward David, MPH, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA
3:15 – 3:30 pm Greater than 10 Liters…What About 20,000 Liters? Large-Scale Biorisk Management at North America’s Biggest End to End Manufacturing Facility for Biologically Derived Therapeutics
AJ Troiano, PhD, RBP(ABSA), FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Morrisville, NC
3:30 – 3:45 pm Enhanced Laboratory Containment: Beyond Standard Biosafety Levels
Drew Fayram, MS, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO
3:45 – 4:00 pm Q&A Session
Eric Lundquist currently serves as the Biosafety Coordinator at the Public Health Laboratory-Infectious Disease Laboratory at Minnesota Department of Health. Eric is a current member of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee providing subject matter expertise to public health and clinical laboratories around enhancing and improving laboratory biosafety and biosecurity capacity. During his tenue on the committee, Eric has led the effort to develop a risk assessment guide for laboratories to assess their risk of exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) when testing raw milk samples. Eric is also a current member of the American Biological Safety Association. He currently is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist and is a Registered Biological Safety Professional.
Shane Gillooly is the Associate Director of EHS and Biosafety Officer for the University of Miami. He is a Vice Chair for Advarra and is currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biology. He is a CBSP, RBP, and CSP.
Eddie David is an Associate Director of EHS within the Safety Center of Excellence at Bristol Myers Squibb, a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop, and deliver innovative medicines to help patients fight serious diseases. At BMS, he has supported EHS programs at the Global, Regional, and site-based level with a focus on improving Biosafety. Prior to his work at BMS, he worked in Hospital/Healthcare as the Biosafety Officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in academia as the Biosafety Officer at the University of Southern California.
AJ serves as the Global Director of Biosafety and Toxicology at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and is part of the global quality leadership team. In this critical role, he oversees safety operations for both patients and workers across 6 campuses spanning Europe and North America, assisting in and harmonizing hazard identification, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk monitoring strategies. AJ describes his role as a “safety diplomat” across the company’s operations landscape, with his core belief that a successful safety leadership position is predicated on collaborating with stakeholders across scientific, operational, quality and environmental health and safety (EHS) infrastructures, as well as both engaging and empowering leadership. Before joining FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, AJ worked in various capacities as a biosafety and operations consultant in the Greater Boston, MA area and across the United States. He has audited, inspected, or provided gap analyses for laboratories at numerous multinational life science corporations, academic institutions, biotechnology start-ups, as well as various government agencies. He received his BS in Microbiology and Classics from the University of New Hampshire, a PhD in Biomedical Science with a concentration in Molecular Biology and Biophysics from the University of Connecticut Health Center and a MS in Clinical Toxicology through the University of Florida. AJ is a Registered Biosafety Professional with the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA International), and a member of ABSA’s Scientific Program Committee. A passionate safety advocate, AJ is active in both biosafety and toxicology professional organizations globally, and lives in the Boston, MA area.
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.
4:00 – 4:05 pm | Stretch
Session 7 | Planning for the Future of Biosafety
4:05 – 4:20 pm Realigning Biosafety Biosecurity to the Modern Biological Order
Aparupa Sengupta, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Nuclear Threat Initiative, Washington DC
4:20 – 4:35 pm Oversight of High Consequence Research and Horizon Scanning for Emerging Risks from Synthetic Biology and Artificial Intelligence
Matthew Sharkey, PhD, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC
4:35 – 4:50 pm Building Resilience: Biosafety Planning in an Evolving Regulatory Climate
Heidi Page, MS, RBP(ABSA), Azelia Laboratories, Pepper Pike, OH
4:50 – 5:05 pm Q&A Session
Dr. Aparupa Sengupta serves as a Senior Program Officer for NTI’s Global Biological Policy and Programs team NTI | bio. In this role, she supports the Biosecurity Innovation and Risk Reduction Initiative (BIRRI) to reduce risks of biotechnology catastrophe. This includes efforts to advance the International Biosecurity and Biosafety Initiative for Science, a new international entity NTI is launching to safeguard science and reduce the risk of catastrophic events that could result from deliberate abuse or accidental misuse of bioscience and biotechnology. Dr. Sengupta is an accomplished scientist and global health security practitioner with more than 15 years of research, regulatory, and training experience across the fields of infectious disease containment, biosafety and biosecurity, and global biological risk reduction. Prior to joining NTI in 2022, she served at the University of California-Merced campus, where she initiated and led their biosafety and biosecurity programs, first, as the campus biosafety-biosecurity officer since May 2018 and then as the Assistant Director for Environmental Health and Safety and Director of High Containment Research Laboratories. Dr. Sengupta is an active member of ABSA International, where she plays key leadership roles in multiple committees; to highlight- Chair, Publications Committee and Co-Chair, International Engagement Committee. She also teaches pre-conference courses in the field of gene editing and related to other emerging technologies, and she has been invited to give many talks in the U.S. and internationally, advocating for the safe and secure use of emerging recombinant technologies in the evolving field of biosciences. Dr. Sengupta holds a PhD in Microbiology & Applied Biochemistry and MS in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology from Michigan Technological University and a MSc in Biotechnology from Bangalore University, India. Sengupta is also a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) with ABSA International.
