All posts by Ralph Stuart

CHAS Workshops 2023

CHAS no longer holds in-person workshops in conjunction with the ACS National Meetings due to the costs associated with the meeting rooms and attendee travel costs. We now have online workshops via zoom covering the same variety of topics. These are held twice a year, usually 2-4 weeks after national meetings. For the Spring 2023 session, we are experimenting with half-day sessions, but may return to full-day for the Fall depending on attendance and enthusiasm for the half-day sessions.

Below are links to registration for the Spring sessions to be held the first week of May. All sessions begin at 1PM EDST and the cost is $195 per session. Please let me know if you have any questions!

If you are interested in arranging any of these trainings for your company or local section meetings, contact us at membership@dchas.org

Monday, May 1, 2023:
How to create a better lab safety program

Registration – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-create-a-better-lab-safety-program-tickets-605157451227?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=post_publish&utm_content=shortLinkNewEmail

Tuesday, May 2, 2023:
Careers in environmental health & safety

Registration – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/careers-in-environmental-health-safety-tickets-606608742077?aff=erelpanelorg

Wednesday, May 3, 2023:
Laboratory Waste Management

Registration – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laboratory-waste-managment-tickets-604927904647?aff=erelpanelorg

Thursday, May 4, 2023:
How to be a More Effective Chemical Hygiene Officer

Registration – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/certified-chemical-hygiene-officer-preparation-course-tickets-604966179127?aff=erelpanelorg


Ongoing

The ACS Youtube channel hosts chemical safety related videos on a variety of topics and styles for specific audiences. They are all available for Creative Commons use in classes with attribution.
This extensive 15 hour course on chemical safety in the laboratory is designed for undergraduate STEM students and others with a need to review the fundamentals of chemical safety in the laboratory. Register at https://institute.acs.org/courses/foundations-chemical-safety.html
ACS Essentials of Lab Safety for General Chemistry
On line, registration fee required.

If you have any questions about these workshops, contact us at membership@dchas.org or complete the form below.

History of the Peer-Led Workshops

The 1st Peer-Led Workshop

In 2018, Dr. Kali A. Miller, at the time a graduate researcher at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign and involved in the laboratory safety team there, developed a workshop called “Developing Graduate Student Leadership Skills in Laboratory Safety.” Initially supported by the ACS Committee on Chemical Safety, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety, ACS Safety Programs, and the ACS Office of Graduate Education, the workshop was first held at the ACS National Meeting in Spring 2018. A paper was published describing this pilot workshop and initial survey analysis that can be found here. The workshop continued to be held at ACS National Meetings with different graduate researcher facilitators.

Jessica A. Martin began working closely with Dr. Miller to coordinate, and eventually take over general management of the workshop. They also interviewed graduate researcher leaders of LST teams as a means of learning more about the movement and improving the offerings of the workshop. This resulted in a publication about LSTs that can be found here.

As 2020 approached, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to a virtual world. Starting with the Spring 2020 ACS National Meeting, Jessica worked with the Facilitators for that workshop to rapidly convert the workshop to a virtual format. Additionally, graduate researchers representing 12 different LSTs came together to write another peer-reviewed publication that can be found here discussing how the teams have survived the stress test introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As interest in the workshop continued to blossom in the academic community, it was recognized that the virtual version could reach a wider audience and be held independent of conferences. Jessica recruited known and active advocates in the ACS safety community to constitute a Mentorship Team to continue to improve the workshop. Graduate researchers involved in the LST leadership at their own institutions were also regularly recruited to serve as Facilitators and Moderators to share their experiences and improve their own professional skills. The workshop was renamed “Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture” in recognition of the changes made to it.

The 2nd Peer-Led Workshop

In 2021, Taysir BaderCatherine WilhelmKerry BetzWhitney HessHaim Weizman, and Ralph Stuartdeveloped a second workshop called “RAMP Risk Management in the Research Lab”. with funding from an ACS Innovative Project Grant.  The goal of the grant was to identify how to use the RAMP paradigm as both an educational and operational tool for chemists in higher education.

The workshop used the same peer-led structure developed in the first workshop, recruiting graduate researchers to help run the workshops as Workshop Leaders, Facilitators, and Moderators. This workshop is also supported by the Mentorship Team. This workshop has been successfully delivered virtually and in-person to both general audiences and specific universities. 

