Professional Development Courses

In-Person Courses

Raleigh Convention Center—Raleigh, North Carolina, October 24-26
(in-person courses are in Eastern Standard Time)

Basic Level Courses

For those new to the profession or would like training in a particular topic.

Friday, October 24, 2025, 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, NYJ. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)
Biosafety Engineer
Director of Biocontainment Operations
Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY

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

Carrie A. Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO

Carrie Smith has served as a biosafety professional for over fourteen years in academia, the government, and the private sector. In her current role, she serves as a Senior Scientist with Merrick & Company, specializing in biosafety and laboratory operations planning for new laboratories, renovations, and laboratory transitions. Prior to her role at Merrick, she served as BSO and ARO at Oklahoma State University, a biosafety specialist and trainer at University of Wisconsin—Madison, and BSO and ARO at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. Carrie earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University. Her research included work with recombinant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants as well as biological toxins. As a biosafety professional, Carrie has managed both small and large biosafety programs and her expertise includes BSL-3/ABSL-3 oversight, atypical animals in biocontainment, select agent program management, recombinant technology, plant biosafety, diagnostic labs, and on-line and in-person training development. She serves as Co-Chair and Instructor for ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety Course and is a member of the Preconference Course Committee.

Dee Zimmerman, Biosafety Consultant, Galveston, TX, ABSA Past President 2019

Dee 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.

Friday, October 24, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

4. Intersection of Biological Safety and the Clinical Environment

Clinical environments present unique challenges, including fast-paced patient care, exposure to unkown biological agents, and high-risk procdures like autopsies and HAZMAT responses. These settings are regulated by accreditation bodies such as the Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for accreditation of their spaces, personnel, work practices, and most importantly safety. At large academic teaching hospitals, the Biological Safety Office often collaboratores with groups like Infection Prevention, Hospital Epidemiology, Fire and Life Safety, Engineering and Operations, Clinical Engineering, and Emergency Response to ensure compliance. These challenges require a holistic, risk-assessment based, coordinated response and increasingly the biosafety professional is called upon to play a key role in the clinical environment. This course will provide an overview of various clinical environments—inpatient units, primary and specialty care clinics, and clinical laboratories, including BSL-3—highlighting their specific risks and strategies for effective collaboration with other safety groups to mitigate the risks. This course combines interactive case studies and real-life scenarios to engage adult learners in group exercises focused on clinical risk assessment. Attendees will practice identifying and mitigating risks specific to various clinical environments. Through these exercises, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative roles of safety groups and develop the skills needed to lead clinical teams toward a state of readiness and accreditation compliance.

Objectives:

  • Describe the various clinical environments and how they differ from a traditional research environment
  • Develop a working knowledge of collaborate with the various safety groups within the clinical environment
  • Perform risk assessments using case studies to determine appropriate biosafety actions in clinical environments

Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals

Audience Level: Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Andrea Vogel, PhD , Duke University, Durham, NCDr. Andrea Vogel is currently a Safety and Health Specialist in the Biological Safety Division of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office at Duke University Health Systems. She is also an Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program. The Biological Safety Division oversees programs implemented for mitigating biological hazards at Duke University, Duke University Hospital and Clinics. Programs she oversees include the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program, Tuberculosis Control Program, and the BSL-3 Laboratory Program. Dr. Vogel has been a member of ABSA International since 2021 and is an active member of the Journal Board, Finance Committee, Awards Committee, and Pre-Conference Course Committee. Her interests include biosafety/biosecurity program management, risk assessment of emerging infectious diseases and technologies, and application of technology to enhance understanding in training programs. Dr. Vogel received her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University, and was a NIH NBBTP Fellow. She has authored several papers ranging from validation of hydrogen peroxide vapor to facilitate re-use of N95s to animal behavior and group coordination.

Sarah Mikati, RN, MSN, Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC

Sarah Mikati is the Environment of Care Performance Specialist in the Biological Safety Division of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office at Duke University Hospital System. Sarah administers the Environment of Care program, which includes evaluating all clinical areas twice a year. She also oversees the Tuberculosis Program and collaborates with Infection Prevention and Control closely on clinical biosafety concerns. Sarah’s background is in clinical nursing on the cardiothoracic unit, followed by clinical research on new therapeutic devices before she joined the Biological Safety Division. She finds that her clinical background grants her a unique perspective to biosafety and recognizing the complexities of the clinical environment. Her interests include biosafety in the clinical setting, creating best practices for clinical environments, and training other professionals in biological risk assessment. Sarah received her Bachelors of Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Masters of Science in Nursing from Duke 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.