Matt Sharkey is a Biologist in the Emerging Threats Branch at the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, where he leads the review and oversight of high consequence research and horizon scanning for emerging risks from synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. Matt has a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Purdue University, and has authored fifteen publications on virology and biosecurity, including peer-reviewed articles, a U.S. patent, and federal biosecurity policies. For nearly ten years he was either a researcher or biosafety officer in high-containment laboratories, spending two years each overseeing a MERS-CoV lab and supporting the federal Laboratory Response Network. He also received fellowships for postdoctoral work from Ionis Pharmaceuticals and the National Research Council, the latter of which supported his work at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases. Matt currently serves on the editorial board of Applied Biosafety and is an Adjunct Professor with the Georgetown University Medical Center.
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.
5:10 – Close | Members’ Business Meeting
Door prizes will be awarded—must be present to win.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration
9:00 am – 3:35 pm Vendor Exhibits
Session 8 | Eagleson Lecture Award
8:00 – 8:45 am Title: TBD
Nicholas Heaton, PhD, Duke University, Durham, NC
8:45 – 9:00 am Q&A Session
9:00 – 9:05 am | Stretch
Session 9 Navigating Regulations
9:05 – 9:20 am New International Labour Organization (ILO) Biological Hazard Standard: A Milestone in Global Occupational Safety
Bria Kettle, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Bayer, Chesterfield, MO
9:20 – 9:35 am Renewed European Standard for BSCs – Impact and Comparison to NSF/ANSI 49
Thomas Hinrichs, Berner International, Elmshorn, Germany
9:35 – 9:50 am An Entity’s Journey in Building a Select Agent Program with No Prior Experience
Endah Sulistijo, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
9:50 – 10:05 am Q&A Session
Bria C. Kettle, PhD, is a highly accomplished microbiologist and Registered Biosafety Professional with over 15 years of experience in the life sciences sector. Currently serving as the Biosafety & Crop Science Biologics Stewardship Manager for North America, Australia, and New Zealand at Bayer, she drives regulatory compliance and oversees the cross-divisional Biosafety program. Bria’s expertise extends across multiple industries, where she has successfully led multi-disciplinary projects and collaborated with professionals at all organizational levels. Bria holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Kansas, where her doctoral research focused on transcription regulation in pathogenic bacteria. She is also a member of ABSA International and has been recognized as a Registered Biosafety Professional. Known for her excellent communication and interpersonal skills, Bria is passionate about advancing biosafety practices and fostering a culture of safety and quality within the life sciences industry.
Thomas Hinrichs, Dipl.-Ing., is Managing Partner of Berner International GmbH in Elmshorn, Germany. He is 58 years old and holds a degree in engineering from Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, specializing in medical technology. Thomas has over 25 years of experience in the field of biotechnological safety. From 1995 to 2000, he worked as an expert at the Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) in Hamburg, focusing on the testing and certification of safety cabinets, laboratory fume cupboards, centrifuges, and ventilation systems for laboratories. He also served as an auditor for quality management systems. In 2000, Thomas joined Berner International GmbH as Head of Marketing, where he was responsible for central product management, marketing, research and development, and public relations. He later became the Sales & Marketing Director, overseeing national and international marketing and sales. Since 2011, Thomas has been Managing Partner at Berner International GmbH, where he is responsible for sales, marketing, technology, service, research, and development. His extensive expertise and leadership have significantly contributed to the company’s growth and success. Thomas is an active member of several committees and organizations, including the standards committees for DIN 12980 ‘Safety cabinets for cytostatics’ and EN 12469 ‘Microbiological safety cabinets. He is part of the expert group on laboratory technology (ELATEC) for the Committee on Biological Agents (ABAS) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). Additionally, he contributes to the working group VDI 2083 Sheet 16 on cleanroom technology. Thomas is also a member of the German Society for Oncological Pharmacy (DGOP), the European Society of Oncology Pharmacy (ESOP), the European BioSafety Association (EBSA), the Association of German Engineers (VDI), and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA).
