Biosafety Expert | Lab Exposure & OSHA

Contact this Expert Witness

  • Company: Consultant
  • Phone: (314) 680-6063
  • Cell: (314) 680-6063

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

General Specialties:

Laboratories & Testing and Chemistry & Chemicals

Keywords/Search Terms:

OSHA violations, Chemical exposure, BBP exposures, lab infections, Contamination, Exposure Incidents, Toxic exposure, lab safety, lab negligence, Ventilation failure, Engineering controls, Industrial hygiene, Sterilization failure, Decontamination failure, Regulatory noncompliance, Biosafety failures, Environment of care failuress

Education:

PhD, Saint Louis University; MS, Southeast Missouri State University; BS, Southeast Missouri State University; AA, St. Louis Community College

Years in Practice:

25

Additional Information

I am a Biosafety and Laboratory Safety Expert specializing in the evaluation of laboratory-acquired infections, biological and chemical exposure incidents, and regulatory compliance in research, clinical, and high-containment laboratory environments. I provide expert analysis in matters involving OSHA violations, biosafety failures, laboratory safety practices, and system deficiencies that may result in occupational injury, illness, or contamination. My expertise includes BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory operations, exposure control planning, hazard communication (HazCom), and industrial hygiene practices in laboratory settings. I have extensive experience assessing engineering controls, including biological safety cabinets, laboratory ventilation systems, HEPA filtration, and negative pressure containment, particularly in identifying conditions that contribute to worker or environmental exposure. I evaluate laboratory safety programs, policies, and procedures to determine alignment with applicable standards and accepted practices. This includes assessment of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs), bloodborne pathogen exposure risks, chemical exposure hazards, toxic inhalation risks, and contamination events associated with deficiencies in laboratory procedures, training, or safety infrastructure. I analyze compliance with applicable regulatory and guidance frameworks, including OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.1450 – Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories; 29 CFR 1910.1030 – Bloodborne Pathogens), Hazard Communication requirements, and CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) guidance, as well as NIH Guidelines for research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids. My experience includes evaluation of sterilization processes, autoclave performance, decontamination and disinfection practices, chemical storage and handling, spill response procedures, and laboratory quality systems. I also assess training programs, competency evaluation, and institutional safety practices to determine whether personnel are adequately prepared to work safely with biological and chemical hazards. I have professional experience in biosafety program development, laboratory safety audits, regulatory compliance assessments, and research safety oversight in academic and clinical environments, including high-containment (BSL-3) laboratories. I am familiar with federal and institutional biosafety requirements, including select agent considerations and high-risk biological agent controls. My work includes identifying deviations from accepted biosafety and laboratory safety standards, evaluating contributing factors in exposure scenarios, and explaining how failures in procedures, controls, or training can lead to adverse outcomes. I am available to assist with case review, technical analysis, expert reports, deposition, and trial testimony. I hold a PhD and professional certifications including Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), and Certification in Infection Control (CIC). I am currently a candidate for the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential. My work includes teaching, training, and advising on biosafety, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance. FEE SCHEDULE AND ENGAGEMENT TERMS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.