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. Facilities Fundamentals for Biosafety Professionals

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

Objectives:

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

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

Target Audience: All Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

J. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NYJ. Paul Jennette, MS, PE, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA)
Biosafety Engineer
Director of Biocontainment Operations
Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY

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

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

Fahim Manzur is a Senior Commissioning Specialist within the Life Sciences Commissioning Group at Merrick and Company. Fahim has 16+ years of experience in facility engineering, facility/laboratory operations and maintenance, laboratory/equipment commissioning and decommissioning, biological safety, and select agent regulatory compliance at high-containment biological laboratories. Notable work includes projects for USDA, DHS, and Mexico (University and Federal) biocontainment facilities. Prior to joining Merrick, Fahim worked as a consultant and operations & maintenance biological compliance engineering supervisor for the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) for over 13 years. While at PIADC, Fahim oversaw facilities upgrades, supported biocontainment construction and commissioning projects, led decontamination and decommissioning efforts for containment spaces, and managed the effluent decontamination system building. Fahim is currently primarily providing support for PIADC terminal decontamination and decommissioning efforts at PIADC with Merrick. He holds a Masters in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut and is a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) through ABSA. Fahim has been a member of ABSA since 2009 and has participated in multiple conferences through poster sessions and platform presentations over the years.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

8. Emergency Planning for Biological Incidents in High-Containment Labs

Planning for emergencies in biocontainment labs is challenging and requires a specialized approach due to the presence of  high-consequence pathogens and complex response needs. This course is designed for emergency managers, laboratory personnel, and response teams focusing on preparedness for biological incidents at your facility. Attendees will explore the regulatory requirements outlined in U.S. federal compliance with the Federal Select Agent Program and OSHA guidelines for developing and implementing a comprehensive incident response plan. An efficient and responsive emergency management program closely integrates with biosafety and biosecurity professionals, as well as local emergency management agencies, health departments, and first responders/receivers, to ensure an effective collaborative response. Through hands-on training, attendees will gain practical skills in incident response planning for biocontainment laboratories. Using interactive activities and case studies, participants will learn to conduct risk assessments, develop and implement comprehensive incident response plans, and coordinate effectively with local emergency management agencies. The course emphasizes a systematic planning process—guided by frameworks like FEMA’s 6-step methodology—to help attendees create tailored, compliant, and proactive emergency response strategies. This training enhances both facility preparedness and community safety in the face of biological incidents.

Objectives:

  • Identify and prioritize biological risks and hazards in high-containment environments
  • Apply structured emergency planning principles to support laboratory leadership decision-making
  • Coordinate response efforts with internal stakeholders and external support agencies

Suggested Background: Recommend completion of the web-based course FEMA Independent Study Course IS-230 – Fundamentals of Emergency Management (for familiarization; exam not required)
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, All Biosafety Professionals, Emergency Management and Health Preparedness Professionals

Audience Level: Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Garth’s career in emergency management is built on a foundation of 13 years of service as a Senior Intelligence Analyst in the Marine Corps. After transitioning to the civilian sector, he applied his skills and expertise as a County Emergency Planner, where he developed and implemented emergency response plans to protect communities from natural disasters and other hazards. He then joined the Department of the Army as an Installation Emergency Manager, overseeing emergency management programs and operations at the installation level. Currently, Garth serves as an organizational Emergency Manager, providing strategic guidance and expertise to ensure the readiness and resilience of his organization in the face of emergencies and disasters. He is a graduate of the Army Management Staff College Advanced Course, the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy, and the Planner Practitioner Program at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute. Garth holds a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University and a Master of Science in Intelligence Analysis from The Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

Mary Chizmar currently serves as the Emergency Manager in the Department of Defense Biological Select Agents and Toxins (BSAT) Biorisk Program Office (BBPO), the oversight office for DoD BSAT laboratories. An Army veteran, her career spans experience in Army Medical Services, Multi-Functional Logistics, and Military Intelligence. Transitioning from active military service, Mary initially served as a Mediator supporting Pennsylvania’s Lackawanna County Courts in family law and child protective custody matters. She went on to become the Director of Plans & Operations, Training, Mobilization and Security for a diverse Army installation before assuming her current position. She is a graduate of the Army’s Combined Arms and Services Staff School, and is a FEMA Professional Continuity Practitioner, Level 1.

Colonel Jacob Johnson, PhD, PMP
Fellow, Biosafety and Biosecurity Program
U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases
Fort Detrick, MD