2023 Peer-Led Workshops

For 2022 and 2023, Monica Nyansa of the Michigan Technological University is serving as the Workshop Leader for “Empowering Academic Researchers to Strengthen Safety Culture”. She has described her experience with the workshop as part of her professional development in a posting for the ACS Chemistry Grad and Postdoc blog. 

For 2022 and 2023, Brady Bresnahan of the University of Minnesota is serving as the Workshop Leader for “RAMP Risk Management in the Research Lab”

Listed below are all of the individuals who have helped run the workshops as Workshop Leaders, Facilitators, and Moderators. Below that is a list of the fantastic Mentorship Team members!

Please check our workshop schedule for information and registration for the latest workshops!

Workshop date (year, month)RoleNameInstitutionTeam name
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPLeaderBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorKris ElbeinUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorAishanee SurTexas A & M UniverityChemistry Student Safety Committee
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorGretchen BurkeUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorKyle SeabournUniversity of Idaho
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMaya ButlerUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRain TalosigUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorSofia Estela Ramirez LopezUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorYuri LeeThe Ohio State University
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorEleni SpanoliosUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2023. 04 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorQaisar MaqboolUniversity of South Florida
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJamiu OyetoroUniversity of Ibadan
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSrijana PandeyOhio University
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBabatunde Samuel ObadawoThe University of Toledo
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorPopoola Olamilekan EmmanuelUniversity of Ibadan
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorProsenjit RayAuburn University
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCaroline DonaghyUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2023. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorQaisar MaqboolUniversity of South Florida
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPLeaderBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorKris ElbeinUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorMurphi WilliamsUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRain TalosigUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorCalla McCulleyMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorAmanda ChungMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorRalph StuartMentorship Team Member
2022. 11 (Virtual) RAMPModeratorSamuella SigmannMentorship Team Member
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUniversity of California, Los AngelesJoint Research Safety Initiative (JRSI)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSaghar GomrokThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJamiu OyetoroUniversity of Ibadan
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorPopoola Olamilekan EmmanuelUniversity of Ibadan
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSrijana PandeyOhio University
2022. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBabatunde ObadawoThe University of ToledoENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND RADIATION SAFETY
2022. 07 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 07 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological University
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorAmanda ChungUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDinesh GautamOhio University
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorChristy DyerThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorBrady BresnahanUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAshan WettasingheUniversity of Texas at Dallas
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUniversity of California, Los AngelesJoint Research Safety Initiative (JRSI)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHossain ShadmanThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAmanda ChungUniversity of California, IrvineGraduate Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSaghar GomrokThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHemanta TimsinaUniversity of ArkansasEngineering Safety Club
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorFarouq BusariUniversity of Ibadan (Nigeria)
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica MartinMentorship Team Member
2022. 03 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTammy Lutz-RechtinMentorship Team Member
2022. 01 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2022. 01 (In Person) RAMPFacilitatorCatherine WilhelmUniversity of Michigan
2021. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaChemistry and CEMS Joint Safety Team
2021. 11 (Virtual) RAMPFacilitatorCatherine WilhelmUniversity of Michigan
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAustin MoyleWashington University in St. LouisChemistry Peer Review Safety Group (CPRSG)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMaggi Braasch-TuriColorado State University
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorHemanta TimsinaUniversity of ArkansasEngineering Safety Club
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAdelina OronovaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 10 (Virtual) LSTModeratorFarouq BusariUniversity of Ibadan (Nigeria)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRachel WileyThe University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Graduate Safety Team
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAustin MoyleWashington University in St. LouisChemistry Peer Review Safety Group (CPRSG)
2021. 06 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMaggi Braasch-TuriColorado State University
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorDagen HughesUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorTaysir BaderUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMelissa AlfonsoUniversity of MemphisUniversity of Memphis Joint Safety Team
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorAbhijeet PatilMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMonica NyansaMichigan Technological UniversityMTU Chemistry Graduate Safety Committee (MTU CGSC)
2021. 02 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCalla McCulleyUniversity of Texas at AustinChemistry Student Safety Organization (CSSO)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorSarah ZinnUniversity of ChicagoThe Joint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMarta GmurczykMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMary Beth KozaMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorLindsey ApplegateUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDagen HughesUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorKali MillerMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 11 (Virtual) LSTModeratorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorCristian Aviles-MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorOmar Leon RuizUCLAJoint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSarah ZinnUniversity of ChicagoThe Joint Research Safety Initiative
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorJessica DeYoungUniversity of IowaChemical Safety and Responsibility Stewards (CSARS)
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorKali MillerMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorMarta GmurczykMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorSammye SigmannMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2020. 08 (Virtual) LSTModeratorRalph StuartMentorship Team Member
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTLeaderJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorVictor BeaumontYale UniversityChemistry Joint Safety Team
2020. 03 (Virtual) LSTFacilitatorVeronica HayesUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorChandra KarkiThe University of South Dakota
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorJessica MartinUniversity of ConnecticutJoint Safety Team
2019. 06 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorDavid FinsterMentorship Team Member
2019. 03 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2019. 03 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorKendra DenlingerXavier University
2018. 08 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 08 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorKaitlin TylerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 03 (In Person) LSTLeaderKali MillerUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChemistry Joint Safety Team
2018. 03 (In Person) LSTFacilitatorMichail VlysidisUniversity of MinnesotaJoint Safety Team

