Professional Development Courses

Basic Level Courses: For those new to the profession or would like training in a particular topic.
Intermediate Level Courses: For those with basic knowledge or would like to learn more.
Advanced Level Courses: For those with experience or looking for a challenging course.

In-Person Courses

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center—Mobile, Alabama
(in-person courses are in Central Standard Time)

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

1. BSL-3 Operations and Management

This course will review the important aspects of BSL-3 Operations and Management from two points of view; “hardware” (i.e., facilities & equipment issues) and “software” (i.e., administrative controls). It will cover various aspects you need to consider in order to operate a BSL-3 facility, such as training, maintenance support, occupational health, waste management, maintenance, performance verification, and emergency response. The instructors will encourage interaction and the exchange of experiences among the attendees. Regulatory aspects from any specific country, or planning, design, or construction-related issues will not be covered.

Objectives:
  • Describe the elements of BSL-3 Operations and Management (risk management, primary barriers, annual performance verification, emergency response, etc.)
  • Recognize institutional, management, and user responsibilities
  • Summarize approaches to developing manuals, SOPs, and training
Suggested Background:

Basic Risk Assessment and familiarity with BSL-3 Concepts

Target Audience:

Safety Professionals, BSL-3 Managers, Containment Engineers, Lab and Scientific Directors

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

J. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NYPaul Jennette holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Environmental Engineering from Cornell and the University of Massachusetts, respectively, and is both a Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Since 1999, he has held the position of Biosafety Engineer at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and has also been the Director of Biocontainment Operations there since 2013. Paul’s responsibilities include: design, verification, operation, decontamination, and program management related to Cornell’s BSL-3, ACL-3, and ABSL-3 facilities, which include both research & diagnostic laboratories as well as a BSL-3 large animal necropsy; training all Cornell BSL-3 scientific and support staff and providing direct, in-containment support for BSL-3 diagnostic operations; directing the operations of Cornell’s medical and pathological waste treatment facility, which includes a 5,000-lb/batch carcass digester; serving on Cornell’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and directing the Cornell Vet College Rabies Risk Management Program. Paul serves on biosecurity teams for Select Agent Labs at the Cornell Vet College and provides technical support for the College’s effluent decontamination systems. He served as the American Biological Safety Association’s representative on the ANSI committee to develop a national standard for the verification of BSL-3 facility performance, is a reviewer and lead author of a technical column for the Applied Biosafety journal, and is a member of ABSA’s Professional Development Team. He is a former co-chair of ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety class as well as a regular instructor for BSL-3 courses offered by the Eagleson Institute and ABSA. In addition to his position at Cornell, Paul provides biocontainment operations consulting services to a variety of academic, governmental, and pharmaceutical clients.

Carrie Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, COCarrie Smith is a seasoned biosafety professional with over fifteen years of experience spanning academia, government, and the private sector. As a Senior Scientist at Merrick & Company, she specializes in biosafety and laboratory operations planning, helping clients design and transition laboratories through new constructions, renovations, and strategic upgrades. Her expertise also extends to training, biosafety program development, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, decontamination strategies, and other critical biosafety initiatives. Before joining Merrick, Carrie held key roles in biosafety leadership, serving as BSO and ARO at Oklahoma State University, a biosafety specialist and trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and BSO and ARO at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware and went on to complete her PhD in Genetics at North Carolina State University, where her research encompassed recombinant bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, and biological toxins. Throughout her career, Carrie has successfully led both small and large biosafety programs, demonstrating expertise in BSL-3/ABSL-3 oversight, atypical animal biocontainment, select agent program management, recombinant technology, plant biosafety, diagnostic laboratory protocols, and the development of online and in-person training. In addition to her professional contributions, she is deeply involved in educational initiatives, serving as an instructor for ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety Course, teaching the ABSA BSL-3 Operations and Management professional development course, and actively participating in the Preconference Course Committee.

Dee Zimmerman, Biosafety Consultant, Galveston, TX, ABSA Past President 2019Dee Zimmerman retired from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Environmental Health and Safety. She was the university biosafety officer, director of the health, safety and training core for the University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston (UTMB) National Laboratory, senior environmental health and safety consultant in the Biological Safety program and served as the university’s select agent program alternate responsible official, IBC member and coordinator. Her duties include working closely with research staff in BSL-2, BSL-3, BSL-4, ABSL-2, 3, and 4 laboratories working closely with research scientists, biocontainment engineers, facility staff and occupational health. Dee was with the University of Texas Medical Branch from 1982 until retiring in 2017. She attended Inter-American University in Puerto Rico and was the lab and safety coordinator for the Marine Ecology Division, Center for Energy and Environmental Research at the University of Puerto Rico. Dee is the 2019 Past President of ABSA International.
CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

2. Basic Risk Assessment

Rapid scientific and technological advances continue to challenge the biosafety community in determining and establishing the practices and containment necessary to avoid exposure to hazardous biological agents and materials found in the laboratory. This introductory course will provide an opportunity to incorporate the basic knowledge and skills necessary to perform risk assessments for working safely with pathogens (human and animal) and rDNA (genetically modified organisms or viral vectors). Using case studies, attendees will work together to conduct risk assessments by determining the hazards involved; the appropriate questions to ask to address the potential risks associated with the intended activities and make recommendations on appropriate containment and practices required to work safely. Each group will present their conclusions from the activity.

Objectives:
  • Identify and list determinants for assessing risk (host, environment, agent)
  • Complete the steps of a risk assessment and determine steps to manage risk (mitigation)
  • Identify resources and references for risk assessment/management
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety

Target Audience:

New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIMr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

3. Preparing for and Responding to Laboratory Emergencies – Are you prepared?

Biosafety professionals often provide fundamental training for research and healthcare staff to work safely and respond to potential emergencies involving a wide range of biological hazards. Training employees to proactively identify and take appropriate actions to minimize the likelihood and impact of these types of incidents helps to minimize the development of serious and/or irreversible consequences. This class reviews the process for developing an effective emergency response plan, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive and well-coordinated training program for laboratory staff, institutional incident response team members, and local first responders (e.g., emergency management services, fire, police, emergency dispatchers) when biological hazards are involved. Specific topics to be addressed include: the basic components of a comprehensive institutional emergency response plan; laboratory-specific contingency plans, emphasizing unique considerations for emergencies that involve biological hazards; staff roles and responsibilities during emergencies; communication strategies and protocols during an emergency event; and training and effective preparedness exercises to ensure a coordinated response effort.

