TUESDAY SCHEDULE:
Scientific Program
October 28, 2025
All times listed will be Eastern Standard Time
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.