Safety

At LIMR, safety is a priority in all aspects of our research. There are two committees within LIMR that oversee Laboratory Safety, the Biosafety/Recombinant DNA Committee (BRDC) and the Chemical/General Safety Committee.  These groups develop, implement, and coordinate the laboratory and biological safety programs for all of LIMR’s research laboratories. In addition, radiation safety is coordinated with the Lankenau Hospital Radiation Safety Committee.  

The BRDC oversees research involving recombinant DNA, pathogenic organisms, and/or human or non-human primate derived materials (cell lines, tissues, fluid, etc.).  Additionally, the Committee oversees all projects involving infectious agents (RG-2 and 3) and certain toxins, which are on the CDC Select agents list.

It is the responsibility of the Investigator to submit the proposed research to the BRDC for approval before the research has begun. You may not start your research until your protocol has been reviewed and approved by the BRDC.

Members of the Biosafety/Recombinant DNA Committee:

• James Mullin, Ph.D, Chair and Professor
• Gwen Talham, DVM, Veterinarian Consultant
• Lisa Laury Kleintop, Ph.D, Associate Professor
• Thomas Stamato, Ph.D, Professor
• Lawrence Livornese, M.D .(Infectious Disease)
• Michael McCann, Ph.D. (community member)
• Janice Knepper, Ph.D. (community member)
• Anne Marie Hobson, Director of Regulatory Affairs (non-voting)

The Chemical/General Safety Committee assists Principal Investigators in providing training on general laboratory safety and overseeing the use of chemicals.

Members of the Chemical/General Safety Committee:

• Robert Cox, Ph.D., Chair and Professor
• Mary Carmen Valenzano, Biomedical Research Assistant
• James DuHadaway, Research Laboratory Associate        
• Ann Jonik,  Technician
• John Laughlin, Research Annex Supervisor
• Gwen Gilliard, Research Institute Assistant (non-voting)
• Thomas Stamato, Ph.D., Professor

Advisors:

• Anne Marie Hobson, Advisor, Director of Regulatory Affairs (non-voting)
• Brandon Sternbach, Advisor, Director of Facilities Services at Lankenau Hospital