Dr. Endah S. Sulistijo is the Biological Safety Manager and the Biological Safety Officer at Temple University in Philadelphia, a position that she has held since 2022. Prior to her position at Temple University, Endah served as a biosafety professional at various institutions coast-to-coast. In addition to her biosafety role, Endah now also serves the Alternate Responsible Official for Temple University’s Select Agent Program, which just recently received an approval from the Federal Select Agent Program.
10:05 – 10:35 am | Exhibits, Posters, and Coffee Break
Session 10 | Griffin Lecture Award
10:35 – 11:20 am Title: TBD
Speaker: TBD
11:20 – 11:35 pm Q&A Session
11:35 am – 1:05 pm | Exhibits, Posters, and Lunch
Session 11 | Poster Session
12:05 – 1:05 pm Presenters must be available during the session.
Concurrent Session 12(a) | High-Containment
1:05 – 1:20 pm Hello Again: Reestablishing BSL-3 Laboratories by Enhancing Safety and Research Potential
Bárbara Ponzilacqua-Silva, DVM, PhD, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
1:20 – 1:35 pm Project Orion – Merging Physics and Microbiology in Brazil
Robert Mills, MArch, WSP USA Inc., Atlanta, GA
1:35 – 1:50 pm Harmonization Effort to Enhance Compliance in High-Containment Environments
Andrea Vogel, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
1:50 – 2:05 pm Biorisk Upgrades at INRB and Regional Collaboration—Democratic Republic of the Congo
Valentin Disashi N., MEng, National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
2:05 – 2:20pm Bridging the Biosafety Knowledge Gap Through Essential BSL-3 Training
Haley DeMers, PhD, RBP(ABSA), University of California—Irvine, Irvine, CA
2:20 – 2:35 pm Q&A
Bárbara Ponzilacqua Silva earned her PhD in Pathobiology from the University of Missouri (MU), studying molecular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions and the roles of virulence factors during brucellosis. Her extensive experience working with biosafety level 3 (BSL-3), Brucella melitensis and B. abortus, including both in vitro bacterial cultures and in vivo infection models, has given her a deep understanding of risk mitigation strategies, attention to detail, technical expertise, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Her academic journey began in Brazil, where she earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Federal University of Pelotas. During this time, she developed a strong commitment to science communication and education by leading a radio broadcast program tailored to small rural communities. This focus inspired her to pursue a Master of Science from the University of São Paulo, where she evaluated the antimicrobial and mycotoxin detoxification potential of native Brazilian plant extracts. Bárbara’s journey at the University of Chicago started with a short postdoctoral experience at the Howard T. Ricketts Laboratory, investigating mechanisms affecting the pathogenesis of anthrax-like disease. This experience, combined with her expertise in studying select agents, ignited a passion for biosafety and biosecurity topics, motivating her to pursue a career in this field. With a robust background in microbiology and immunology, she oversees the implementation of biosafety protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations across all tiers of administration. She provides training and guidance to the scientific community on best practices for handling biological materials and conducting research at all biosafety levels. Her goal is to be a resource and partner for the research community, ensuring that laboratories operate smoothly and safely while meeting their research objectives. She strives to create an environment where researchers and their teams feel supported and empowered to innovate, knowing that their safety is always a top priority.
Robert Mills AIA CCS CSI is a Vice President and Senior Lab Planner for WSP, with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction of Science and Technology (S&T) facilities. His project types range from high-containment research and diagnostic laboratories to vivaria, with the focus on providing successful solutions to highly complex building problems. His clients include Federal government agencies as well as academic institutions and global organizations. Mr. Mills has led project teams in the documentation and administration of several research laboratories, including High Containment labs and animal facilities. Mr. Mills’ clients include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory for the Republic of Ireland, Boston University and Augusta University. Mr. Mills is now engaged in providing advisory services for the Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materias (CNPEM) in Brazil. Mr. Mills enjoys the collaboration between project team members and the consensus-based solving of design problems and derives great satisfaction in translating the Owner’s project requirements into constructed form. Being a Construction Specifier as well as an Architect, Mr. Mills brings a technical focus to his projects. Working in an integrated design firm with engineers under the same roof, Mr. Mills has been able to effectively merge engineering considerations into holistic project solutions.