Objectives:
  • Review key components of the emergency management cycle as it applies to research institutions and laboratories
  • Identify the various roles and responsibilities that are critical to an effective response
  • Summarize ways to coordinate and communicate effectively with institutional and local authorities during an emergency
  • Develop effective training strategies to ensure a successful response effort
Suggested Background:

Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course® (BBTC)

Target Audience:

New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), NIH-Office of Animal Care and Use, Bethesda, MDDr. Susan Harper received her DVM from Louisiana State University and worked in large animal practice for several years before enrolling in a post-doctoral residency in comparative medicine at the Penn State University College of Medicine. She served on the Penn State faculty for 2 years following graduation, before accepting a position with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has worked at several different Departments and Agencies during her federal career and currently serves as the Deputy Director for the NIH Office of Animal Care and Use in Bethesda, MD. She is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (ACVPM); a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) through ABSA International; and serves on the AAALAC International Council on Accreditation.

Deborah Howard, MPH, CBSP(ABSA)Deborah Howard is the Expert, Global Environment, Health & Safety Biological Materials Manager for BASF where she has oversight of greenhouses, laboratories, inoculant, & fermentation sites. She has been the Biosafety Manager at BASF since May 2014. Deborah has extensive experience with IBC’s, IACUC, Select Agent regulations, exporting, greenhouse, arthropods, genetically modified plants, & animals. She has over 30 years of experience in health and safety & knowledge of regulations including NIH, OSHA, EPA, APHIS, & USDA. Previously, she was the Biosafety Manager at UNC Chapel Hill where she was the IBC Administrator for 6 years.

Anita Harrell, BS, BASF, Durham, NCAnita Harrell has 10 years of experience in the fields of Occupational Safety, Biological Safety and Laboratory Safety. She has worked at BASF for 35 years and is currently the North America Biosafety Manager. Prior to joining BASF, Anita worked at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. She received a degree in Botany from NCSU in 1983. Anita currently oversees the North American Biological Safety Programs. She works with site biosafety representatives to oversee these areas. She participates and several global biosafety teams at BASF.
CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

4. Applying ANSI/ASSP Standard Z16.1-2022 “Safety and Health Metrics and Performance Measures”—Concepts to Biosafety Program Operations and Management

Recognizing the need to improve and standardize health and safety program metrics and performance measures, the American National Standards Institute collaborated with the American Society of Safety Professionals to create “ANSI/ASSP Z16.2 – 2022 Safety and Health Metrics and Performance Measures”. The standard describes the types of measures and metrics that safety programs should consider for programmatic decision-making and for communications to management and other stakeholders. The team assembled to create this standard possessed an impressive breadth of knowledge and experience across a variety of health and safety settings, however lacked specific involvement from the biosafety perspective. Given the preeminence of ANSI and ASSP recommendations, this course will first summarize the content of the ANSI/ASSP report and then provide tangible examples of how actual biosafety program data can be collected, displayed, communicated, and used as the basis for programmatic decision-making while meeting the criteria described in the report. The course will include small-group discussions focused on which data are currently being collected, and which are needed by leadership. Attendees are asked to come prepared to describe their respective measures and metrics, as well as the parameters other stakeholders are seeking, with ample time allotted for questions and discussion.

Objectives:
  • Describe the metrics and performance measures recommended by ANSI/ASSP and their associated key characteristics
  • Explain the concept of a balanced set of metrics
  • Identify basic biosafety program measures and metrics that are used to assess program performance and provide the basis for comparisons to others
  • Summarize methods and settings where measures and metrics can be used to improve visibility and support for their biosafety programs
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

All Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Robert Emery, DrPH, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), University of Texas-Houston, Houston, TXRobert Emery is Vice President for Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management for The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) and Professor of Occupational Health at the University of Texas School of Public Health. Bob is a board licensed Medical Health Physicist, a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), and a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). He holds both ABSA International credentials; the Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) and Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP).

Kristin King, DrPH, CBSP(ABSA), University of Texas-Houston, Houston, TXKristin King is the Biological Safety Program manager within Environmental Health & Safety at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston).

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

5. Risk Assessment to Reality: Translating Biorisk Assessment into Proportionate Controls and Facility Decisions

Biological risk assessment is a foundational requirement for biosafety and biosecurity programs; however, many organizations struggle to translate assessment outputs into defensible, proportionate, and sustainable controls. Too often, risk assessment remains a paper exercise, disconnected from operational decision-making, or leads to over-engineering solutions that strain resources without improving safety. This course offers a decision-driven, lifecycle-based approach that bridges the gap between biological risk assessment and real-world implementation. Attendees will learn how to convert biosafety and biosecurity risk assessment findings into practical control strategies, SOPs, training priorities, and infrastructure decisions that are fit for purpose and aligned with international expectations.The course integrates biosafety and biosecurity perspectives, addressing agent- and procedure-based hazards alongside threat and vulnerability considerations. Emphasis is placed on proportionality, justification of controls, and the avoidance of both under- and over-engineering. Through guided exercises and tabletop scenarios, attendees will practice translating risk characterization into engineering, administrative, and operational controls, including implications for laboratory design, containment features, and facility management. Designed for professionals working in laboratories, research institutions, and regulatory or oversight roles, this course equips attendees with tools to support defensible decision-making, enhanced institutional governance, and strengthened linkage between risk assessment, operational practices, and infrastructure planning.

Objectives:
  • Analyze biological risks using integrated biosafety and biosecurity risk assessment frameworks that consider agents, procedures, exposure pathways, threats, and vulnerabilities
  • Develop proportionate and defensible control strategies by translating risk assessment outputs into engineering, administrative, and operational controls
  • Evaluate facility and infrastructure decisions to ensure they are fit for purpose, risk-informed, and aligned with institutional needs and international best practices
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety, Risk Assessment, Basic understanding of laboratory biosafety concepts, Prior exposure to risk assessment principles (formal or informal)

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Managers and Directors, Researchers and Principal Investigators

Audience Level:

Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Claudio Mafra, DVM, PhD, Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vicosa, BrazilDr. 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.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Saturday, October, 10, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

6. Pharmaceutical Biosafety Officer Training Course

The course is intended for Pharma Biosafety Officers (BSOs), BSOs with interest in the biopharmaceutical industry, and can be a complimentary course to ABSA International’s Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB). The curriculum begins with a comparison of academic and pharmaceutical biosafety models, examining U.S. and international regulatory frameworks and regional requirements, introducing the Biorisk Management Standard (ISO 35001) and related ISO safety standards, and highlighting core competencies for Pharma BSOs operating within complex organizations. Building on regulatory foundations, the course explores biosafety in biologics and novel pharmaceuticals—including antibody-drug conjugates, mRNA and lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and gene therapies. Key concepts include biosafety levels (infection risk management) and exposure control banding (potency/toxicity of ingredients) for managing infection risk, ingredient potency, and hybrid biological–chemical hazards, followed by alignment of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles with biosafety requirements; engineering topics cover HVAC analysis, workflow and equipment layout, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), room pressurization, decontamination methods (e.g., autoclaves, HEPA filtration, kill tanks, chemical treatments), and process equipment containment through group exercises. Finally, attendees explore how organizational risk tolerance influences biosafety through a hands-on risk assessment workshop spanning research, manufacturing, and clinical settings, featuring simulated approval processes (e.g., Institutional Biosafety Committee), collaborative review, case scenarios, group discussion, and Q&A.