Description of Roles:

Leader: Recruits and trains Facilitators and Moderators; manages updates to workshop content; organizes logistics; communicates with participants before and after workshop as needed; manages technology during the workshop; leads pre-workshop practice and post-workshop review sessions for Facilitators with the Mentorship Team

Facilitator: Student researchers who have previously attended the workshop and served as Moderators, participate in updates to workshop content through pre-workshop practice and post-workshop review sessions with the Leader and Mentorship Team; delivers workshop content to live audience; facilitates small group and large group activities and discussion during the workshop.

Moderator (Position created for virtual workshops): Student researchers who have previously attended the workshop who now serve in the practice audience for pre-workshop practice sessions and participate in post-workshop review sessions; contribute to updates to workshop content; monitor Breakout Room activities during the workshop.

Mentorship Team: This team is a group of senior CHAS members and other safety professionals who support the workshop leaders with content review and advice and who also serve as back-up moderators for virtual workshops.

2021 Mentorship Team

  • Kali A. Miller
  • David Finster
  • Marta Gmurczyk
  • Mary Beth Koza
  • Ralph Stuart 
  • Samuella Sigmann

2023 Mentorship Team

  • Amanda Chung
  • Calla McCulley
  • Catherine Wilhelm
  • Dwayne Henry
  • Jessica Martin
  • Kali Miller
  • Marta Gmurczyk
  • Mary Beth Koza
  • Sammye Sigmann
  • Sara Johnson
  • Sarah Zinn
  • Tammy Lutz-Rechtin
  • Taysir Bader
  • Tilak Chandra
  • Ken Kretchman

Please check our workshop schedule for information and registration for the latest workshop!

ACS Webinar: Navigating Questions About Reproductive Health When in the Lab

October 6, 2022 @ 2:00 PM EDT

A recent analysis of the current guidance from more than 100 academic institutions’ Chemical Hygiene Plans (CHPs) indicates that the burden to implement laboratory reproductive health and safety practices is often placed on those already pregnant or planning conception. This report also found inconsistencies in the classification of potential reproductive toxins by resources generally considered to be authoritative, adding further confusion.

The publication can be found in JACS at
A Call for Increased Focus on Reproductive Health within Lab Safety Culture
Catherine P. McGeough,† Sarah Jane Mear,† and Timothy F. Jamison*

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.1c03725?ref=PDF

Other recent peer reviewed publications on the topic are
What to Expect When Expecting in Lab: A Review of Unique Risks and Resources for Pregnant Researchers in the Chemical Laboratory

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00380?ref=PDF

Nature Comment on Pregnancy in the lab Feb 2022.pdf

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41570-022-00362-0

Presenters were Robin M. Izzo, Assistant Vice President of Environmental Health and Safety at Princeton University, Dr. Rich Wittman, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stanford Health Care, and Dr. Katie McGeough, a Graduate Student at Boston College School of Social Work, as they discuss the findings reported in the Journal of American Chemical Society and provide both environmental health and safety and medical perspectives on risks to fertility, pregnancy, and other reproductive health concerns to all people working in the laboratory.

What You Will Learn

  • Understand the current state of knowledge relative to the potential reproductive health impacts of laboratory work, including chemical, biological and physical concerns 
  • Identify questions that people considering pregnancy or currently pregnant should ask about their work in the laboratory 
  • How to find and evaluate literature resources related to reproductive health issues in the lab

Webinar Presentation

  • The recording of this webinar is available to ACS members at http://www.acs.org/webinars
  • You can download the presentation file here:

The audience poll responses were:

Indicators of Success in Laboratory Safety Cultures and General Papers

Over the past decade, there has been increasing interest in improving the safety culture of laboratory settings. How do we identify and implement indicators of success of these efforts? When are quantitative cultural measurements available and when do we need to rely on qualitative indicators of movement forward? Both theoretical ideas and concrete examples of the use of this approach are welcome in this symposium. 