COL Jacob Johnson was board-selected for a 2-year U.S. Army Long Term Health Education and Training Fellowship in Biosafety and Biosecurity at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, starting in May 2024. Fellowship participants gain practical experience working in the DoD’s most complex high containment laboratory in order to 1) comprehend, implement and monitor DoD biosafety and biosecurity programs and 2) properly support and advise senior military and civilian leaders in the field of biodefense. Fellows attain Biosafety Levels-2, 3, and 4 certifications as well as train with senior leaders in biosecurity, biosafety, emergency management, and high containment laboratory facility design.After completing the AMEDD Officer’s Basic Course in 2005, COL Johnson was assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command’s (USAMRDC) Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in Silver Spring, Maryland as a Principal Research Investigator. Additional assignments include: the United States Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya in Kisumu and Nairobi, Kenya (2010-2014) as Principal Research Investigator, two Center Directorships, and Chief of Staff; the Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington as Deputy Chief (2014-2017); the Military Infectious Diseases Research Program (MIDRP), Headquarters (HQ), USAMRDC at Fort Detrick, Maryland as Military Deputy (2017-2020); G-3/5/7 (Operations, Plans, and Training), HQ USMRDC as Chief (2020-2021); and Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office (BIRCO) and the command’s Joint Trauma Analysis and Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC) program office, HQ USMRDC as Director (2021-2024). COL Johnson earned his B.S. degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from Salem-Teikyo University, in Salem, West Virginia, followed by a Ph.D. degree specializing in cell biology and immunology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon graduation in 2003, he served as a postdoctoral investigator within the Division of Biomedical Marine Research, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Fort Pierce, Florida. In his spare time, COL Johnson enjoys spending time with his family and close friends, as well as his hobbies that include motorcycling, drumming, Lego builds, and live music.

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.

Intermediate Level Courses

For those with basic knowledge or would like to learn more.

Friday, October 24, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

2. Infectious Substance Shipping Certification

This course is appropriate for those who have some experience with infectious substance handling or shipping but may not have been certified within the past three years. The course utilizes several facilitated learning activities. Attendees have opportunities to mark, label, package and complete documentation for a variety of infectious substances shipments (Category A, Category B, Exempt Patient Specimens). This course would be appropriate for those responsible for packaging, marking, labeling shipments of all categories of infectious substances, dry ice and liquid nitrogen. Attendees have both an online exam (score at least 80%) and practical exercises to complete to demonstrate competency. Successful completion of the course will qualify attendees for IATA/DOT certification.

Objectives:

  • Demonstrate competency to meet IATA infectious substance shipping certification requirements
  • Restate 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
  • Paraphrase any regulatory changes over the past several years and apply them to meet regulatory re-training requirements

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Eric Cook, MPH
Senior Member – Technical Staff
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM

Eric 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.

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.

Friday, October 24, 2025, 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 course 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

Suggested Background: Biosafety and Biosecurity Training Course (BBTC®), Fundamentals of Biosafety
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, New Biosafety Professionals

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), NIH-Office of Animal Care and Use, Bethesda, MDSusan Harper, DVM, MS, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP (ABSA)
Private Consultant
Shepherdstown, WV

Dr. 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, MPH, CBSP(ABSA)
Global Environment, Health, and Safety Biological Materials Manager
BASF
Durham, NC

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, NC

Anita 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 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

10. The Big Bright Beautiful World of BSL-2

Ever wondered why handling human blood samples and culturing infectious influenza both require BSL-2 containment? Or the defining characteristics between BSL-2 and BSL-1 or BSL-3? This course transforms biosafety from a checklist into a strategic risk management framework, adaptable to any facility or resource level. We’ll go beyond textbook scenarios, tackling the gray areas of BSL-2 where critical thinking and adaptability are key. Starting with a rapid refresher on core biosafety principles, we’ll explore how to adjust BSL-2 containment ‘levers’ for real-world applications, even in non-ideal or resource-limited labs. This course isn’t just about following rules—it’s about understanding why they exist. Attendees will explore key topics in biosafety, including distinctions and special considerations of BSL-2 and ABSL-2, the critical difference between regulations and recommendations on lab operations, compare global biosafety guidelines with the BMBL, safe handling of RG-3 agents in BSL-2 settings, emerging BSL-2+ practices, and real-world case studies—such as HIV and SARS-CoV-2—through interactive activities. This course empowers new biosafety professionals to move beyond a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Attendees will develop the confidence to make informed, customized containment decisions—becoming strategic biosafety leaders in their field.

Objectives:

  • Utilize the BMBL as a framework and move beyond a checklist approach and apply adaptive biosafety practices in diverse laboratory settings, including resource-limited or non-ideal facilities
  • Explain BSL-2 containment principles and practices and how this relates to “BSL-2+” containment and allows for the handling of Risk Group 3 agents under BSL-2 conditions
  • Adapt the foundation necessary to confidently make non-textbook containment recommendations that will meet BSL-2 recommendations and keep researchers safe

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals, Animal Caretakers

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Heidi Page, MS, RBP(ABSA), SABAI Global—Shield Consulting, Chesterfield, MO

Heidi has extensive experience in, and passion for, the ‘grey zone’, intertwining regulation, safety and human behavior to find the best overall solutions to the safety and compliance challenges we face when doing research. Heidi has 15+ years of experience in the field of biosafety and has over 7 years of experience serving as the Biological Safety Officer and Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Case Western Reserve University. She earned a BS in Organismal Biology from the University of Kansas, a MS in Cell and Molecular biology from University of Missouri—Kansas City and is a Registered Biosafety Professional with ABSA International. In her role as the Director of Sabai’s Shield Consulting group, Heidi has the opportunity to work with varied clients from academic institutions, CROs, startup biotechs, large pharma, and healthcare institutions. Outside of work Heidi is often found trying her hand at something new, be it gardening, cooking, raising chickens or keeping bees. She feels passionately that there is always something new to learn.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