Objectives:
  • Compare and contrast key regulatory frameworks, including the differences between academic and pharmaceutical biosafety models, essential USA and international regulations, the Biorisk Management Standard (ISO 35001), and recommended competencies for Pharma Biosafety Officers
  • Apply biosafety principles to advanced pharmaceutical modalities such as biologics, mRNA technologies, antibody-drug conjugates, and gene therapies, including strategies for managing infection risk (biosafety levels) and chemical/biological hybrid hazards (exposure control banding)
  • Integrate Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) with biosafety program requirements by analyzing engineering controls, facility design (HVAC, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)), decontamination methods, and by conducting risk assessments in research, manufacturing, and clinical environments
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety, Micro/Molecular Biology 101, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment, Virology/Viral Vectors

Target Audience:

All Biosafety Professionals, Pharma EHS Professionals interested in biosafety upskilling

Audience Level:

Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Leo Njongmeta, MBA, PhD, CSP, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)Leo Njongmeta is an Associate EHS Director and Global Biosafety Officer at Abbvie where he leads the Global R&D EHS Center of Excellence comprised of Biosafety, Vivarium Safety, Radiation Safety, Environmental Compliance and Dangerous Goods Shipping programs. His Team is responsible for providing strategic support to drive a Culture of Safety and Environmental Compliance in biomedical research, drug discovery, preclinical safety, and biologics manufacturing. Prior to a career in safety, Leo was a research scientist conducting biomedical research in the fields of immunology, animal models of infectious diseases and vaccine development. Leo possesses a B.Sc in Microbiology, an M.Sc in Molecular Biology, a Ph.D in Veterinary Science (Parasite Immunology) and an MBA in Leadership and Operations Management. Leo is currently an adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health. Leo holds board certifications in Safety (CBSP(ABSA), CSP), has been an active member of ABSA International serving in various committees which include current elected member of the ABSA Nominating Committee and leadership roles in the ABSA Pharma Biosafety Group.

Edward David, MPH, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CAEddie 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.

Arif Peshimam, MSOH, MPH, MD, RBP(ABSA)Arif Peshimam is the Global Head of Biosafety for Sanofi, a Multinational Pharmaceutical Company. He is responsible for overall biosafety program management for manufacturing and R&D sites within the company. Prior to joining Sanofi, Arif was Corporate BSO for Southern Research, served as a Health Specialist/Industrial Hygienist in Health Safety & Environment at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology in Saudi Arabia, and was the Biosafety Officer and EHS Specialist in the Department of Environmental Health & Safety at the University of California—Riverside (UC Riverside). While at Case Western Reserve University, he implemented the Biological Safety and the Industrial Hygiene Programs from 2003 to 2008.

Arif is a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) with ABSA International (American Biological Safety Association) and is trained in OSHA 24-hour HAZWOPER and the National Incident Management System. He holds an MD degree from Grant Medical College in Bombay, India. He received a Master of Public Health in Environmental & Occupational Health through the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health which includes Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo. He also received a Master of Science in Occupational Health, with a major in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Toledo. He earned a master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Case Western Reserve University.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

7. Facilities Fundamentals for Biosafety Professionals

This course is aimed at strengthening biosafety professionals knowledge of how facility operations support overall biocontainment operations. Through a mixture of presentations from experts in the field and interactive exercises, attendees will reinforce their knowledge of facility system function and their roles in facility design, construction, and operation. The target audience for the course is biosafety professionals who come with backgrounds other than facilities, and it is open to both newcomers and seasoned veterans in the field. The first portion of the course will familiarize attendees with the general concepts biosafety-related facility design and their roles in it, along with the fundamentals of HVAC system operation in the context of BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities. Topics in this portion of the course include: the role of biosafety personnel in biocontainment facility design, renovation, and operations, understanding design drawings and related construction documents, what the relationship is of facility features to biosafety levels, and HVAC components and their function relative to biocontainment. This section will end with the introduction of an interactive exercise on reviewing design drawings. The instructors will lead interactive exercises and discussions of more detailed aspects of containment facilities and their operation, including: specific infrastructure, equipment, and systems related to operation of a biocontainment facility; autoclave function, waste management, associated facility infrastructure; room decontamination in relation to facility components; interactions between facilities and containment equipment; security, operations, and biosafety.

Objectives:
  • Restate the roles of biosafety professionals in facility design and operation
  • Explain practical approaches for reviewing design documents
  • Describe the function of discrete facility infrastructure, equipment, and systems related to biocontainment facility operations
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment

Target Audience:

All Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

J. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NYPaul Jennette holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Environmental Engineering from Cornell and the University of Massachusetts, respectively, and is both a Registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Since 1999, he has held the position of Biosafety Engineer at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine and has also been the Director of Biocontainment Operations there since 2013. Paul’s responsibilities include: design, verification, operation, decontamination, and program management related to Cornell’s BSL-3, ACL-3, and ABSL-3 facilities, which include both research & diagnostic laboratories as well as a BSL-3 large animal necropsy; training all Cornell BSL-3 scientific and support staff and providing direct, in-containment support for BSL-3 diagnostic operations; directing the operations of Cornell’s medical and pathological waste treatment facility, which includes a 5,000-lb/batch carcass digester; serving on Cornell’s Institutional Biosafety Committee and directing the Cornell Vet College Rabies Risk Management Program. Paul serves on biosecurity teams for Select Agent Labs at the Cornell Vet College and provides technical support for the College’s effluent decontamination systems. He served as the American Biological Safety Association’s representative on the ANSI committee to develop a national standard for the verification of BSL-3 facility performance, is a reviewer and lead author of a technical column for the Applied Biosafety journal, and is a member of ABSA’s Professional Development Team. He is a former co-chair of ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety class as well as a regular instructor for BSL-3 courses offered by the Eagleson Institute and ABSA. In addition to his position at Cornell, Paul provides biocontainment operations consulting services to a variety of academic, governmental, and pharmaceutical clients.