3745133 – Indicators of success in a safety culture, Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO, Presenter

3733703 – What’s in a name? Mapping the variability in lab safety representative positions, Sarah Zinn, Presenter; Imke Schroeder; Dr. Craig Merlic

3755577 – Factors for improving a laboratory safety coordinator (LSC) program, Kali Miller, Presenter

3754791 – Empowering student-led organizations to create effective safety policies, Angie Tse, Presenter

3738023 – Quantitative and qualitative indicators of safety culture evolution by the joint safety team, Demetra Adrahtas, Presenter; Polly Lynch; Sofia Ramirez; Brady Bresnahan; Taysir Bader

Division of Chemical Health & Safety General Papers

3752873 – Case studies and chemical safety improvements, Sandra Keyser, Presenter

3737640 – Storytelling is an art in building a “safety first” culture, Irene Cesa, Presenter; Dr. Kenneth P Fivizzani; Michael Koehler

3728705 – Vertical safety engagement through new community connections committee of the UMN joint safety team, Vilma Brandao, Presenter; Zoe Maxwell, Presenter; Jeffrey Buenaflor, Presenter; Gretchen Burke, Presenter; Steven Butler, Presenter; Xin Dong, Presenter; Nyema Harmon, Presenter; Erin Maines, Presenter; Taysir Bader; Brady Bresnahan

3752771 – Health and safety information integration: GHS 2021 version 9 in PubChem, Jian Zhang, Presenter; Evan Bolton

3754174 – Laboratory databases: Applications in safety programming, Magdalena Andrzejewska, Presenter

3748086 – Boundary Conditions- designing and operating laboratory access controls for safety, Joseph Pickel, Presenter

Safety Across the Chemical Disciplines and CHAS Awards Symposium

3741150 – Safety in the catalysis research lab, Mark Bachrach, Presenter

3754630 – Risk, safety, and troublesome territoriality: Bridging interdisciplinary divides, John G Palmer, PhD, Presenter; Brenda Palmer

3751492 – Risk-based safety education fosters sustainable chemistry education, Georgia Arbuckle-Keil, Presenter; David Finster; Ms. Samuella Sigmann, MS, CCHO; Weslene Tallmadge; Rachel Bocwinski; Marta Gmurczyk

02:00pm – 04:05pm CDT

Division of Chemical Health & Safety Awards Symposium  

Brandon Chance, Organizer, Presider

3754798 – Interdepartmental initiatives to improving campus chemical safety, Luis Barthel Rosa, Presenter

3738511 – Building and sustaining a culture of safety via ground-up approaches, Quinton Bruch, Presenter

3750224 – Safety net: Lessons in sharing safe laboratory practices, Alexander Miller, Presenter

3740645 – Governing green labs: Assembling safety at the lab bench, Susan Silbey, Presenter.

Dr. Silbey’s presentation covered laboratory safety management ideas from her recent publications:

The Nomination Process for CHAS Awards

The Division of Chemical Health and Safety, Inc. of the American Chemical Society (CHAS), is currently soliciting nominations for several awards recognizing outstanding leadership and service in the area of chemical health and safety. The deadline for all 2023 award nominations is December 1, 2022. You can download the complete guidelines for CHAS Award Nominations here.

https://dchas.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Awards-Nomination-Timeline-Grahic-1024x231.jpg

Information about each of the CHAS awards including nomination applications and a list of past recipients can be found at the links below:

The CHAS Graduate Student Safety Leadership Award is given to recognize a graduate student researcher or recent graduate (within 3 years of latest degree) who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the area of chemical health and safety in their laboratory, research group, or department. Each year the award is dedicated to a different historical figure in chemical safety. The award consists of $2000 as an honorarium and to support travel to the fall national meeting. An optional, additional $500 will be provided to support a new or ongoing project that promotes graduate student safety at the home school.

The Howard Fawcett Chemical Health and Safety Award recognizes outstanding individual contributions to the field of Chemical Health and Safety. The award consists of a commemorative plaque and a $500 prize for expenses so that the recipient can present at an award symposium at the fall ACS national meeting.