11. Writing Effective Standard Operating Procedures

This course will offer attendees an understanding of key principles for writing effective standard operating procedures (SOPs). An introduction to the importance of SOPs in achieving desirable and consistent outcomes and issues that must be considered in the SOP writing process will be presented. Examples will include some of the most common human behavior considerations such as compliance, behavioral evolution, complaisance, and strategies to address behavioral concerns that may arise. Attendees will engage in guided discussions about the benefits of an effective SOP writing process and the most common mistakes made by the authors of SOPs. The course will take attendees through the process of writing feasible standard operating procedures (SOPs) including SOP evaluation and validation. Through group interactions, attendees will develop examples of SOPs to illustrate effective writing concepts, present their SOPs to the class, and evaluate each other’s SOPs for feasibility. Instructors will guide attendees through the process by providing critical feedback on the SOP writing process as they progress. The goal of this course is to increase attendees’ awareness of issues that arise when writing standard operating procedures and how these issues affect SOP compliance. Furthermore, the course will provide examples of well-written SOPs that contribute to overall SOP compliance at an institution. The course is intended for those who want to be able to lead or aid in the creation of feasible and effective SOPs in order to enhance both biosafety and biosecurity at their institution.

Objectives:

  • Summarize the range of issues that must be considered when writing effective standard operating procedures (SOPs), including human behavior
  • Identify strategies for writing effective SOPs
  • Illustrate how good standard operating procedures (SOPs) work to enhance both biosafety and biosecurity
  • Recognize the value of “feasible” and therefore effective standard operating procedure (SOP) in promoting biosafety and biosecurity best practices

Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, New Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers, International Attendees

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Natasha Griffith, MS, MPH, RBP(ABSA), CEO, SOTER BioConsulting, Roswell, GA

Natasha Griffith is the CEO of SOTER Bio Consulting, where she leads different national and international projects in response to health emergencies. She also serves as Associate Director, High Containment Core at Georgia State University (GSU) where she leads a multidisciplinary team to support safe operations and maintenance (O&M) of all high-containment facilities (BSL-3, ABSL-3, and BSL-4) at GSU. Natasha earned her Master of Science degree in Microbial Pathogenesis and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA as well as Master of Public Health in Paris, France. With over 20 years of experience, Natasha has led numerous international missions in response to infectious disease outbreaks. Before joining GSU, Natasha was the Branch Chief of Quality and Safety Systems, DLS, CSELS at the CDC where she led quality and safety staff to support the development of standards, guidelines, recommendations, and tools for improved quality and safety in clinical and public health laboratories. While at the CDC, Natasha also implemented and managed international projects in response to outbreaks of infectious diseases in various countries. These projects included development of program initiatives for a variety of local, national and international public health institutions in both English and French. Prior to her work at CDC, Natasha established and operated a state-of-art Tier 1 Select Agent high-containment program at UCLA. For over a decade, Natasha directed all high-contaminant facilities and served as the Responsible Official (CDC DSAT) for all select agent research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Md Asadulghani, PhD, International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Asadulghani has been working in the field laboratory systems strengthening using One Health platform in Bangladesh since 2010, with 14 years’ experience of research in the field of Molecular Genetics and Bacteriophage Biology, at home and abroad, since 1993. He has an MSc and MPhil in the field of Molecular Genetics, from the University of Dhaka. He has a PhD, in the field of post-transcriptional regulation of genes expression, from the Saitama University, Japan in 2004. Completing his postdoctoral research as a Research Associate and JSPS Postdoc Fellow, at the University of Miyazaki, Japan, he joined as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Microbiology and continued working in the Microbial Whole Genome Sequencing Group, Japan. Since September 2009, he has been working as the Head of Biosafety, leading biosafety and biosecurity program, at the International Centre of Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). Side by side, he is leading the nationwide Biosafety and Biosecurity (BSBS) program, as well. He is leading strengthening AMR laboratory capacity program under the First Fleming Fund Country Grant to Bangladesh. He is also the lead for “Qualifying Workforce for AMR Surveillance in Asia and Africa” in Bangladesh. He is the initiator of the BSBS program in Bangladesh and working for strengthening country status. He has been working for ISO 15189 accreditation of Clinical Laboratory Services at ICDDR,B since 2010, and solely contributing to ISO 15190 accreditation of the same since 2016. He is a member of the ISO Biorisk Management working group ISO/TC 212/WG5 representing IFBA. He is the Chairman and Coordinator of Training of BBBS and President of the FABA. Furthermore, he is the EXCO member of A-PBA for 2024 to represent Bangladesh. He was a Member of the Board of Directors of IFBA until September 2020. Currently, he is a member of the ABSA International Engagement Committee.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Sunday, October 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