Stephen Helgren is a Senior Architect and Laboratory Planner for Merrick & Company, with over 24 years of diversified experience in complex life science facilities and extensive expertise in laboratory programming, planning, design, and construction. He has experience with BSL-3 facilities for private companies, public universities, the USDA, and Canadian clients.

Carrie Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, COCarrie Smith is a seasoned biosafety professional with over fifteen years of experience spanning academia, government, and the private sector. As a Senior Scientist at Merrick & Company, she specializes in biosafety and laboratory operations planning, helping clients design and transition laboratories through new constructions, renovations, and strategic upgrades. Her expertise also extends to training, biosafety program development, standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, decontamination strategies, and other critical biosafety initiatives. Before joining Merrick, Carrie held key roles in biosafety leadership, serving as BSO and ARO at Oklahoma State University, a biosafety specialist and trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and BSO and ARO at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware and went on to complete her PhD in Genetics at North Carolina State University, where her research encompassed recombinant bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, and biological toxins. Throughout her career, Carrie has successfully led both small and large biosafety programs, demonstrating expertise in BSL-3/ABSL-3 oversight, atypical animal biocontainment, select agent program management, recombinant technology, plant biosafety, diagnostic laboratory protocols, and the development of online and in-person training. In addition to her professional contributions, she is deeply involved in educational initiatives, serving as an instructor for ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety Course, teaching the ABSA BSL-3 Operations and Management professional development course, and actively participating in the Preconference Course Committee.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

8. Facility Commissioning and Recommissioning for the BSL-3 Laboratory

The biosafety professional can assist with the start-up or maintenance of laboratory operations in support of their biosafety programs by understanding the commissioning and recommissioning processes. Laboratory commissioning, identified in containment guidance documents, is a quality assurance process for the effective functioning of biocontainment laboratories. The biosafety officer and other decision makers benefit by having a basic understanding of the commissioning and recommissioning processes and resulting documentation. This course will review the phases of the new facility commissioning process and similar process for recommissioning. This knowledge base allows the biosafety professional to recognize how commissioning assists in providing and documenting a properly operating facility. A review of the secondary containment features of the BSL-3 laboratory will be discussed and note specific issues typically observed. There will be a focus on two issues, the reversal of directional airflow and sealing of surfaces and penetrations. Attendees will consider methods to identify the issues and present some specific mitigations of these issues; can actively participate in the commissioning/recommissioning processes and understand the methodology, the tools, results, and their interpretation; will know their facility operates correctly, its limitations, and the risk when it does not. This knowledge allows the biosafety professional to check or back check the containment spaces’ performance and use this knowledge to perform daily inspections for maintenance or replacement and control risk to the lowest level. The biosafety professional can identify required features in a new laboratory or review an existing lab with a better understanding of typical issues to assure safe reliable operations.

Objectives:
  • Develop an understanding of the overall commissioning and recommissioning processes for containment labs
  • Describe the engineering controls required and effectively participate in the processes
  • Identify typical issues observed during commissioning/recommissioning of the laboratory secondary containment barriers and the options for practical solutions to those issues
  • Demonstrate a knowledge base and provide documentation to better perform daily inspections to reduce risk for safe and reliable laboratory operations
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Operations and Maintenance Personnel

Audience Level:

Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Joby Evans, PE, CAC, CBCPJoby Evans has over 35 years in facilities commissioning, support, design, engineering, energy management, and processes for consulting engineering firms, performance contracting group, natural gas distributor, and an international architect/developer. Mr. Evans is proficient in commissioning and in recommissioning high-containment facilities, analyzing the interaction between designs and energy consumption in commercial and industrial facilities and has extensive experience in building commissioning and system design and coordination. He has performed commissioning for BSL-4, BSL-3Ag, BSL-3 laboratories using BMBL, NIH, WHO, ANSI biosafety guidelines. His work has been in the United States and in international locations. Mr. Evans has performed re-commissioning and retro-commissioning on many non-containment facilities including headquarters facilities, hangers, office buildings, etc. He is a Registered Professional Engineer, Licensed Mechanical Contractor, Certified Building Commissioning Professional, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Green Building Engineer, and Guiding Principles Compliance Professional.
CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

9. From Risk Assessment to Decision Making: Biosafety Case Studies in Practice

Risk assessments rarely follow a simple checklist. “It depends” is the phrase biosafety professionals typically use when starting a risk assessment, especially in research environments where new technologies and innovations are constantly emerging. This interactive workshop invites mid‑level and experienced biosafety professionals to collaboratively explore thought‑provoking, real‑world scenarios in a supportive and safe environment, offering a peer‑driven experience that goes beyond a traditional risk assessment lecture. This hands‑on course builds on attendees’ existing knowledge to apply risk assessment principles to challenging laboratory procedures and requests encountered in research institutions, using small‑group work on real case studies to identify biological hazards, evaluate risks, develop practical mitigation strategies, and identify resources available for effective assessments and where to go when written guidance or resources aren’t enough! The goal isn’t to find one single “correct” answer, but to share perspectives, learn from peers, and strengthen decision-making skills in a group setting. This course provides a networking opportunity to exchange ideas, expand practical knowledge, and gain confidence in tackling complex risk assessments in today’s evolving biomedical research landscape. Please bring your ideas, questions, and professional experience—active participation and diverse perspectives are encouraged.

Objectives:
  • Develop a tool kit of resources needed to complete risk assessments in laboratory settings
  • Apply critical thinking to assess hazardous material handling scenarios with multiple potential outcomes
  • Demonstrate increased confidence and competence by effectively completing complex biosafety risk assessments and engaging in professional networking through structured peer discussions and collaborative activities
Suggested Background:

Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course® (BBTC), BSL-3 Operations and Management, Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB)

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Facility Managers and Laboratory Managers

Audience Level:

Advanced

COURSE FACULTY

Marie-Luise Faber, Assistant Biosafety Officer, has been at the University of Pennsylvania since 2010. She obtained her BS in Environmental Biology from the University of Dayton in 2000 and her MS in Environmental Resource Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in 2002. After six years of bench work supporting the development of a recombinant rabies virus wildlife vaccine, that is now used globally, Marie-Luise changed direction to become a biosafety professional at Penn. Amongst many other responsibilities, she oversees the Dangerous Good Shipping program for the University of Pennsylvania, where she provides IATA-based shipping training to researchers and various support to researchers for their biological shipment.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 – 12:00 pm

10. Exercising Training: Using Impactful Interactive Experiences to Enhance Biorisk Management Learning

This course will reinforce the importance of using diverse teaching methods to enhance biorisk management learning. The central goal of this course is to provide a mechanism to extend discussion and awareness of critical educational topics by utilizing exercises that provide a chance for attendees to practice, lead, and teach as part of their learning. All exercise components are systematically designed and documented to enhance knowledge retention and learning outcomes beyond those achieved through passive biorisk management presentations alone. The instructor will use and demonstrate a number of exercise methods that can be utilized as presented or as a framework for the development or update to site-specific exercises at the attendee’s institution. The exercises provided have encouraged participant engagement during the instructor-led biorisk management training. Attendees will engage in select hands‑on exercises to gain practical experience and will receive a library of training exercises for potential integration into their existing courses.