The Tillmanns-Skolnik Award was established in 1984 to recognize and honor outstanding, long-term service to the Division of Chemical Health and Safety. The award consists of a commemorative plaque and a $500 prize for expenses so that the recipient can present at an award symposium at the fall ACS national meeting.

The Laboratory Safety Institute Graduate Research Faculty Safety Award recognizes graduate-level academic research faculty who demonstrate outstanding commitment to chemical health and safety in their laboratories. The award consists of an engraved plaque and a $1,000 prize for expenses so that the recipient can present at an award symposium at the fall ACS national meeting.

The SafetyStratus College and University Health and Safety Award is given to recognize the most comprehensive laboratory safety program in higher education (undergraduate study only). The College and University award consists of a commemorative plaque and a $1000 prize for expenses so that the recipient can present at an award symposium at the fall ACS national meeting.

The CHAS Student Registration Award is given to encourage student participation in CHAS programming at ACS national meetings. The award provides reimbursement in the amount of full-conference registration fee (undergraduate, graduate, or pre-college teacher student rate, as applicable). Two student registration awards are given for each ACS national meeting.

Nominations are also solicited for special service and fellow awards:

The CHAS Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a lifetime of dedication and service to the American Chemical Society, the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety, and the field of chemical health and safety.  The awardee gives a 20 – 30 minute keynote presentation at the Awards Symposium at the fall ACS national meeting.

The Fellows Awards recognize CHAS members in good standing who have provided continuous service. Nominees who meet the criteria will receive a certificate.

A Service Award is given to the immediate past division Chair at the end of their term. The chair receives an ACS past chair’s pin and plaque.

Please contact the CHAS Awards Committee Chair, Brandon Chance for more information.  Mr. Chance can be reached at  214-768-2430 or awards@dchas.org

EHS Leadership and Diversity

Remember: No matter where you go, there you are. Samuella Sigmann 

9:10am-9:35am What is your safety role? An introduction to structured safety programs. Mary Heuges


9:35am-10:00am Safety leadership and organizational design Mary Koza 

10:35am-11:00am Workplace safety needs diversity to endure that everyone is safe Frankie Wood-Black

11:00am-11:25am Improving researcher safety: Activities of the University of California center for laboratory safety Imke Schroeder 

11:25am-11:50am Circadian rhythms based safety for managing the risks of human factor manifestation. Amir Kuat

Service Awards

Statement of Award Purpose

Service Awards are given to the immediate past Division Chair at the end of their term. The chair receives an ACS past chair’s pin and plaque.

Award Amount and Recognition

An ACS Past Chair’s pin and an appropriate plaque of appreciation to be presented at an Awards Symposium during the fall ACS national meeting following the chair’s term.

CHAS Fellows Award

Download the Nomination Application Form for this Award Here: [Click to Download CHAS Fellows Nomination Form]

Statement of Award Purpose

Fellows Awards recognize CHAS members in good standing who have provided continuous, active service to CHAS and who have made significant contributions to the Division during their active service.

Award Recognition

Certificate and lapel pin presented at the Awards Symposium during the Fall ACS national meeting.

Description of Eligible Nominees

An eligible nominee must be current members of the division who has been a member for at least fifteen years or has been a member for at least seven years (continuous membership) and has been active in CHAS activities for at least three years. Active membership is defined below.

CHAS Fellows have shown support for the goals and activities of CHAS, and has through personal effort, helped CHAS achieve those goals. The following activities designate a member as “active”:

  1. Division volunteer service including holding office in the division, chairing division committees, etc.
  2. Organization of symposia, major presentations, or other programming at national/international meetings
  3. Contributions to safety in ACS Publications
  4. Leadership of or other contributions to Division outreach activities

There is no limit to the number of CHAS Fellows named each year.

