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Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee

The Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee (BBC) provides leadership and guidance on policies and practices which impact biosafety and biosecurity in state, local and territorial laboratories that protect the public’s health.

Questions?

Contact us: [email protected]

Our Purpose

About the Committee

Committee Charge

The BBC serves as technical experts and assists state, local and territorial governmental laboratories and federal partners, such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with strengthening biosafety and biosecurity programs; collaborating with partners to provide guidance and resources to clinical laboratories to assist with implementing biosafety programs; and developing and delivering biosafety and biosecurity training programs.

Priorities

  1. Support APHL members with safety in response to all known and emerging biological threats.
  2. Develop and promote biosafety and biosecurity resources across laboratory levels.
  3. Establish partnerships with laboratory instrument manufacturers to enhance biosafety and cyberbiosecurity issues.
  4. Strengthen biosafety and biosecurity workforce capacity through training and professional development.
  5. Advance integration of biosafety and biosecurity into laboratory quality systems.
Our Work

Projects and Work Products

Current Projects

The BBC is currently working on:

  • Developing a checklist on “Handling a Specimen Suspected of Containing a High-consequence Pathogen (HCP)” to support laboratories in identifying potential gaps in institutional biosafety plans and strengthening readiness for safely managing a suspected HCP.
  • Launching a Biosafety Bootcamp designed to help biosafety professionals prepare for the American Biological Safety Association’s Certified Biosafety Professional exam, expand foundational and advanced biosafety knowledge and strengthen safety practices across laboratory settings.
  • Developing educational resources, including one-pagers, on topics such as biosecurity fundamentals, benefits of establishing an on-site biosafety committee and mental wellness in biosafety to support biosafety professionals in strengthening safety culture, enhancing awareness and promoting laboratory preparedness.

Recently Completed Work Products

The BBC was instrumental in producing the following materials:

Tool / Work Aid
2025
Laboratory Instrument Pre-purchase Risk Assessment Checklist
Before purchasing new laboratory equipment, use this checklist to reduce safety and security risks associated with its design, operation and infrastructure needs, or maintenance and training requirements.
Public Health Preparedness and Response
Tool / Work Aid
2025
Laboratory Biosecurity Risk Assessment Tool: A Guide for Public Health and Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories
Evaluate potential biosecurity threats and vulnerabilities in public health and clinical laboratories related to biological materials, equipment, personnel and operations.
Public Health Preparedness and Response
Tool / Work Aid
2025
Biosafety Professional Position Description Template
This biosafety professional position template can assist state and local public laboratories with recruitment efforts, with the ultimate goal of improving safety across the jurisdiction.
Public Health Preparedness and Response, Biosafety and Biosecurity
Our Team

Meet the Committee

The BBC has members representing state, local and institutional APHL member laboratories.

Timothy Southern, PhD, D(ABMM)
Committee Chair | Nevada State Public Health Laboratory

Michael Pentella, PhD, D(ABMM)
Board of Directors Liaison | State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa 

Carrie Anglewicz, MS
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Kayle Cirrincione
Dallas County Health and Human Services 

Peter Davis, RBP(ABSA)
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment

Marian Downing, RBP, CBSP, SM(NRCM)
Liaison | American Biological Safety Association

Kate Fitzpatrick, MPH, MBA, MB(ASCP)CM
Arizona Bureau of State Laboratory Services

Jasmine Guillet, MPH
Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory

David Hill, MEM, CIH
New York State Department of Health—Wadsworth Center

Peter Iwen, MS, PhD, D(ABMM), F(AAM)
Nebraska Public Health Laboratory

Leah Kloss
Florida Department of Health

Eric Lundquist, RBP (ABSA), MLS (ASCP)CM
Minnesota Department of Health

Michael Perry, DrPH, MEd
New York State Department of Health-Wadsworth Center 

Casey Schroeder, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM, MB, SM
Texas Department of State Health Services

Julie Viruez, MLS(ASCP)CM
Tennessee Department of Health

Stormy Chester
Committee Liaison

Michael Marsico, MS

Chris Mangal, MPH

Tyler Wolford, MS

Rana Rahmat, MPH