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.
Valentin Disashi is the Technical Manager of High-Containment Laboratories (BSL-3) at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) in Kinshasa. He oversees the management of laboratory buildings and facilities, ensuring exceptional biosecurity and biosafety standards. Holding a master’s degree in Wireless Communication and a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in India, and with over six years of experience in the field of biomedical research, Valentin’s expertise is applied to enhance the safety and security of high-containment laboratories. His work supports infectious disease research and contributes to global public health efforts through innovative biosecurity and biosafety solutions, regional exchange of experience and collaboration, as well as sustainable operation and maintenance of High-Containment Laboratories.Concurrent Session 12(b) | Technology and Biosafety
1:05 – 1:20 pm Using Embodied AI Agents to Automate High-Containment Laboratories
Leyma De Haro, PhD, RBP(ABSA), RBSO(CABS), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO
1:20 – 1:35 pm Empowering Non-Coders to Automate Biosafety Audit
Marina Kirkland, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
1:35 – 1:50 pm Lab Biorisk Assessments: Considerations for Incorporating Cyberbiosecurity
Julianne Baron, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CPH, Science and Safety Consulting, McMurray, PA
1:50 – 2:05 pm CMMC Compliance for Laboratory Companies: Safeguarding Sensitive Data in Research and Testing
Daniel Tuten, PhD, King Tiger Consulting LLC, Stone Mountain, GA
2:05 – 2:20pm Developing a Digital Platform for Egyptian Laboratory Oversight
Ali Asy, PhD, Animal Health Research Institute, Benha, Egypt
2:20 – 2:35 pm Q&A
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).
Marina Kirkland is an experienced biosafety professional with a solid blend of academic knowledge and practical experience. She holds a BS in Biology from the University of California—San Diego; an MS in Biomedical Sciences from Western University of Health Sciences; and a PhD in Microbiology & Immunology from Dartmouth College, specializing in pathogen-host interactions. Her extensive academic background has provided her with a deep understanding of biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Marina’s research on infectious diseases has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature and the American Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) mSphere, where her dissertation was awarded “Editor’s Pick.” In addition to her academic work, Marina obtained a fellowship through the USDA, where she contributed to the development of therapeutics against foodborne toxins such as Staphylococcus Enterotoxin B (SEB) and Shiga Toxin. Her expertise is further strengthened by her hands-on biosafety experience, having served as an Assistant Biosafety Officer at UCLA and currently as the Associate Biosafety Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In her current role, Marina manages a wide range of responsibilities, including conducting inspections, supporting the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), overseeing high containment programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies such as the City of Boston, Massachusetts State Department of Public Health, and federal entities. Marina has a proven track record in training, emergency response, policy revision, and safety onboarding. Her efforts to build and sustain a culture of safety within the research community highlight her dedication to advancing biosafety practices and standards.
Julianne L. Baron, PhD, CPH, RBP(ABSA) is the President and Owner of Science and Safety Consulting, a woman-owned small business with specialized expertise in biosafety, biorisk management, public health, emergency preparedness, and training development. She obtained her PhD in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health. Dr. Baron completed the prestigious National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program (NBBTP) at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. She is Certified in Public Health, is a Registered Biosafety Professional, has professional certifications in both Biorisk Management and Cyberbiosecurity, and is Certified in Cybersecurity. Dr. Baron is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health.
Dan Tuten is the former Associate Director of Informatics for the Federal Select Agent Program and the current CEO of King Tiger Consulting LLC. During his tenure with the Federal government, he led multiple systems through attaining high levels of cybersecurity certification including the electronic Federal Select Agent Program information system (eFSAP) used by all the entities and Federal agencies that participate in that program. In recent months, his consulting company has been working with organizations that need to attain CMMC validation as part of their plan to do work with the Department of Defense. As a speaker, his presentations have been well received on all continents except Antarctica as well as being a previous speaker for ABSA while part of the Federal Select Agent Program.