13. A Scenario-Based Introduction to Agricultural Biorisk Management

This course will review general concepts and considerations for assessing and managing risks encountered in research programs that involve animals, plants, pathogens, pests, facilities, equipment, and work practices relevant to agriculture. The focus will be on hazard identification, risk assessment (qualitative and quantitative), and the strategic use of mitigation practices designed to minimize risks in a wide range of agricultural research applications. Attendees will have the opportunity to practice these skills, using real-world scenarios that demonstrate some of the unique challenges and hazards routinely encountered in an agricultural environment. Exercises will be highly interactive and guide attendees through the entire biorisk management process. Emphasis will be given to key factors that influence selecting effective biocontainment and biosecurity measures; ensuring worker safety; protecting local and regionally-important agricultural commodities (livestock, poultry, crops); preserving the environment (plants, wildlife, water systems); and maintaining public health.

Objectives:

  • Review hazard identification and risk assessment techniques appropriate for an agricultural research environment
  • Identify practical control strategies to successfully manage hazards and risks relevant to agriculture
  • Restate the need for effective biosecurity when working with high-consequence agricultural pathogens and pests

Suggested Background: BSL-3 Operations and Management, Fundamentals of Biosafety, Principles and Practices of Biosafety® (PPB), Risk Assessment
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Animal Caretakers, Experienced Biosafety Professionals

Audience Level: Intermediate

COURSE FACULTY

Susan Harper, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP(ABSA), NIH-Office of Animal Care and Use, Bethesda, MDSusan Harper, DVM, MS, DACLAM, DACVPM, RBP (ABSA)
Private Consultant
Shepherdstown, WV

Dr. 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, MPH, CBSP(ABSA)
Global Environment, Health, and Safety Biological Materials Manager
BASF
Durham, NC

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.

Travis McCarthy, PhD, RBP(ABSA), Biosafety Manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Centers for Animal Health, Ames, IA

Dr. Travis McCarthy is currently serving as the Biosafety Manager at the USDA National Centers for Animal Health in Ames, Iowa, a position he has held since May 2022. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Wartburg College in 2000, prior to pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Iowa and earning a Ph.D. in Microbiology in 2006. Following graduation, he started his professional career as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he worked from December 2006 to December 2009. In January 2010, he transferred to the University of Missouri where he served as Facility Manager and Lead Biological Safety Professional until assuming his current position at the USDA. Dr. McCarthy holds the credential of Registered Biosafety Professional, issued by the American Biological Safety Association in January 2013, which underscores his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of biosafety in research environments. Throughout his career, Dr. McCarthy has demonstrated a strong focus on biosafety management and infectious disease research, making him a highly valued asset to the USDA National Centers for Animal Health.

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 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

14. 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 disucssed 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
  • Articulate 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, CBCP

Joby 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 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

15. Advanced Risk Assessment

In this advanced and interactive course, attendees will evaluate a variety of challenging scenarios based on actual research protocol submissions and real-world events from multiple risk perspectives. Attendees will work in teams to conduct risk assessments on a diverse selection of scenarios that will include multiple systems used in research as a research project progresses from discovery to cell culture, to small animal models using recombinant materials, and human clinical trials. Risk assessments will focus on the likelihood of exposure and the severity of consequences from exposure to the multitude of hazards encountered in increasingly complex research as well as the surprises that may come across the biosafety officer’s desk. Attendees will be challenged to consider additional risks aside from infection and how best to mitigate them. Attendees should have a thorough understanding of pathogenic microorganisms, rDNA principles, other infectious substances and the link between biosafety, risk assessment, and risk mitigation for this advanced course. There is an emphasis on the interactive nature of the risk assessment process and differing views of risk tolerance will be considered; attendees should be prepared to participate in discussions and bring interesting or difficult examples of interest to them to discuss with the class.

Objectives:

  • Prioritize risks based on the likelihood and consequences of an occurrence
  • Identify risks requiring mitigation and mitigation strategies to minimize the unacceptable risks
  • Identify institutional and external partners to help implement mitigation strategies
  • Evaluate mitigation strategies for effectiveness, adjust strategies as warranted

Suggested Background: Fundamentals of Biosafety, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, Basic Risk Assessment, Principles & Practices of Biosafety
Target Audience: Experienced Biosafety Professionals, Laboratory Workers

Audience Level: Advanced

COURSE FACULTY

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

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

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

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

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.

Advanced Level Courses

For those with experience or looking for a challenging course.

