Tamika Marie Mocello
Leesburg,VA
Summary
Accomplished life scientist and compliance director with over 20 years of experience in environmental and public health, biosafety, chemical and radiological defense research, and regulatory compliance. Expertise in managing high-stakes programs, supervising multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Background in communicable disease, including rabies and vector-borne diseases, with hands-on experience in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments. Proven ability to lead complex investigations, drive data-informed decision-making, and deliver impactful health education and outreach. Committed to advancing public health and safety through collaborative leadership and operational excellence.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory Manager, Compliance Assurance Program Office (CAPO)
Department of Homeland Security
08.2016 - Current
- Lead the DHS Compliance Assurance Program Office, overseeing compliance for research and operational activities across seven critical areas: export control, biological and chemical arms control, biosafety, biological select agents and toxins (BSAT), dual use research of concern, animal care and use, and human subjects research.
- Direct compliance support and oversight to ensure all DHS-conducted, -funded, and -sponsored activities meet U.S. laws, international agreements, and departmental policies.
- Supervise teams responsible for biosafety, select agent/toxin security, animal care and use, and human subjects research, ensuring quality performance and adherence to public health standards.
- Regularly conduct inspections across the county and oversee investigations, risk assessments, and incident tracking for compliance issues, including joint BSAT inspections with the Federal Select Agent Program.
- Advise senior leadership and interagency partners on public health, biosafety, and regulatory compliance, including communicable disease control and laboratory safety.
- Manage program databases, maintain records, and prepare compliance reports and correspondence.
- Develop and deliver technical training and outreach to increase awareness of biosafety and communicable disease prevention.
- Support strategic planning, performance monitoring, and policy development.
Senior Policy and Compliance Analyst – Biosafety/Biosecurity
BAI, Inc.
10.2014 - 08.2016
- Developed and implemented biosafety, biosecurity, and regulatory compliance policies for federal biodefense research.
- Conducted program reviews, laboratory inspections (BSL-2/3/4 labs), and compliance investigations, generating findings and recommendations.
- Led outreach and training initiatives to enhance compliance and policy awareness.
- Collaborated with interagency partners on communicable disease and biosafety policy development.
- Managed program documentation, data analysis, and reporting.
Research Scientist & BSL-4 Laboratory Space Manager
BNBI/NBACCC
05.2010 - 09.2014
- Established and managed safe and secure BSL-4 laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with biosafety and public health regulations.
- Mentored technical staff and led project teams in infectious disease research.
- Developed detailed protocols, SOPs, and task-specific procedures.
- Performed research with a variety of biological agents, including select agents and toxins (BSAT), and supported NBACC in establishing its BSL-4 laboratory.
Development Associate II/III
SAIC-Frederick/National Cancer Institute
06.2006 - 04.2010
- Led clinical-grade viral vector production and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Chaired project meetings and coordinated cross-functional teams.
- Supported manufacturing of viral vector cancer treatments.
Biologist, Radiation Biology Group
SAIC Canada/DRDC-Ottawa
03.2003 - 06.2006
- Conducted international research in radiological defense and public health preparedness.
- Led training seminars for emergency responders and authored laboratory standards for biological dosimetry.
Education
Master of Public Health - Community Health
Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CABachelor of Arts - Biology
Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CASkills
- Leadership & Supervision: Managed multidisciplinary teams, mentored staff, and ensured high performance and professional development
- Public Health & Environmental Health: Extensive experience in communicable disease control, biosafety, and regulatory compliance, including rabies and vector-borne diseases
- Program Management: Oversaw program operations, compliance reviews, investigations, and enforcement actions
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborated with medical facilities, animal control, veterinarians, public agencies, and international partners
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Reviewed data, maintained databases, and prepared reports to inform decision-making
- Training & Outreach: Developed and delivered educational materials and outreach programs
- Compliance & Enforcement: Ensured adherence to federal, state, and local laws and regulations; conducted joint inspections with federal programs
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; experienced in preparing reports, recommendations, and correspondence
- Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience in BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4 laboratory environments, including select agent and toxin research
Certification
- Current TS/SCI Clearance
- Valid Driver’s License
Timeline
Supervisory Manager, Compliance Assurance Program Office (CAPO)
Department of Homeland Security
08.2016 - Current
Senior Policy and Compliance Analyst – Biosafety/Biosecurity
BAI, Inc.
10.2014 - 08.2016
Research Scientist & BSL-4 Laboratory Space Manager
BNBI/NBACCC
05.2010 - 09.2014
Development Associate II/III
SAIC-Frederick/National Cancer Institute
06.2006 - 04.2010
Biologist, Radiation Biology Group
SAIC Canada/DRDC-Ottawa
03.2003 - 06.2006
Master of Public Health - Community Health
Concordia University Irvine
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Concordia University Irvine
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