Manages the HAX Startup Laboratory and oversees all safety programs, supervising engineering companies building new robotics, sensors, connectivity, electronics, critical materials, and industrial processes for climate and biotechnology prototypes and applications
Develops and implements laboratory safety and regulatory compliance protocols to ensure compliance with OSHA Right-to-Know, EPA/RCRA, DOT, and NJDEP regulations
Manages the hazardous materials program (hazardous chemicals and universal waste) to ensure facility compliance with disposal and DOT/IATA shipping regulations
Senior Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY
08.2021 - 09.2023
Reported directly to the EH&S Assistant Vice President and oversaw EH&S operations across 700+ Columbia University research laboratories
Supervised six EH&S Safety Officers to lead activities, including Laboratory safety inspections, hazard evaluations, risk assessments, chemical fume hood testing, radiation safety audits
Developed and managed the Medical Center's laboratory safety programs, including respiratory protection, biological safety and animal care (IACUC/IBC), ionizing radiation safety, chemical exposure/risk assessments, and hazardous waste/materials management
Senior Safety Advisor, Environmental Health & Safety
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY
02.2018 - 08.2021
Conducted hazardous materials operations, including waste collection, EPA manifest signing, chemical shipping, and universal waste compliance inspections
Performed safety inspections/audits, IH equipment testing/calibration, and risk assessments
Provided technical guidance and training to research staff on experimental methods, safety protocols, and standard laboratory practices
Laboratory Analyst
SGS Galson
East Syracuse , NY
06.2016 - 07.2017
Performed acid digestion and quantitative analysis of metals in client samples (filters, wipes, and paints) according to OSHA/NIOSH protocols
Generated preliminary reports for clients containing data results, permissible exposure limits and accuracy statements and provided such reports in a 5-day turnaround time.
Participated in continuing method developments for improved analyses including spectral interference studies, limit of quantification studies and matrix desorption studies.
Performed quarterly sampling, analysis, and verification of the laboratory and equipment to maintain a hazard-free, contamination-free, OSHA-regulated, and AIHA-compliant environment.
Firmly documented all protocols performed on samples during analysis via LIMS including reagents/standards use, acid matrix used, referenced method and any/all anomalies associated with the given samples.
Graduate Assistant
SUNY Oswego Fitness Centers
Oswego, NY
08.2015 - 05.2016
Served as a laboratory instructor for upper-division chemistry sections that routinely taught experimental techniques such as nucleic acid extraction, enzyme kinetics, basic cell culturing, protein quantification assays, and basic organic synthesis
Responsible for handling/transporting chemicals and properly disposing of hazardous wastes as per requested by the chemistry department
Routinely ensured that all laboratory equipment was calibrated and handled properly by students
Responsible for updating and maintaining official student records such as laboratory report results, attendance, and final grades
Regularly participated in faculty-wide meetings which covered experimental manual procedures, safety training, and the assignment of other responsibilities as deemed necessary by the chemistry department
Education
Master of Science - Chemistry
SUNY Oswego
New York
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
SUNY Oswego
New York
Timeline
Laboratory & Safety Manager
SOSV/HAX Tech Startup Accelerator
09.2023 - Current
Senior Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
Columbia University Medical Center
08.2021 - 09.2023
Senior Safety Advisor, Environmental Health & Safety
<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC<ul>
<li>Spearhead the management and oversight of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) project, a pivotal national asset developed in partnership with the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S</li>
<li>Department of Homeland Security (DHS)</li>
<li>Collaborate with USDA and DHS stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition of operations and mission capabilities from the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF, ensuring uninterrupted research, diagnostics, and training essential to national security</li>
<li>Lead the operational endurance phase, validating work processes and laboratory setups to guarantee compliance with the highest safety and biocontainment standards, particularly in biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) environments</li>
<li>Act as the hiring manager, conducting interviews and selecting high-quality employees to ensure the success of both DCA and NBAF</li>
<li>Serve as a subject matter expert pert for the payroll system Paychex, overseeing and approving payroll for 63 officers biweekly while managing paid time off and leave requests to maintain the security posture for the facility</li>
<li>Monitor project milestones, providing critical updates to senior management and stakeholders while ensuring alignment with USDA's mission objectives and federal guidelines</li>
<li>Direct the development and execution of strategic initiatives to facilitate efficient collaboration with federal partners, ensuring all laboratory operations adhere to regulatory requirements set forth by the Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP)</li>
<li>Foster a culture of excellence and professionalism within the team, emphasizing rigorous training, safety compliance, and operational integrity as key components of NBAF's mission to safeguard public health and the nation's food supply</li>
<li>Monitored budgeting activities by tracking expenditures and providing regular updates to management.</li>
<li>Analyzed existing processes within a department or organization in order to identify areas for improvement or increased efficiency.</li>
<li>Implemented quality control measures throughout each stage of a project's lifecycle.</li>
<li>Worked closely with senior managers to ensure that all projects were completed according to schedule.</li>
<li>Conducted research on potential vendors, suppliers, contractors and subcontractors for projects.</li>
<li>Provided administrative support to the Project Manager in order to facilitate successful project outcomes.</li>
<li>Prepared monthly progress reports summarizing key accomplishments achieved since the last report.</li>
<li>Trained junior staff on best practices for managing multiple projects simultaneously.</li>
</ul> at Defense Contracting Activity, LLC
Safety Director/Compliance Officer/Laboratory Manager at Corning Area HealthcareSafety Director/Compliance Officer/Laboratory Manager at Corning Area Healthcare