Ali Asy is a distinguished Professor of Pharmacology at the Animal Health Research Institute, Egypt, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Brooklyn Business School, USA. Dr. Asy is a globally recognized expert in biosafety, biosecurity, and global health security. He serves as a Fellow at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Program, Africa CDC. He is also a member of the Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of the Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research at the World Health Organization (WHO) and co-chairs the Emerging Biological Risks Working Group of the Global Health Security Agenda. With extensive international experience, Dr. Asy has contributed to numerous high-impact projects, including the development of national biosafety frameworks, regional biosafety guidelines, and global health security initiatives. He has worked with organizations such as the Africa CDC, WHO, and the US Department of State, focusing on enhancing biosecurity, outbreak response, and One Health approaches. Dr. Asy is a prolific author, with numerous peer-reviewed articles, scientific essays, and books to his credit. He is also a certified trainer and mentor, contributing to capacity-building efforts in biosafety and biosecurity across Africa and the Middle East. His leadership roles include serving as Vice Chair of the Examination and Certification Committee for biosafety professionals in Africa and as a global mentor for the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA). Dr. Asy has supervised numerous postgraduate students and continues to teach veterinary pharmacology. His work has significantly impacted global health security, making him a key figure in the fight against biological threats and the promotion of responsible science.2:35 – 3:35 pm | Coffee Break, Posters, Exhibits, and Raffle
Exhibitor raffle prized will be awarded – must be present to win
Concurrent Session 13(a) | Global Innovation
3:35 – 3:50 pm Sustainable Biomedical Waste Management in Bangladesh: A Decade Long Success Story
Natasha Griffith, MS, RBP(ABSA), SOTER Bio Consulting, Atlanta, GA
3:50 – 4:05 pm One Health Approach- Expanding High-Containment Research Capacity in Taiwan
Wen-Chun Liu, PhD, Academia Sinica, Taipei City, Taiwan
4:05 – 4:20 pm Biosecurity in Times of Insecurity in the Peruvian Andes and Amazon
Luis Guevara, Universidad Nacional Autónoma Altoandina de Tarma, Tarma, Peru
4:20 – 4:35 pm Q&A
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).
Dr. Liu is Associate Research Scientist of Biomedical Translation Research Center at Academia Sinica, Taiwan. Her research interests are focused on Vaccinology, Vaccine development, Immunology, Virology, Biocontainment design, and Biorisk assessment/management. She has been heavily involved in Biocontainment (BSL-3 & ABSL-3) infrastructure design, construction, and Risk group (RG)3 related studies, such as SARS-CoV-2 and HPAI (High-Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus). Since her graduate and post-doctoral periods, she has dedicated her efforts to developing innovative influenza vaccine(s) that induce broadly cross-protective immunity, and to investigate host-pathogen interactions in response to influenza virus infection/vaccination. Using Mice, Syrian golden hamsters, and Ferrets as pre-clinical animal models of influenza, she has published in 24 top-tier journals or book chapters, with the topics of host-pathogen interaction, animal pathotyping and the transmission studies, vaccine design, evaluation of vaccine efficacies, and detailed analyses of immune correlates of protection induced by influenza virus infection or vaccinations. In response to COVID-19 pandemic, acting as one of ad hoc experts at animal models working group of WHO Research & Development Blueprint team, she devoted to SARS-CoV-2 virus isolation, identification/characterization, assay establishment, and animal model developing, pathogenesis and drug/vaccine studies, along with 17 top-tier journals. In addition to the scientific role above, in recent years she also acts on the institutional biosafety committee, departmental biosafety committee, as well as IACUC members. She participated in biosafety/biosecurity management, lecture-based and hands-on personnel training, as well as associated policymaking. Meanwhile, she works with other institutions/governments to support and implement nation prevention and control associated studies against the next epidemic/pandemic pathogens.Concurrent Session 13(b) | Engaging Future and Current BSOs
3:35 – 3:50 pm Specialized Certificate Development: Introduction to Biosafety as a Career
Cindy Trigueros, MHA, University of California—Irvine, Irvine, CA
3:50 – 4:05 pm Empowering the Next Generation: Impact of Biosafety and Biosecurity Education Among High School Students in Nigeria
Fatima Dantanko, PhD, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria
4:05 – 4:20 pm Strengthening Biosafety Workforce Through Community Engagement
Stormy Chester, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Bethesda, MD
4:20 – 4:35 pm Q&A
Cindy Trigueros received her Master’s in Health Administration from the University of La Verne. She is an alum from the University of California, Irvine receiving her BS degree in Public Health. Throughout her four years of undergraduate education, she served as an intern for the UCI National BSL-3 Training Program. She then joined the program full-time and served as the Program’s Administrator while serving as one of the instructors. Ms. Trigueros also helped manage UC Irvine’s two Core BSL-3 laboratories and served as the campus Alternate Responsible Official for the federal select agent research program. She now serves as the Associate Director of the UCI National BSL-3 Training Program and is a co-developer for the two-part Biosafety as a Career Specialized Study Certificate in partnership with UCI’s Continuing Education.
