Biological Safety

The Biological Safety department is dedicated to ensuring a safe and compliant research environment for faculty, staff, and students working with biological materials. Our team provides comprehensive guidance, training, and oversight to minimize risks associated with laboratory research, ensuring adherence to biosafety regulations and best practices. We support the university’s mission by fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and innovation—allowing groundbreaking research to thrive while maintaining the highest standards of environmental and public health protection.

Laboratories using PCR to amplify SARS-CoV-2 genes or those working with amplified antigen (e.g., cloning in non-pathogenic organisms) must adhere to strict procedures for preventing contamination of lab space and personnel with these materials that may trigger a laboratory-associated positive COVID-19 test result. Please review our Guidelines for working with SARS CoV-2 components for best practices to prevent contamination.

Biosafety and Biosecurity Month 2025 Awards

We are proud to recognize the winners of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Month 2025 Awards, honoring individuals whose dedication strengthens our culture of safety and responsibility.

Award Winners

Jessica Gluck – Biosafety Compliance Award (Above and Beyond)
Chiera Shannon – Commitment to Biosafety Award (Appreciation)
Sandy Elliott – Dedication to Biosafety Award
Aleksandra Kymalainen, Sarah O’Flaherty, and Jie Pacelli – Employee Biosafety Award

Celebrating Our Community

These awards highlight the extraordinary efforts of our colleagues who embody the values of biosafety and biosecurity. Please join us in congratulating all the awardees for their achievements and contributions!