Objectives:
  • Apply the foundational training principles through the use of real‑world examples and small‑group activities
  • Develop hands-on practical exercises to help reinforce important biorisk management teaching items
  • Identify different techniques that can be modified to fit site-specific training needs in a variety of venues
  • Demonstrate engagement in existing training by integrating appropriate exercises and drills into current course content
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety

Target Audience:

Mid-Experienced Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Advanced

COURSE FACULTY

Benjamin Fontes is currently the Biosafety Officer and Senior Associate Director for the Yale University Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office. He has served as the Biosafety Officer since 1995 and has managed the EHS Safety Advisor program from 2001 to 2022. Ben has an undergraduate degree in Biology from Wesleyan University (1986) and an MPH in Industrial Hygiene from the University of Michigan (1995). He is a Certified Biological Safety Professional and an active member of the American Biological Safety Association International (ABSA), where he currently serves on the Training Tools and Resources Committee. Previously, he has served as the 2010 President of the association. He also previously served as an ABSA Councilor (2002 – 2005) and Chair of the ABSA Training and Education Committee (1999 – 2002). Ben has also served on the executive board of the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (2013 – 2020) where he has served as Board Chair from 2014 – 2017.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

11. Handling Critical Situations in Laboratories and Clinical Areas

Laboratories and healthcare environments operate in increasingly complex risk landscapes shaped by emerging pathogens, rapidly evolving technologies, global research collaboration, and changing epidemiological conditions. Regardless of location or resources, laboratories must be prepared to anticipate, prevent, and respond effectively to critical situations that may threaten personnel safety, institutional operations, and public health. This course provides a modern, risk-based framework for preparedness and response to emergencies in laboratory and clinical settings. While biological risk assessments help identify hazards and mitigation measures, they do not eliminate the possibility of incidents. Institutions must develop adaptive preparedness strategies supported by structured training, clear communication, and coordinated response procedures. Attendees will examine how emergency preparedness plans should function as living documents, continuously improved through lessons learned from incidents, evolving technologies, and international best practices. The course addresses a wide range of potential emergencies encountered in laboratories and healthcare facilities, including biological exposures, chemical or radioactive spills, medical emergencies, security incidents, natural disasters, and occupational injuries. Attendees will learn to integrate risk assessment into emergency planning while evaluating personnel readiness and strengthening institutional preparedness, with emphasis on communication, coordination, and decision‑making during critical situations. The course incorporates case studies, real-world incident analyses, and scenario-based exercises that allow attendees to apply risk assessment and emergency response principles to realistic situations while exchanging experiences across institutions and countries.

Objectives:
  • Identify and categorize potential laboratory or clinical emergency scenarios, including biological, chemical, medical, security, and natural hazards
  • Conduct risk assessments of laboratory and clinical processes to identify hazards, evaluate potential impacts, and assess personnel competence in recognizing and managing risks
  • Apply risk-informed communication and decision-making strategies to support coordinated incident response and promote a culture of safety, preparedness, and continuous improvement
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment

Target Audience:

New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level:

Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIMr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.

Claudio Mafra, DVM, PhD, Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vicosa, BrazilDr. 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.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

12. Introduction to Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Biosafety Professionals

Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have advanced to the point of serving as useful tools in biomedical research, including research involving biohazardous materials. AI is frequently utilized to aid researchers in writing and preparing presentations. Recently, AI has shown to be as competent as PhD level microbiologists in troubleshooting microbiological experiments. This course will introduce robotics and AI to biosafety professionals within the context of biomedical research and research oversight. The course will include several videos to demonstrate concepts and start discussions about feasibility, safety, security, potential for misuse, and ethics.

Objectives:
  • Summarize the fundamentals of robotics as they apply to the laboratory setting and biosafety
  • Paraphrase the fundamentals of AI
  • Discuss how robotics and AI can impact experimental design, risk assessments, laboratory culture, scientific writing and IBC review
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Anyone involved in IBC, IACUC, or IRB review

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

13. Nanoparticles in Modern Science – Understanding Hazards, Controls, and Safe Practices

Nanotechnology is revolutionizing many areas of modern life, offering innovative solutions across medicine, science, engineering, and technology. Nanoparticles (NPs), with their unique properties, are defined by composition, size, shape, and surface characteristics, hold significant promise in these fields. However, these same properties present challenges in recognizing, evaluating, and mitigating potential environmental, health, and safety risks associated with the production and application of nanoparticles. This course introduces the types, properties, production and synthesis of nanoparticles, focusing on their interactions with biological systems and associated chemicals, as well as potential implications of radiolabeled nanoparticles. This understanding is crucial for developing effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies for both in-vivo and in-vitro applications. It covers biosafety, biosecurity, and occupational health risks, emphasizing hazard identification, control measures, and knowledge gaps in nanotechnology. The case studies will be based on published research and will be presented in a structured format that helps attendees understand the complexity of real-world nanotechnology projects. Through case studies and interactive exercises, attendees will explore best practices for safe handling, waste management, exposure assessment, and transport of nanoparticles. These hands-on activities will reinforce key concepts, fostering peer learning and collaboration. Adequate time, along with a risk assessment template, will be provided for team-based risk assessments and the development of safety recommendations.

Objectives:
  • Identify common types of nanoparticles and their key properties
  • Evaluate potential risks and safety concerns associated with the production and use of nanoparticles, including occupational exposure and environmental impacts
  • Develop and implement effective risk management strategies for laboratory projects involving nanoparticles, including hazard identification, exposure controls, and best practices for safe handling, waste disposal, and transport
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Animal Caretakers, Lab Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Dr. Maya Nair is the Director of Biological Safety at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also serves as the Biosafety and Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. In this capacity, she oversees a broad range of safety programs, including biosafety, radiation safety, DEA-controlled substances, animal safety, laser safety, and risk management.Dr. Nair has been instrumental in establishing and leading the UNTHSC Biosafety Program and has served as the Biosafety Officer for the past 18 years. She has also held the role of Reviewing Official for the institution’s Increased Control Program. With over 25 years of experience in biomedical research, Dr. Nair’s scientific background is focused on nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on the application of nanoparticles in the biomedical field.In addition to her scientific contributions, Dr. Nair is passionate about education and training. She has developed and taught graduate-level safety courses for public health students and has mentored many students in the field of Environmental Health and Safety. She is an active member of UNTHSC’s Institutional Compliance Group, contributing to policy development and review, and collaborates with key committees such as the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Review Board (IRB). Dr. Nair also serves as an external reviewer for Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) at other institutions.Dr. Nair has been an active member of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) International since 2007, serving on various committees and task force. She served as the Chair of the Training Tools Committee for 2020-2025. She is also a member of the Southern Biosafety Association. Her professional interests include the effective management of comprehensive safety programs and exploring the impact of emerging technologies on safety and security.
CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