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

6. Beginners’ Guide to Comprehensive Biorisk Management: Integrating Biosafety and Biosecurity Practices

This course provides attendees with a comprehensive foundation in biorisk management by integrating biosafety and biosecurity principles within a unified risk assessment framework. Centered around the AMP (Assessment, Mitigation, Performance) model, the course delivers practical tools for identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with the handling of biological agents and toxins. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments and learn how to apply core assessment strategies effectively. Through a dynamic mix of lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on group exercises, attendees will explore both foundational and emerging issues in biorisk management. The course emphasizes actionable strategies that can be tailored to diverse institutional environments and translated into improved safety and security practices. Attendees will conclude the course with enhanced awareness of complex biorisk scenarios and the skills to implement risk-informed mitigation measures within their own organizations.

Objectives:

  • Describe the AMP model of biorisk management and utilize it to address biological risks
  • Develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies including engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment
  • Summarize how the five pillars of biosecurity support biorisk programs, inform performance evaluation and stakeholder engagement to stregthen safety culture  

Suggested Background: Micro/Molecular Biology 101
Target Audience: New Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Antony Schwartz, PhD, SM(NRCM),CBSP(ABSA), Director of Biological Safety Assistant Director of Occupational and Environmenal Safety Office, Duke University, Durham, NC

Dr. Antony Schwartz is the Director of Biological Safety at Duke University, where he serves as the Institutional Biosafety Officer, Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program, and Institutional Contact for Dual Use Research (ICDUR). In these roles, he ensures institutional compliance with federal regulations governing biosafety, biosecurity, and dual-use research oversight. He also holds an appointment as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Schwartz and his team oversee biological hazards across research laboratories and healthcare settings, including the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL), clinical trials and microbiology labs, autopsy and gross anatomy labs, phytotrons, and arthropod containment facilities. His oversight spans BSL-1 through BSL-3/ABSL-3 spaces, including BSL-2+ and ABSL-2 environments. Prior to Duke, Dr. Schwartz was the Responsible Official for the National Institutes of Health Select Agent Program in Bethesda, Maryland. He was previously a postdoctoral fellow in the National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program (NBBTP), a competitive, in-residence fellowship at NIH designed to prepare professionals to manage BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories handling high-risk pathogens such as Ebola, Monkeypox, and Nipah virus. He has also served as a BSL-4 instructor and course facilitator at NIH and NIAID facilities. Dr. Schwartz holds a PhD in Microbiology with a minor in Technology Commercialization. A Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) through ABSA International, Dr. Schwartz has held numerous leadership roles in the organization, including Councilor, Chair of the Pre-Conference Course Committee, Vice Team Lead for the Regulatory and Technical Affairs Team, Journal Board Reviewer, and Co-Chair of the inaugural Biosecurity Symposium Steering Committee. He remains actively engaged in biosafety and biosecurity through research, publications, professional outreach, and mentorship.

Andrea Vogel, PhD , Duke University, Durham, NCDr. Andrea Vogel is currently a Safety and Health Specialist in the Biological Safety Division of the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office at Duke University Health Systems. She is also an Alternate Responsible Official for the Select Agent Program. The Biological Safety Division oversees programs implemented for mitigating biological hazards at Duke University, Duke University Hospital and Clinics. Programs she oversees include the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Program, Tuberculosis Control Program, and the BSL-3 Laboratory Program. Dr. Vogel has been a member of ABSA International since 2021 and is an active member of the Journal Board, Finance Committee, Awards Committee, and Pre-Conference Course Committee. Her interests include biosafety/biosecurity program management, risk assessment of emerging infectious diseases and technologies, and application of technology to enhance understanding in training programs. Dr. Vogel received her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University, and was a NIH NBBTP Fellow. She has authored several papers ranging from validation of hydrogen peroxide vapor to facilitate re-use of N95s to animal behavior and group coordination.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

7. Engineering for the Biosafety Professional Part 2

Proactive biosafety professionals need to be involved and knowledgeable in the operation, maintenance and certification of their containment facilities and building systems. Frequently, the biosafety professional is called upon to participate in the planning, design, and validation of a new biocontainment laboratory or renovation of an existing facility. For the biosafety professional to participate in these activities, they need a foundation of engineering fundamentals, develop skills to ask questions in engineering terms, and have the confidence to question the answers. This course provides engineering principles that are useful in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of a BSL-3 or high containment facility. The principles are expanded to BSL-4 or maximum containment facilities for clarity between BSL-3 and BSL-4 requirements. The information covered in this course is specific to NIH, CDC, and BMBL 6th ed. requirements.

Objectives:

  • Discuss engineering principles
  • Apply engineering assessment tools for architectural and engineering drawings
  • Implement engineering solutions

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: All Safety Professionals, Operations and Maintenance Staff

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Juan Osorio, IE

Juan Osorio provides consulting in engineering with a focus in high and maximum containment laboratories (BSL-3 and BSL-4), biomedical facilities, hospitals and research facilities. In this role, he consults with clients regarding laboratory planning, programming, commissioning, validation and third party certification activities for significant biocontainment, laboratory, vivarium, safety and healthcare projects. Mr. Osorio has consulted, reviewed, validated, and certified biocontainment laboratories, mission critical government institutions, vivaria, and world-class medical facilities. He has vast experience in the high- and maximum containment fields and participates on biocontainment projects in the United States, Asia, and South America. Mr. Osorio contributes to the design, construction, validation, third-party certification, and maintenance of such facilities. He has served frequently as a consultant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for industrial engineering issues in biocontainment, general laboratory, hospital, and vivarium projects. He has assisted in the development of high- and maximum containment government guidelines and regulations for the NIH.

