Kenyon's Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), as prescribed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is responsible for oversight of experiments involving pathogens and recombinant DNA. The committee works with researchers to ensure pathogen exposure is properly managed and genetically modified organisms are properly contained and destroyed. To accomplish this, the committee will:
- review all recombinant DNA research projects both a) funded and b) non-funded,
- review the use of a) human tissue, b) blood, and c) other infectious agents,
- create policies and procedures for safe laboratory practices,
- assist researchers with compliance and permits,
- report problems and incidents, and
- file an annual report.
IBC registration and/or approval of research protocols involving these activities is required for compliance with federal regulations governing grants from the National Institute of Health and National Science Foundation.
Resources
- NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (PDF): for investigators preparing their IBC applications
- IBC Approval Guidelines (PDF): for Kenyon IBC members reviewing applications
- Kenyon IBC Protocol Application (Word doc)
- Kenyon IBC Meeting Minutes
Institutional Biosafety Committee Member Roster
| Name | Title and Contact information | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah Petersen | Ashby Denoon Associate Professor of Neuroscience 203 N. College Rd., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5259 | petersens@kenyon.edu |
Chair and Designated Animal Expert |
| Rebecca Clements | Assistant Professor of Biology 202 N. College Rd., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5726 | clements1@kenyon.edu |
Designated Microbiology Expert |
| Karen Hicks | Professor of Biology 202 N. College Rd., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5379 | F: 740-427-5741 | hicksk@kenyon.edu |
Designated Plant Expert; Microbiology Expert |
| Kerry Rouhier | Associate Professor of Chemistry 200 N. College Rd., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5359 | F: 740-427-5731 | rouhierk@kenyon.edu |
Plant Expert |
| Darcy Blankenhorn | Biology Materials and Laboratory Technical Director 202 . College Rd., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5382 | F: 740-427-5741 | blankenh@kenyon.edu |
Environmental Health and Safety Representative and Secretary |
| Mehrnaz Siahi | Chemical & Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator 202 College Park St., Gambier, OH 43022 V: 740-427-5838 | siahi1@kenyon.edu |
Staff Representative and Secretary |
| Pheba George | Associate Professor of Biological and Health Sciences Mount Vernon Nazarene University 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 V: 740-392-6868 Ext. 3269 | pheba.george@mvnu.edu |
Community Representative |
| Margaret Somple | Pediatrician, Knox Community Hospital D.O, University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine margaret.somple@kch.org |
Community Representative |