14. Lessons Learned to Improve Biosafety

Preventing laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) is a challenge for laboratory managers and biosafety professionals, especially when dealing with an emerging pathogen. It is extremely important to quickly determine if there has been an exposure, how many may have been exposed, what steps need to happen next, including any prophylaxis, root cause analysis, gaps in the biosafety plan, and additional mitigation measures that need to be implemented. This interactive course will examine published papers from the ABSA LAI Database on laboratory acquired infections and exposures to determine what we can learn to prevent future exposures. Attendees will thoroughly examine the literature on the history of lab-acquired infections, review specific published articles, utilize the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) ‘Laboratory Exposure Assessment and Symptom Monitoring Guide’ (exposure assessment tool) to assess exposures, analyze data to identify root causes of exposures, discuss identified gaps, and establish additional steps required to mitigate risks. Attendees will be equipped with the skills to assess and mitigate exposure risks using the APHL Exposure Assessment Tool. Attendees will engage in scenario-based group exercises, applying a structured process to evaluate potential exposures, conduct root cause analyses, identify procedural gaps, and develop effective mitigation strategies. Through hands on practice and guided instruction, attendees will learn to incorporate published data on laboratory acquired infections (LAIs) to strengthen biosafety protocols, with particular emphasis on managing risks associated with emerging pathogens.

Objectives:
  • Describe how the ABSA LAI database can be used for biosafety training and determining how to safely work with emerging pathogens
  • Utilize the APHL exposure assessment tool to assess real-life laboratory incidents for potential exposures and to help guide prophylaxis if indicated
  • Analyze actual laboratory incidents to determine the root cause and what steps are necessary to mitigate future incidents
Suggested Background:

Fundamentals of Biosafety, Risk Assessment

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level:

Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Dr. Pentella is a Clinical Professor at the University of Iowa, College of Public Health and Director of the Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory. His experience spans over forty years in clinical microbiology and public health laboratories. He is certified as an American Board of Medical Microbiology Diplomate, a specialist in microbiology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology and certified in infection control through the Association of Professionals in Infection Control. Dr. Pentella is a member of the APHL Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee, Antibiotic Resistance Lab Workgroup, the Infectious Disease Committee, and the Respiratory Viruses Subcommittee. He has made several contributions that have improved the practice of clinical microbiology and biosafety. He has written over 50 articles and twenty book chapters.

Shoolah Escott, MS, MT(ASCP), Biosafety and Biosecurity Trainer, Lexington, MAShoolah 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.

Michael Perry, MS EdMichael Perry is the associate director of the Biodefense Laboratory at the New York State Department of Health – Wadsworth Center. As the ARO, APHL Biosafety and Biosecurity committee member and a member of the Wadsworth Center institutional biosafety committee, Michael has extensive training and expertise in biosafety. As part of the Global Health Security Agenda, Michael was the lead trainer for APHL’s Global Health program, developing and providing trainings in the proper use, operation, and maintenance of biological safety cabinets and biorisk management for international public health laboratorians in Africa. Over the last 10 years, Michael has conducted numerous sentinel laboratory site visit which focused on the evaluation of both laboratory biosafety which a focus on assistance with risk assessments and risk mitigation strategies.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Sunday, October, 11, 2026, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

15. IACUC Ready: A Four Hour Bootcamp for Biosafety Professionals

This course will equip biosafety professionals with the basic knowledge and skills to transition seamlessly into Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) service. Through interactive lectures, case studies, role-playing, and hands-on exercises, attendees will learn about the IACUC’s role and responsibilities; the U.S. regulatory framework for research involving animals; and opportunities for biosafety professionals to make impactful contributions to the oversight of these activities. Upon course completion, attendees will have the confidence and basic skills to serve on the committee and leverage their biosafety expertise with the responsible care and use of animals in science.

Objectives:
  • Describe the IACUC structure, roles, and regulatory requirements within the current regulatory framework
  • Interpret the protocol review process and strategies for incorporating risk assessment of biosafety concerns into the process
  • Develop practical skills to contribute effectively as a voting or non-voting IACUC member during the protocol review process, program reviews, facility inspections, and post-approval monitoring program
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

All Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), NIH-Office of Animal Care and Use, Bethesda, MDDr. Susan Harper received her DVM from Louisiana State University and worked in large animal practice for several years before enrolling in a post-doctoral residency in comparative medicine at the Penn State University College of Medicine. She served on the Penn State faculty for 2 years following graduation, before accepting a position with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has worked at several different Departments and Agencies during her federal career and currently serves as the Deputy Director for the NIH Office of Animal Care and Use in Bethesda, MD. She is a diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and the American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine (ACVPM); a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) through ABSA International; and serves on the AAALAC International Council on Accreditation.

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours.

Webinars

September 1 – November 19
(webinars are in Central Standard Time)

Although these courses are part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

1V. ISO35001: A Stepwise Process to Assess and Improve Biorisk Management Program

August 21, August 24-25, and August 27-28, 2026
11:00 am – 12:40 pm CDT

 
Overview:

In 2019, ISO published a new biorisk management standard that many biomedical research laboratories all over the world are adopting. This workshop will provide presentations, facilitated discussions, and tools to introduce concepts related to biosecurity and biosafety (biorisk) management systems. Attendees will gain a deep understanding of biorisk management (BRM) systems and learn to apply the ISO 35001 framework as a strategic planning tool. The course guides participants in mapping their current systems to the ISO standard, identifying gaps, and prioritizing improvements to enhance biosafety and biosecurity practices. Using the ISO 35001 as a planning and mapping tool, will enable institutions to effectively identify, assess, control, and monitor the laboratory biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with hazardous biological materials using the concept of continual improvement through the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) principle.