Theodore Traum PE, CCP, DGCP

Theodore (Ted) Traum has over thirty years of experience in engineering with a focus in high- and maximum containment laboratories (BSL-3 and BSL-4), biomedical facilities, hospitals and researchfacilities. In this role, he consults with clients and oversees laboratory planning, programming, commissioning, validation, and third-party certification activities for significant biocontainment, laboratory, vivarium, safety and healthcare projects. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Mr. Traum received a considerable influx of biosafety and biocontainment projects to combat bioterrorism. Capitalizing on his niche expertise in this fast growing industry and its previous work with the JCAHO statement of conditions, Mr. Traum focused his business development efforts towards developing acertification program for biocontainment laboratories, their design, construction, operation, biosafety consultation, and maintenance through World BioHazTec (WBHT). Being one of the only few firms in the United States with a significant level of expertise and previous success in niche projects for the healthcare and research laboratories, Mr. Traum became sought after nationally and internationally as the premier consultant for oversight, management, and certification of biocontainment facilities. Mr. Traum has consulted, reviewed, validated, and certified biocontainment laboratories, mission critical government institutions, vivaria, and world-class medical facilities. He is a highly respected professional engineer in the high- and maximum containment field and is sought worldwide for his experienceand expertise in design, construction, third-party certification, and maintenance of such facilities. He has served frequently as a consultant for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for HVAC, mechanical, and industrial engineering issues in biocontainment, general laboratory, hospital, and vivarium projects.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

12. Integrating Cyberbiosecurity into Laboratory Biosecurity Programs: Addressing Emerging Threats in the Digital Age

As laboratories adopt AI, digital data systems, and networked instruments, cyberbiosecurity—the intersection of cybersecurity and biosecurity—has become vital. This interactive course introduces cyberbiosecurity as an essential discipline, equipping attendees with the knowledge and strategies to safeguard laboratory Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Operational Technologies (OT), and data assets against evolving cyber threats. Attendees will explore the fundamentals of cyberbiosecurity by diving into key concepts such as identifing laboratory assets, mapping data, and assessing vulnerabilities. Attendees will learn how to conduct comprehensive threat and vulnerability assessments and apply these principles to reinforce biosecurity programs through structured guidance and practical activities. As cyber threats continue to evolve, biosecurity programs must stay agile—capable of identifying, mitigating, and recovering from cyberattacks. This course presents strategies for strengthening cyberbiosecurity resilience through a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that blends technical skills, professional roles, and oversight responsibilities. Through interactive activities, group discussions, and mapping exercises, participants will evaluate real-world risks and co-develop tailored solutions for laboratory settings. At the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to embed cyberbiosecurity into their biosecurity frameworks, ensuring their labs remain secure and adaptable in a dynamic threat environment.

Objectives:

  • Define and identify laboratory cyberbiosecurity assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and risks
  • Apply threat and vulnerability assessment techniques and develop risk mitigation strategies to enhance laboratory resilience
  • Develop a team-based approach to cyberbiosecurity management as an emerging critical component of an overall biosecurity program

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: Laboratory Workers, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level: Basic

COURSE FACULTY

Drew Fayram, MS, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO

Drew Fayram is a Senior Scientist in Biosafety and Biosecurity for Merrick & Company. He consults on international and domestic projects related to laboratory planning, design, operations, biosafety, and biosecurity. Drew’s expertise includes containment laboratory operations and program management, public health laboratory testing, biosafety, biosecurity, and training. He currently serves on the Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee for the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and is an instructor for ABSA International’s Principles and Practices of Biosafety (PPB) course. Drew holds the Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP) and Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) credentials through ABSA International and is registered as a biosafety officer (RBSO) with the Canadian Association for Biological Safety.

Carrie A. Smith, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), Merrick & Company, Greenwood Village, CO

Carrie Smith has served as a biosafety professional for over fourteen years in academia, the government, and the private sector. In her current role, she serves as a Senior Scientist with Merrick & Company, specializing in biosafety and laboratory operations planning for new laboratories, renovations, and laboratory transitions. Prior to her role at Merrick, she served as BSO and ARO at Oklahoma State University, a biosafety specialist and trainer at University of Wisconsin—Madison, and BSO and ARO at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. Carrie earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a concentration in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware and her PhD in Genetics from North Carolina State University. Her research included work with recombinant bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants as well as biological toxins. As a biosafety professional, Carrie has managed both small and large biosafety programs and her expertise includes BSL-3/ABSL-3 oversight, atypical animals in biocontainment, select agent program management, recombinant technology, plant biosafety, diagnostic labs, and on-line and in-person training development. She serves as Co-Chair and Instructor for ABSA’s Principles & Practices of Biosafety Course and is a member of the Preconference Course Committee.