Eligible Sources of Nominations

  • Self-nomination
  • Any CHAS division member

Roster of CHAS Fellows

(Those listed in bold are also ACS Fellows)

  • Robert Alaimo
  • Peter Ashbrook
  • W. Emmett Barkley
  • Janet Baum
  • Ernest I. Becker
  • Leslie Bretherick
  • Brandon Chance
  • Daniel A. Crowl
  • Debbie Decker
  • Lou DiBerardinis
  • Laurence J. Doemeny
  • Harry J. Elston
  • Howard Fawcett
  • Barbara Foster
  • David Finster
  • Kenneth Fivizzani
  • Bill Galdenzi
  • Lawrence M. Gibbs
  • Marta Gmurczyk
  • Ruth Hathaway
  • Donald Hedberg
  • Dennis C. Hendershot
  • Robert H. Hill Jr.
  • Chris Incarvito
  • Robin Izzo
  • James Kaufmann
  • Kimberly B. Jeskie
  • Jyllian Kemsley
  • Sheila Kennedy
  • Warren Kingsley
  • Mary Beth Koza
  • Ken Kretchman
  • Daniel Kuespert
  • Neal Langerman
  • Mark Lassiter
  • Po-Yung Lu
  • Sung Moon
  • John Palmer
  • Joe Pickel
  • Lyle H. Phifer
  • Russ Phifer
  • Stanley Pine
  • Pat Redden
  • Malcolm Renfrew
  • Peter Reinhardt
  • Monona Rossol
  • Eileen Segal
  • Stephen Sichek, Sr.
  • Diane G. Schmidt
  • Sammye Sigmann
  • Mary Ann Solstad
  • Ralph Stuart
  • Ellen Sweet
  • Stephen Szabo
  • Erik A. Talley
  • Robert Toreki
  • George Wahl
  • Douglas B. Walters
  • Stefan Wawzyniecki
  • Elizabeth Weisburger
  • Frankie Wood-Black
  • I. J. Wilk
  • Kenyon D. Yoder
  • Jay Young

CHAS Graduate Student Safety Leadership Award

Download the Nomination Application Form for this Award Here: [Click to Download GRADUATE STUDENT SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD in Word format]

Statement of Award Purpose

This award is given to recognize a graduate student researcher or recent graduate (within 3 years of latest degree) who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the area of chemical health and safety in their laboratory, research group, or department.

Each year the award is dedicated to a different historical figure in chemical safety.

Award Amount and Recognition

Award Amount and Recognition

This award is made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The award consists of:

  • A $500 honorarium will be payable directly to the award recipient
  • A certificate that includes information about that year’s dedicatee
  • An invitation to deliver a 15 – 20-minute presentation at the CHAS Awards Symposium.  The presentation should describe the work recognized by the award.
  • An optional additional $2,000 will be made available to support a project that promotes graduate student safety at the home school and/or for travel expenses to the CHAS Awards Symposium at an ACS national meeting, as applicable

This award is made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.

The recipient of this award is expected to deliver a 15 – 20-minute presentation at the CHAS Awards Symposium at the ACS Fall national meeting in the year that they receive the award. The presentation should describe the work recognized by the award.

Description of Eligible Nominees

Eligible nominees are current master’s or Ph.D. candidates in research fields or those who have graduated within the past three years who demonstrate values and behaviors consistent with the criteria of this award.  The researcher may be a member of any academic department at their institution provided that chemical use is a significant part of their research. Non-ACS and CHAS members are eligible for this award. 

Award Criteria

The primary criterion for this award is demonstrated leadership of specific project(s) that support a proactive safety culture in the laboratory, research group, and/or department where the student’s research or teaching responsibilities take place. Such projects empower their peers and students to address technical and cultural safety concerns related to chemical usage, in either the teaching or research environment. 

Examples of work that calls on other safety leadership skills (e.g. participation in extramural safety conferences and organizations, publication of safety related information in research papers, development of new approaches to safety education in the lab) will support the award application, but not replace the need for a specific example of project-based leadership.

Required support for nomination

  • Cover letter from the nominator describing why the nominee is deserving of this award.
  • Two letter(s) of support from institution’s Environmental Health and Safety Office, Senior Administration or Departmental leadership.
  • Descriptions of or samples of research safety projects or initiatives lead by nominee

Eligible Sources of Nominations

  • Self-nomination
  • Teammate (fellow student or lab member)
  • Department chair
  • EH&S Department
  • Vice Provost for Research or another Senior Administrator
  • Peer

Additional Information about this Award

This award was proposed in 2020 by an anonymous donor and was developed by the CHAS Awards committee in collaboration with the donor.  The award was first given in 2021.  

Previous Awardees:

2022, given in honor of the Radium Girls

Quinton Bruch, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2021, given in honor of Sheharbano “Sheri” Sangji          
  •   Graduate Student Team Leaders:
    • Jessica De Young, University of Iowa
    • Omar Leon Ruiz, University of California, Los Angeles                      
    • Sarah Zinn,University of Chicago
    • Cristan Aviles-Martin, University of Connecticut