Dr. Fatima Dantanko Coordinator of the Biosafety and Risk management Unit of the Environmental Biotechnology and Bio-conservation Department, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA). She has a BSc in Biology from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; as well as an MSc and PhD in Biology (Environmental) both from the University of Abuja Nigeria. Dr. Fatima is the principal investigator (PI) of the National Biosecurity and Biorisk Management Program and has participated in development of NBRDA Biosafety and Biosecurity manual. She is currently involved in the development of dangerous pathogen containment mechanisms and SOPs for response to biological threats and incidents in NBRDA facilities. Dr. Fatima is a recipient of Health Security Partners (HSP) Challenge Grant award 2023 which was awarded to only five persons across Nigeria and has facilitated a Biosecurity training for Principal Investigators, and Laboratory Managers in NBRDA. She co-authored “Biosafety and Biosecurity handbook for students in Nigeria” and has been involved in outreach and distribution of the book to high school students in Nigeria. She has mentored interns, students and young researchers. Dr. Fatima has several articles in reputable journals and conference papers. Fatima is an alumnus of the Youth for Biosecurity, the third edition of UNODA Biosecurity Diplomacy Workshop for Young Scientists from the Global South (2022) and a mentee of International Federation of Biosafety (IFBA) Global Mentorship Program, 2023. She is a member of Nigerian Biological Safety Association (NiBSA), Society for Women in Biosafety and Biosecurity (SWiBB), Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), Entomological Society of Nigeria (ESN).Dr. Fatima’s research has spanned the following focal areas; general biology, natural product research (development of bioinsecticide from indigenous plant for mosquito control), waste management, biosecurity and risk management, the establishment of procedures for scientists on safe handling of microorganisms and other biotechnology products and toxins.6:00 – 10:00 pm | Banquet at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
This year’s banquet will take place at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh!
It will be an evening of music, great food, and lively conversation set in one of the area’s most remarkable venues. Enjoy the chance to explore captivating exhibits, from giant dinosaurs to interactive science displays, as we gather for a night of entertainment. Whether dining under a whale skeleton or strolling through a tropical forest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss this special night of celebration and discovery, a true highlight of the week.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration
Session 14 | Invited Speaker
8:00 – 8:45 am Title: TBD
Rich Spontak, PhD, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
8:45 – 9:00 am Q&A Session
9:00 – 9:05 am | Stretch
Session 15 | What’s New in Decontamination
9:05 – 9:20 am Retrofitting Vent Lines and Using Chlorine Dioxide to Decontaminate Pall® Filters
Jonathan Harris, MS, National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC), Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, Fort Detrick, MD
9:20 – 9:35 am Solid Hydrogen Peroxide for Safe Transport and Compact Bio-Decontamination
Fernando Antunes, PhD, University of Lisbon—Institute of Molecular Sciences, Lisboa, Portugal
9:35 – 9:50 am Biosafety Considerations for High Level Disinfection and Sterilization of Reusable Medical Equipment
Allison Reeme, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CIC, Acacia Safety Consulting, Milwaukee, WI
9:50 – 10:05 am Enhanced Risk Mitigation and Reduced Waste for Steam Sterilizer Cycles in High-Containment Facilities
Juha Mattila, MEng, STERIS, Tuusula, Finland
10:05 – 10:35 am Q&A Session
Jonathan Harris is a Biosafety & Biosecurity Specialist who has worked at the Battelle National Biodefense Institute (BNBI) for 6 years, where he has focused most of his time on BSL-3 and BSL-4 biosafety. Prior to working at BNBI, he spent 4 years working in laboratory safety at AstraZeneca.
Fernando Antunes at the European Union Intellectual Property Office and is a co-founder of the spin-off Delox. In recognition of his scientific and innovation contributions, he was awarded the inaugural 2023 Ciências ULisboa Prize for Innovation. He has international experience, including multidisciplinary training in chemistry, toxicology, and pathology, with a six-month stay at Mount Allison University, Canada (1996), serving as a Research Associate at the University of Southern California (USA) from 1997-2001, and short stays as a Visiting Researcher at Linköping University (Sweden) in 2001 and Matsuyama University (Japan) in 2007. To date, he has published 86 articles in international journals with over 6000 citations (h-index of 37 according to Web of Science). His work has appeared in prestigious journals such as Nature Biotechnology, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, the Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Angewandte Chemie International Edition. Three of his articles belong to the top 1% of most cited articles, and 15 are in the top 10%. In 2018, he founded Delox (recently incorporated in the USA), a spin-off company that commercializes a new nanomaterial for biodecontamination applications. Recently, Delox was selected for the prestigious EIC ACCELERATOR funding program from the European Commission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a consortium of academic, industry, and military partners that developed a chamber for biodecontaminating FFP2 respirators, addressing the scarcity of these items at the time. His current interests lie in (1) biodecontamination, (2) application of microcalorimetry to biomedical research, namely immunotherapy, and (3) social and economic valorization of knowledge.