 
Objectives:
  • Identify the key elements of a BRM system based on the review sections of the ISO 35001 BRM system standard
  • Map existing BRM systems to the ISO 35001 and identify both strengths and opportunities to improve existing system
  • Develop project ideas that will impact and improve existing systems
  • Prioritize project ideas or areas that need improvement based on cost, impact, optics and precedencies
  • Select an area for improvement and identify a simple, short term, project idea to help strengthen one element within the existing system
  • Plan a project using the PDCA and GORRPI process (Goals, Objectives, Roles/Responsibilities, and Performance Indicators)
 
Suggested Background:

None

 
Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals

 
Audience Level:

Intermediate

 
Course Logistics:

Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 1V. ISO35001: A Stepwise Process to Assess and Improve Biorisk Management Program
COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NMEric Cook is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction Program at Sandia National Laboratories where his work focuses on promoting global laboratory biorisk management. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers. Eric served as the Biosafety Officer for Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for five years where he managed the Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. Prior to working at Dartmouth, Eric was an Assistant Biosafety Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six years. While at MIT, Eric completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Boston University with a focus on Environmental Health. Eric has a B.S.in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University where he worked in a recombinant DNA lab for two years assisting with work in phylogenetics. He is certified by the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology and previously by ABSA International as a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Eric has particular expertise in dangerous goods and infectious substance shipping. He worked for three years at Saf-T-Pak, Inc. developing training programs and packaging for shipping infectious substances.

Kalpana Rengarajan, PhD, MPH, RBP(ABSA), Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Kalpana Rengarajan is the Director of Research Safety at the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) and is the Senior Biosafety Officer for Emory University. EHSO has University-wide responsibility for all aspects of Environmental Health and Safety support, including Biosafety and EHS compliance support to Emory Healthcare. This includes biosafety support to the Emory Serious Communicable Diseases Unit (SCDU), which cared for 4 Ebola patients in 2014. The SCDU continues to be a major leader in the U.S. National Ebola Training Center. Her background includes a PhD in Immunology and she has worked as a Visiting Associate at the National Eye Institute, NIH. Prior to joining EHSO she worked as a Research Associate at the Emory Vaccine Center. Kalpana has a passion for Global Biorisk Management Public Health Preparedness and provides guidance internationally. She has a Masters of Public Health from Rollins School of Public Health (Emory University) and a Juris Masters of Law (Emory University). She is a Registered Biosafety Professional. Dr. Rengarajan serves on committees for the ABSA International (American Biological Safety Association) and the Campus Safety Health and Environmental Association (CSHEMA), to create professional development courses, and is a member of the technical writing team for ISO/TC 212/Working Group 5 (ISO Laboratory Biorisk management standard), and was a technical writer for the CEN Workshop Agreements relating to Biorisk Management Systems: CWA 15793:2011 and 16393: 2012. Dr. Rengarajan regularly teaches/facilitates and presents at ABSA and CSHEMA. She has also been teaching for the Laboratory Leadership Service (LLS) program at CDC.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 7/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 7/31/2026. No refunds after 7/31/2026.

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.

2V. Host Pathogen Interactions for Biosafety Professionals

September 1 and September 3, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

Overview:

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.

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

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, Animal Caretakers, Anyone involved in IBC, IACUC, occupational health or infection prevention and control

Audience Level:

Basic

Course Logistics:

Course is two 4-hour sessions with a 15-minute break each session. Attendees will need to log on 10 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.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 2V. Host Pathogen Interactions for Biosafety Professionals
COURSE FACULTY

Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM), Advarra, Research Triangle Park, NCDan 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 Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 8/4/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 8/12/2026. No refunds after 8/12/2026.

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.

3V. IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification

September 9, September 11, September 14, September 16 and September 18, 2026
12:30 pm – 2:10 pm CDT

Overview:

This course provides essential training for individuals seeking IATA certification for infectious substance shipping. Designed for participants with some prior experience in handling or shipping infectious substances who may not have been certified within the past three years, the course is delivered through five 100-minute online sessions. Each session is followed by homework assignments that reinforce practical skills such as classifying, marking, labeling, packaging, and completing documentation for various infectious substance shipments (Category A, Category B, Exempt Patient Specimens). These assignments replace traditional classroom activities and are required for successful course completion. This course is suitable for personnel responsible for packaging, marking, and labeling shipments of all categories of infectious substances, including dry ice and liquid nitrogen. To earn a certificate and course credit, participants must complete all assignments and pass (80% or better) a written exam administered at the conclusion of the course. Note that IATA certification is issued by the employer.

Objectives:
  • Demonstrate competency to meet IATA infectious substance shipping certification requirements
  • Identify and demonstrate how to properly package, mark/label, document and prepare shipments of category A and B infectious substances and other non-regulated biological materials
  • Summarize the regulatory changes over the past several years and be able to apply them to meet regulatory re-training requirements
Suggested Background:

None

Target Audience:

New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level:

Basic

Course Logistics:

Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the nature of the course, the recording of the course will only be available to those who attended the live virtual session and participated in the course assignments.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 3V. IATA Infectious Substance Shipping Certification
COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NMEric Cook is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction Program at Sandia National Laboratories where his work focuses on promoting global laboratory biorisk management. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers. Eric served as the Biosafety Officer for Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for five years where he managed the Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. Prior to working at Dartmouth, Eric was an Assistant Biosafety Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six years. While at MIT, Eric completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Boston University with a focus on Environmental Health. Eric has a B.S.in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University where he worked in a recombinant DNA lab for two years assisting with work in phylogenetics. He is certified by the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology and previously by ABSA International as a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Eric has particular expertise in dangerous goods and infectious substance shipping. He worked for three years at Saf-T-Pak, Inc. developing training programs and packaging for shipping infectious substances.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 7/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 7/31/2026. No refunds after 7/31/2026.

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.

4V. Refresher IATA Shipping Certification

September 30 and October 2, 2026
11:00 am – 1:00 pm CDT

Overview:

This course is intended for those who are already experienced dangerous goods shippers. Professionals who wish to participate in this course must have completed an IATA Dangerous Goods certification course in the past 3 years. This refresher course updates participants on U.S. and international regulations affecting infectious substance shipping. It includes a brief review of regulations, shipper responsibilities, and the nine hazard classes, plus in-depth guidance on classification (Category A, Category B, and exempt materials) and requirements for packaging, marking, and labeling shipments—including those with dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Attendees will complete hands-on exercises, including marking and labeling packages, preparing shipper’s declarations and air waybills, and filling out required documentation. The course concludes with a review and certification test, requiring a minimum score of 80% to pass. Note that IATA certification is issued by the employer.