CONTACT HOURS

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

Sunday, October 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

16. ISO35001 Implemenation Workshop

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
  • Prioritize elements or areas that need improvement
  • Select an area for improvement and identify a simple, short term, project idea to help strengthen one element within the existing system

Suggested Background: None
Target Audience: Experienced Biosafety Professionals, All Safety Professionals

Audience Level: Advanced

COURSE FACULTY

Eric Cook, MPH, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Eric Cook, MPH
Senior Member – Technical Staff
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM

Eric 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.

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.

VIRTUAL Offerings

(all virtual courses are in Central Time Zone)

Registration must be completed 1 business day prior to the start of the training.
Registrations received after will receive access to the recording only.

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

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

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

What You’ll Learn

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

Objectives:

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

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

Questions

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

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

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

COURSE FACULTY

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

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

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

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

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

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

2V. Program Management Fundamentals for the Biosafety Professionals

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

What You’ll Learn

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

Objectives: 

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

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

Questions

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

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

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

COURSE FACULTY

Jane S. Alam, MRIGlobal, Gaithersburg, MDJane S. Alam is a Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational Excellence (ASQ CMQ/OE) with over 20 years of experience working in biosurveillance, research, and clinical diagnostic laboratories. She specializes in Quality Assurance focused laboratory management, leadership skills, training development, and implementation. Additionally, Jane Alam has supported multiple leadership, biosafety, biosecurity, and technical training events nationally and internationally for high containment laboratory staff, including capacity building efforts in West Africa post the 2014 Ebola epidemic. She is currently employed as a Senior Quality Assurance Officer at MRIGlobal.

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

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

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

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

What You’ll Learn

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

Objectives:

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

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

Questions

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

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

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

COURSE FACULTY

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

Daniel Eisenman, PhD, RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA), SM(NRCM)
Advarra
Columbia, MD

Dan Eisenman is Executive Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, a large clinical research compliance company. Dan heads a commercial IBC overseeing over 1,300 basic science and clinical research sites and institutions. Prior to joining Advarra Dan was the Biosafety Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dan holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Immunology as well as various biosafety certifications such as RBP(ABSA), CBSP(ABSA) and SM(NRCM). Dan also holds a Regulatory Affairs Pharmaceuticals certificate from the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS).

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

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

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

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

What You’ll Learn

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

 Objectives:

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

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

Questions

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

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

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

COURSE FACULTY

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

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $500
Non-member: $670

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 1.0 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 7.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.

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

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

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

What You’ll Learn

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

Objectives:

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

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

Questions

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

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

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

COURSE FACULTY

Dr. Leyma P. De Haro received a BS in Biochemistry from California State University, Los Angeles, and holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of New Mexico. She is a Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP) by ABSA International. She completed two postdoctoral fellowships, including one at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Dr. De Haro worked at Sandia National Laboratory, in the internationally renowned Global Chemical and Biological Security Team, where she specialized in Biosafety and Biosecurity on a global scale. She is currently a senior scientist at Merrick & Co. Dr. De Haro has over 15 years post PhD experience as a scientist, helping laboratories and organizations enhance their biosafety and biosecurity practices. Her background in innovative scientific research enables her to understand the unique safety challenges laboratories and organizations face in today’s rapidly evolving world of life sciences. With a keen focus on fostering a culture of responsibility and safety, Dr. De Haro is committed to promoting best practices in biosafety and biosecurity worldwide, supporting the life sciences community in pursuing groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. Relevant recent publications in AI: Book: 1. Biosecurity in the Age of Synthetic Biology. CRC Press (September 2024). Book Chapter: 1. Security Risk Assessment of Research Self-Driving Laboratories (SDLs). CRC Press, accepted. Published Primary Research Articles: 1. De Haro L.P. Using Embodied AI Agents to Automate Biorisk Management Tasks in High-Containment Laboratories. Applied Biosafety (2025-in press). 2. De Haro L.P. Biosecurity Risk Assessment for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Synthetic Biology. Applied Biosafety (2024),(29)2. DOI: 10.1089/apb.2023.0031 (impact factor: 1.5, citations: 1).

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

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

COURSE FEES

ABSA Member: $300
Non-member: $390

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

CONTACT HOURS

This course has been approved for 0.5 CM points toward RBP/CBSP recertification. *ABSA International is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 3.5 P.A.C.E.® contact hours. Course access links are unique and for individual use only. Sharing is prohibited. Duplicate logins or unregistered attendees will be removed from the webinar without a refund.