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.
Juha Mattila is Senior Manager, Technical Services on sterilization applications, equipment, and critical utilities for STERIS Life Sciences. He covers Moist Heat and VHP Sterilization and VHP biodecontamination technologies, and WFI & Pure Steam Systems. He has a BSc in HVAC and Process Engineering, and an MEng in Business Informatics. He has 25 years of experience within pharmaceutical and medical device industries and related research, biocontainment lab applications, including R&D, engineering, and product management. He is an active member of PDA, ISPE and Finnish Biosafety Network and subject matter expert member in relative international standard work groups of ISO, ASTM, CEN and SFS, representing Finland.10:35 – 10:45 am | Coffee Break
Session 16 | Topics in Biosafety Training
10:45 – 11:00 am Assessing Safety Training in Medical Examiner and Coroner Communities
Monica Diaz, MS, National Biodefense Analysis & Countermeasures Center, Fort Detrick, MD
11:00 – 11:15 am It’s a (Lab) Mystery! Developing a Non-Traditional Training Module for Use in a Biosafety Program
Kerri Kwist, MS, RBP(ABSA), Clemson University, Clemson, SC
11:15 – 11:30 am Infectious Learning: Building a Resilient HCW Training Program for HCID Response
Corrie Ntiforo, RBP(ABSA), University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston, Galveston, TX
11:30 – 11:45 am Q&A
Monica Diaz is currently a Biosafety/Biosecurity Specialist at the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC). Prior to working at NBACC, Monica was a National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program (NBBTP) Fellow at the National Institutes of Health. Before entering the fellowship, she earned her Master’s in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases from Georgetown University (2022) where she was researching an unknown toxin produced by Candida albicans with a mitochondrial electron transport chain I mutation. Prior to her graduate studies, Monica received her Bachelor’s in Forensic Biology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (2021). Her training in forensics led to an internship at the Yavapai County Medical Examiner’s Office where she trained as a medicolegal death investigator and autopsy technician. Her internship capstone project was a research paper on the disproportionate rate of firearm suicides among the elderly population in Yavapai County and how to mitigate the risks.
Kerri Kwist is the Biosafety Officer at Clemson University. She has worked in this position for 10 years. Previously, Kerri worked in labs in bioengineering, endocrinology, histology, and forensics and taught as an adjunct instructor. Kerri has a Master of Science in Microbiology and Molecular Medicine from Clemson University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Texas Tech University. Kerri is a Registered Biosafety Professional through the American Biological Safety Association and is an active member of the Southeastern Biological Safety Association.
Ms. Corrie Ntiforo is the Director of the Department of Biosafety, the Institutional Biosafety Officer and Alternate Responsible Official for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She has over 17 years of professional biosafety experience. Her primary expertise is in biosafety oversight of high and maximum containment facilities.
12:00 – 1:30 pm | Honor Awards and Special Recognition Luncheon
Presenter: Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), University of Maryland—Baltimore,
Baltimore, MD
Arnold G. Wedum Distinguished Achievement Award
Everett J. Hanel, Jr. Presidential Award
John H. Richardson Special Recognition Award
Diane Fleming Leadership Award
Scientific and Informational Poster Awards
Hashimoto Award for Service and Honor
Richard Rebar Recognition of Certified Biological Safety Professionals and Registered Biosafety Professionals
Sherry Bohn, PhD, CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)University of Maryland—Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
Session 17 | Richard Knudsen Award
1:30 – 1:50 pm Title: TBD
Speaker: TBD
1:50 – 2:00 pm Q&A Session
Session 18 | Managing Microbes
2:00 – 2:15 pm Lessons From Implementing Biological Materials Reporting
Antony Schwartz, PhD, SM(NRCM), CBSP(ABSA), Duke University, Durham, NC
2:15 – 2:30 pm Removal of a Large Legacy Microorganism Collection
Simon White, PhD, Triumvirate Environmental, Somerville, MA
2:30 – 2:45 pm Developing Applications for Tracking Pathogens in High-Containment Laboratories in Brazil
Claudio Mafra, DVM, PhD, Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vicosa, Brazil
2:45 – 3:00 pm Q&A
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.