Objectives:
  • Review of infectious substance shipping requirements: classification, packaging, marking/labeling, documentation and training requirements
  • Summarize the regulatory changes in the US DOT regulations and IATA regulations
  • Apply new regulatory changes to meet regulatory re-training requirements
Suggested Background:

Must have completed IATA shipping certification training in the past 3 years

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Professionals needing recertification after two years for IATA shipping

Audience Level:

Intermediate

Course Logistics:

Course is two 2-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend all the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 4V. Refresher IATA Shipping Certification
COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NMEric Cook is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction Program at Sandia National Laboratories where his work focuses on promoting global laboratory biorisk management. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers. Eric served as the Biosafety Officer for Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for five years where he managed the Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. Prior to working at Dartmouth, Eric was an Assistant Biosafety Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six years. While at MIT, Eric completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Boston University with a focus on Environmental Health. Eric has a B.S.in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University where he worked in a recombinant DNA lab for two years assisting with work in phylogenetics. He is certified by the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology and previously by ABSA International as a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Eric has particular expertise in dangerous goods and infectious substance shipping. He worked for three years at Saf-T-Pak, Inc. developing training programs and packaging for shipping infectious substances.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Members: $430 USD
Nonmembers: $330 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/2/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 9/9/2026. No refunds after 9/9/2026.

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.

5V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term

October 22 and October 29, 2026
11:30 am – 3:30 pm CDT

Overview:

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.

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

Target Audience:

All Safety Professionals, Select Agent Program Safety Professionals

Audience Level:

Intermediate

Course Logistics:

Course is two 4-hour sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 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.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 5V. Keeping it Going: Maintaining and Improving a Select Agent Program Over the Long Term
COURSE FACULTY

Amy Vogler, PhD, RBP(ABSA), 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 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 Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 9/24/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/1/2026. No refunds after 10/1/2026.

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.

6V. Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program Assessment and Development

November 9 through November 13, 2026
12:30 pm – 2:10 pm CST

Overview:

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.

Objectives:
  • Evaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that influence shipping policy 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

Target Audience:

Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers, EHS Program Managers & Directors, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs

Audience Level:

Advanced

Course Logistics:

Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 6V. Institutional Infectious Substance Shipping Program Assessment and Development
COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NMEric Cook is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the International Biological and Chemical Threat Reduction Program at Sandia National Laboratories where his work focuses on promoting global laboratory biorisk management. He serves as one of the program’s lead trainers. Eric served as the Biosafety Officer for Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH for five years where he managed the Biosafety Program and Institutional Biosafety Committee. Prior to working at Dartmouth, Eric was an Assistant Biosafety Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for six years. While at MIT, Eric completed his Master’s Degree in Public Health at Boston University with a focus on Environmental Health. Eric has a B.S.in Molecular Biology from Brigham Young University where he worked in a recombinant DNA lab for two years assisting with work in phylogenetics. He is certified by the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists as a Specialist Microbiologist in Biological Safety Microbiology and previously by ABSA International as a Certified Biological Safety Professional. Eric has particular expertise in dangerous goods and infectious substance shipping. He worked for three years at Saf-T-Pak, Inc. developing training programs and packaging for shipping infectious substances.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Members: $550 USD
Nonmembers: $735 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/12/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/19/2026. No refunds after 10/19/2026.

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.

7V. We Built the BSL-3… Now What? Operational Management, Sustainability, and Risk-Based Decision Making for High-Containment Laboratories

November 19, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm CST

Overview:

High-containment laboratories play a critical role in public health preparedness, infectious disease research, and diagnostic response. However, constructing a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory is only the first step; ensuring it is safe, sustainable, and compliant in operation presents significant technical, operational, and organizational challenges. Many institutions struggle with maintaining complex containment systems, implementing robust biosafety programs, and sustaining competent personnel and operational procedures over time.This course provides a practical framework for the operation, management, and sustainability of BSL-3 laboratories. Attendees will explore the operational components required to maintain high-containment facilities, including governance structures, risk management systems, operational procedures, infrastructure and engineering controls, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency preparedness strategies. Emphasis will be placed on integrating engineering controls, administrative controls, and biosafety practices into a coherent biorisk management approach aligned with international guidance and best practices. The course also examines common institutional challenges encountered in high-containment laboratories, including infrastructure failures, gaps in operational planning, insufficient maintenance strategies, and misalignment between laboratory design and operational capabilities. Attendees will learn how to evaluate these risks and implement practical solutions to improve laboratory performance and safety. Through case studies, operational examples, and scenario-based discussions, attendees will analyze real-world challenges related to the management of BSL-3 laboratories and explore strategies to strengthen institutional governance, improve operational resilience, and ensure sustainable laboratory performance.

Objectives:
  • Evaluate external and internal requirements or conditions that influence shipping policy 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

Target Audience:

Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Infectious Substance Shipping Managers & Trainers, EHS Program Managers & Directors, Professionals who manage and train others in shipping programs

Audience Level:

Advanced

Course Logistics:

Course is five 100-minute sessions. Attendees will need to log on 10 minutes prior to the start time. To receive credit and a certificate, attendees must attend the sessions and complete or access all course modules. The course materials are for registered participants only.

Although this course is part of the Professional Development Program for the 69th Annual Biosafety and Biosecurity Hybrid Conference, conference attendance is not required. Registration is open to all.

Graphic for Webinar 7V. We Built the BSL-3… Now What? Operational Management, Sustainability, and Risk-Based Decision Making for High-Containment Laboratories
COURSE FACULTY

Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIMr. Ochoa currently serves as the High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager and Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program for the Office of Environmental Health and Safety at Michigan State University. From October 2019 to June 2021, he worked as the Director of the Epidemiological Surveillance and Research Laboratory Network of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS) and from March 2013 to October 2019 he served as BSL-3 Lab Coordinator at the National Reference Laboratory in Mexico. Prior to his current position, he received a Master´s Degree in Public Health Management focused on Biological Risk Management. He is currently the President of the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA-International) and has served as the Chair of the Publications Committee, member of the International Engagement Committee, member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Working Group, and international editor for Applied Biosafety Journal. As one of the eighteen founding members and past President of the AMEXBIO, he has strengthened the network between biosafety professionals in the region and helped to create strategic alliances with international and national institutions. Additionally, Mr. Ochoa has served as a mentor of different mentoring programs for Sandia National Laboratories, the Next Generation Global Health Security Network, and the IFBA Mentorship Program. In addition, Mr. Ochoa is a Certified Biosafety Professional from IFBA in four disciplines: Biorisk Management, Biological Risk Assessment, Biocontainment Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance, and Biosafety Cabinet Selection, Installation and Safe Use.

Claudio Mafra, DVM, PhD, Brazilian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity, Vicosa, BrazilDr. 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.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Members: $330 USD
Nonmembers: $430 USD

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.

Confirmed, paid participants will be sent detailed information regarding the course within a few days prior to the course. Substitutions allowed with notice by 10/22/2026. There is a 15% processing fee for cancellations prior to 10/29/2026. No refunds after 10/29/2026.

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.