Purpose
The mission of the University Laboratory Safety and Design Committee is to provide essential guidance and critical oversight on regulations and standards that impact the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Composed of members from diverse backgrounds and expertise, the committee is dedicated to addressing current challenges in health, safety, environmental concerns, and waste management, while assessing and ensuring the effectiveness of university programs designed to maintain compliance with relevant regulations. Through collaborative efforts and the integration of varied perspectives, the committee strives to foster a safe, inclusive, and sustainable campus environment that upholds the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental responsibility.
General Information
The University Laboratory Safety and Design Committee consists of a broad array of university stakeholders, including tenured faculty, occupational health physicians, university code officials, and REHS staff, to provide a comprehensive and balanced approach to environmental health and safety. The committee meets 3-4 times per year to discuss current laboratory safety, health, and waste management issues and develop guidelines and procedures for these work activities.
| Member | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Buckley, Chair | Executive Director (EOHSI) | bbuckley@eohsi.rutgers.edu |
| Julie Caruth | Director of Employee Health Services (RBHS-New Brunswick/Piscataway) | jec253@eohsi.rutgers.edu |
| Swapnali Chaudhari | IRB/HRPP Director | swapnali.chaudhari@rutgers.edu |
| Mike Conte | Senior Associate Dean Office for Clinical Affairs RSDM | contemi@sdm.rutgers.edu |
| Carla Cugini | Assistant Professor (RSDM) | cc1337@sdm.rutgers.edu |
| Erin Egan | Director of Audit and Advisory Services | erin.egan@rutgers.edu |
| Jeetendra Eswaraka | Vice-President University wide Core Services and Attending Veterinarian | je352@research.rutgers.edu |
| Mark Gregory Robson | Dean of the Graduate School and Distinguished Professor | robson@sebs.rutgers.edu |
| Enver Izgu | Associate Professor (Chemistry and Chemical Biology) | ec.izgu@rutgers.edu |
| Frieder Jaekle | Distinguished Professor, Chemistry, RU-N | fjaekle@newark.rutgers.edu |
| Abigail Lazofsky | Health Safety Specialist I | atl78@rutgers.edu |
| Deborah Lazzarino | Associate Dean for Research at Rutgers NJMS; Assistant Professor (Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics) | lazzarda@rutgers.edu |
| Michelle Meloy | Associate Dean Arts & Sciences -Camden /Graduate Dean | mlmeloy@camden.rutgers.edu |
| Alma Ortiz | Strategic Sourcing Manager - Research and Healthcare | amo134@finance.rutgers.edu |
| Assimina Pelegri | Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | pelegri@soe.rutgers.edu |
| Ian Pracher | Health Safety Specialist I | ian.pracher@rutgers.edu |
| Alex Ruiz | Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety; University Safety Officer | ruiz@rutgers.edu |
| Srujana (Sam) Yadavalli | Assistant Professor (Genetics, Waksman Institute of Microbiology) | sam.yadavalli@rutgers.edu |
| Milind Shah | Director of Occupational Health | mns42@echo.rutgers.edu |
| Shaun Shahani | Director of Occupational Medicine Service (RBHS-Newark) | ss2701@njms.rutgers.edu |
| Eugene Simon | Associate Vice President Deputy Chief Enterprise Risk Management, Ethics, and Compliance Officer | simoneu@uec.rutgers.edu |
| Linda Strange | Project Manager, Construction Technology, Planning, Development, & Design | linda.strange@rutgers.edu |
| Kirsten VanMeenen | Assistant Dean for Research, School of Arts & Sciences - Newark | kirsten.vanmeenen@rutgers.edu |
| Shean Wang | Assistant Director, Construction Technology, Planning Development, & Design | scw49@ipo.rutgers.edu |
| Kathryn Zimmerman | Associate Vice President, University Academic Affairs | kathy.zimmerman@rutgers.edu |
Contacts
Overall Program Management:
Abigail Lazofsky
(848)445-3033
atl78@rutgers.edu
Health Safety Specialists (By Campus Assignment), or call (848) 445-2550