Simon White obtained his PhD from the University of Leeds in bionanotechnology and continued his work in viruses through this post-doc and as an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut. He worked on a number of human, animal, plant and bacterial viruses, including polio and hepatitis B. He currently works as a biosafety consultant at Triumvirate Inc.
Dr. Mafra is a veterinarian (Federal University of Viçosa, 1988) with a Master’s in Parasitology (UFMG, 1991) and a PhD in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) from UFRGS (1998). He completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, USA, focusing on biodefense and emerging infectious diseases. As a retired full professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UFV, he continues as a professor and advisor in the Applied Biochemistry graduate program. His extensive expertise includes biosafety, parasitic diseases, parasite biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, and molecular epidemiology, with research emphasis on ticks, tick-borne diseases, and the complex interactions among pathogens, vectors, hosts, and the environment. Dr. Mafra has held multiple leadership roles, including Vice-President of ANBio, President of the Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity (SB3), and President of the Certification Body of IFBA (Canada). He is a member of several national and international working groups, such as Brazil’s Maximum Biocontainment Facility Workgroup and CEPI’s Biorisk Working Group (Norway). He collaborates with institutions, including the Ministry of Health, PAHO, iGEM Foundation, and the Galveston National Laboratory (UTMB). He has consulted for organizations like ABNT, CNPq, FINEP, FAPESP, and the OAS on bioterrorism. An active researcher, Dr. Mafra has authored over 70 scientific articles, multiple books, patents, and software registrations. He has also guided numerous theses and postdoctoral projects. His career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing biosafety, biocontainment, and public health, contributing to national preparedness and global biosecurity efforts.3:00 – 3:15 pm | Coffee Break
Session 19 | Hot Topics
3:15 – 3:35 pm Robert I. Gross Student Award: A Case Study: Developing Evidence-Based Solutions for Biosafety Challenges
Jay Bickell, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MD
3:35 – 3:50 pm Prevention of Laboratory Animal Allergy
Gregg Stave, MD, JD, MPH, Duke University, Durham, NC
3:50 – 4:05 pm What Does Flexibility in Biocontainment Design Mean and Why Does it Matter?
E. Scott Kreitlein, MArch, BHDP Architects, Saratoga Springs, UT
4:05 – 4:20 pm The Iceberg of Incident Reporting
Adrian Worrall, PhD, London, England, United Kingdom
4:20 – 4:45 pm Q&A
Jay Bickell is a Staff Scientist on the Biosafety and Global Engagement team at MRIGlobal, specializing in biorisk management consulting and biosafety training development. She previously supported BSL-3 operations at the University of Washington. Jay holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and is currently pursuing a master’s in biodefense at George Mason University, focusing on addressing global health challenges through biosafety and biosecurity.
Gregg M. Stave, MD, JD, MPH, is a consultant and Medical Professor in the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Duke University. He spent 15 years as a corporate medical director for GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Stave received his undergraduate degree from MIT in Life Sciences, his MD and JD from Duke University, and an MPH in Epidemiology from UNC—Chapel Hill. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine (Occupational Medicine) and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). Dr. Stave is co-editor of the award-winning Physical and Biological Hazards of the Workplace, currently in the third edition. He is the author of numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles including many on laboratory animal allergies. He is the lead author of the recently published ACOEM Guidance Statement on Laboratory Animal Allergy. He is the recipient of the 2025 ACOEM Lifetime Achievement in OEM Award.
Scott Kreitlein has over 30 years of experience designing and planning some of the most complex science related projects in the industry. He has specific expertise in high-containment and barrier type facilities, with completed work both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Adrian Worrall is an Occupational Psychologist interested in the behavior of people at work and the behavior of the organizations they work within. He has a special interest in laboratory safety culture, learning from incidents, Human Factors and Systems Thinking. Adrian was Head of the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Centre for Quality Improvement and President of the Quality in Healthcare Section of the UK Royal Society of Medicine. Adrian is experienced in the development of service standards, audit and certification. He is a Lead Auditor for ISO35001: biorisk management standard for laboratories. Adrian is especially committed to supporting laboratory staff and researchers in low- and middle-income countries.
4:45 pm | Close of Conference
Anne-Sophie Brocard, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), The University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX