Keynote Speaker:
Chalk Dust to Stardust; Dr. Kenneth Harris, Harris, LLC
Dr. Kenneth Harris shares his path from a curious student in a public school classroom to managing mission-critical work at NASA. His story begins with early exposure to science through hands-on learning and continues through internships where he worked in - and later led - laboratory environments supporting real-world space missions.
Through each stage, Dr. Harris highlights how mentorship, preparation, and a deep respect for every role in a missions life cycle has shaped his career. From managing supplies and safety protocols to supporting engineering teams across eight NASA missions, including a Mars rover and an observatory that can see back more than 13 billion years ago, he connects the dots between foundational lab experiences and high-stakes aerospace achievement.
The Chemistry of Taste and Smell: Understanding Our Sensory Perception; Russ Phifer, WC Environmental, LLC
We can all “sense” that taste and smell go together to create the overall sensation we get when we eat or drink. In actuality, all five of our senses can contribute, from the sight of a beautifully prepared dish to the sizzle of a steak, to the texture of the food, and obviously, taste and smell, whether good or bad! Taste and smell heavily influence our food preferences and choices, from early childhood through old age. This presentation will explore how taste and smell collaborate. Taste is heavily influenced by our taste buds and their respective cells, allowing us to experience every range from sweet to bitter. Smell is all about olfactory reception neurons to allow us to respond to specific odor molecules in the environment. Yes, smell has its uses in the laboratory as well! We’ll at least briefly explore what that means from a safety perspective.
Scaling Sustainable Labs Solutions in Higher Education; Fiona Hogan Bradford, University of Virginia Office for Sustainability
Sustainable labs aren't just greener - they’re safer and more efficient with materials, times, and grant dollars. The Sustainable Labs Program at the University of Virginia (UVA), launched in 2016, has earned recognition from the International Institute for Sustainable Labs, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others for its impacts. At the core of this longstanding program are collaborative partnerships between researchers, safety professionals, facilities managers, leadership, and sustainability professionals. Join us to learn more about how these coalitions have worked together, overcoming challenges and exploring new opportunities, to scale the Sustainable Labs Program at an R-1 university.
Fiona Hogan Bradford is the Sustainable Labs Project Associate for the University of Virginia’s Office for Sustainability. In this role, she supports lab sustainability initiatives at every scale – from research building retro commissioning projects to behavior change campaigns with sustainability minded researchers. Fiona holds BAs in Linguistics and African Studies as well as a Master’s in Sustainable Development Practice, all from the University of Florida. With almost over a decade of experience working in higher education, Fiona is passionate about the role these institutions can play in driving innovation and educating the next generation of sustainability leaders.
DCM & Decaf: Navigating the EPA’s New Regulations; Todd Wincek, Georgia Gwinnett College
For several year we’ve heard of new regulations restricting the use of several chemicals including Dichloromethane (DCM). Last year the EPA released the final ruling on DCM eliminating its use in many industries but allowing its continued use in laboratories. However, for laboratories to continue to use DCM, the EPA’s regulations included strict guidelines that institutions must adhere to. This presentation will explore some of the history of how these regulations evolved, review the current regulations, and discuss the impact they have on educational institutions. We will also look at ways Lab Managers can be proactive in becoming compliant with the new regulations.
Todd is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. After graduating with a degree in Biology, Todd started his career as a Field Sampling Manager with American Analytical Laboratories in Akron, OH. After a move back to South Carolina, he taught Middle and High school Biology for Anderson and Aiken School districts before taking a Laboratory Technician position at Augusta State University. At ASU, Todd managed both Biology and Chemistry labs for a couple years before making a move to Tennessee and eventually becoming Manager of Chemistry Laboratories for Middle Tennessee State University. In 2011 Todd became the Chemistry Lab Supervisor with Georgia Gwinnett College where he manages the Chemistry labs, and chemical inventory. Todd has been member of NAOSMM since 2005 and served as President in 2013 to 2015. Todd is currently Chair of the Technology Committee.
Vertebrate Animal Biosafety - Gloves On, Teeth Off; Tom Leonard, University of Virginia
The care and use of vertebrate animals presents a variety of inherent hazards and potential risks to personnel. When biological agents are administered to animals for experiments purposes, it is important that personnel recognize the unique risks and characteristics associated with the biological agent and take appropriate precautions to minimize exposure. This presentation will provide an overview of biosafety regulations, guidelines, and preventative measures associated with vertebrate animal research, including examination of risks and precautions associated with animals and biological agents commonly used in research. A case-study of an occupationally acquired infection resulting from animal handling will be presented, along with other important occupational health and safety considerations.
Navigating the Needs of the Sample Preparation Workflow; Jim Averso & Lisa Jones, I.W. Tremont
Sample preparation is a critical step in the lab sandwiched between collection and analysis. Frequently, sample prep presents challenges as there are a number of consumables utilized with sequential steps within the SOP. With this many opportunities for failure, it is important to understand the needs of the scientist conducting the work.
In this discussion, we will present the basics to consider in choosing some of the correct supplies most frequently utilized in sample prep such as liquid handling, filtration, extraction, sample conveyance, weighing aids, and safety. Understanding which products to choose is only part of the Materials Manager’s role, so we will also touch on choosing a supplier and stockroom inventory management concerns at today’s college and universities.
Chemical Fume Hoods and Laboratory Ventilation Demystified; Kristy Davis, University of Virginia
This presentation provides an overview of chemical fume hoods and laboratory ventilation, emphasizing their critical role in protecting lab personnel from airborne chemical hazards and maintaining a safe research environment. Key topics include the function and types of fume hoods, performance factors, limitations, testing and commissioning protocols, common reasons for performance failure, and integration with building systems. The session also covers best practices for users, energy efficiency tips, regulatory standards, and the vital support role of materials managers in ensuring proper hood use and ventilation safety. Attendees will gain practical insights into optimizing lab ventilation and contributing to a compliant and efficient research setting.
“Looking” to Learn More about Preserved Materials?; Melissa Hodges, Carolina Biological Supply Company
Join Carolina Biological Supply Company bright and early for a hands-on workshop! We will be providing answers to some of your frequently asked questions about Preserved Materials. We’ll give you some tips and tricks on ordering, storage, disposal, and more. Then we’ll team up and do an actual eye dissection. We’ll be keeping an eye out for you!
Gas Safety, Cylinder Handling, and Market Insights: A PurityPlus Perspective; Ashley Bivens, Nick Kaplan, Addison Vickers, & John Duggan, PurityPlus
This presentation will provide laboratory supply managers with essential insights into gas safety, handling, and purchasing. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of gas-related safety protocols, proper storage practices, and the latest developments in the specialty gas market. The session will also explore key considerations when ordering gases or gas-handling equipment, helping participants better navigate vendor relationships and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re new to gas procurement or seeking to strengthen your safety knowledge, this session is designed to deliver practical takeaways you can apply immediately.
The Independent Welding Distributors (IWDC) PurityPlus Program is a nationwide network of independent specialty gas producers committed to providing research-grade gases and related equipment to laboratories and institutions with uncompromising quality and service. PurityPlus members adhere to strict quality standards and supported by robust technical expertise and customer service. Representing the PurityPlus Program at this year’s NAOSMM Conference are seasoned professionals with deep experience in specialty gas production, regulatory compliance, laboratory safety, and supply chain logistics. These experts bring decades of collective experience and insight into how independent distributors are uniquely positioned to offer agile, reliable, and customized solutions to scientific and research facilities across the country.
TTB Permits & You - Industrial User Permits for Tax Free Alcohol; Amanda Kelty, Greenfield Global
The TTB’s regulations on Ethanol can be mind boggling. Even more so for those who hold TTB permits for Tax Free Alcohol and, by the very nature of their organizations, have no other contact with the TTB or it’s regulations. This presentation cover the who, what, and why of tax free ethanol - who may receive it, what you need to do to obtain and maintain you tax free permit with the TTB, and the regulations that are the why of all of it.
Sensor Maintenance and Adapting to Changing Tech; Colleen McDaniel, Vernier Science Education
Join Colleen McDaniel from Vernier Science Education in a session on the best practices to help maintain and store you laboratory’s probeware. This session will concentrate on sensors and instrumentation that need some extra TLC throughout the term like pH meters, ion-selective electrodes, and O2 gas sensors - including those that have rechargeable batteries. We will also briefly cover maintaining and troubleshooting spectrometers. Lastly, students have a variety of devices now from computers to iPads to Chromebooks. We will discuss these changing technologies and what that means for laboratory courses and software.
The 3 Critical Elements of Lab Design; Terry Looney, STX Labs
This presentation will discuss the most essential considerations of laboratory design and how they apply to new labs and renovations of exiting labs.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Retirement Plans; Greg Papantonio, PlanPILOT
Preparing for retirement requires careful planning, informed decision-making, and an understanding of key financial concepts. This session explores retirement savings, including saving rates, pretax vs. Roth contributions and employer-sponsored plans vs. IRAs. With new catch-up rules, maximizing savings is critical. Investment selection, including default target date funds vs. a do-it-yourself strategy, will be examined. Topics also include longevity risk, lifetime income, elder abuse, and changes to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). This session provides valuable insights into these critical topics and highlights resources available to help individuals make informed decisions about their financial future.
From Noise to Signal: Moving Beyond Safety Theater to Building Systems that Work; Stephen Taylor, Laboratory Safety Institute
We’ve seen the power of a bold safety narrative: Vision Zero. The goal to eliminate all traffic deaths inspired headlines, new policies, and redesigned cities. I remember working on airbag technology - believing in that vision, and seeing firsthand how hard it is to make it real. Today, traffic deaths are climbing again. The story still inspires. The data tells a different one. Are we fooling ourselves?
In laboratories, we’ve long echoed that same narrative - zero incidents, zero lost-time accidents, zero harm. I’ve worked in organizations that proudly celebrated perfect safety records, only to be blindsided by events that revealed what those records had hidden: shallow training, weak systems, and a culture of silence. This keynote asks: Are we measuring what matters? Are we building systems that work - or just maintaining appearances?
We’ll explore how to move beyond safety theater and toward a culture grounded in storytelling, psychological safety, and systems thinking. That means embracing real stories, even when they’re uncomfortable. It means treating small incidents and near misses not as bad news, but as vital signals from the system itself.
We’ll also introduce the Science Incident Dashboard, including a new K-12 version that highlights the patterns we often overlook. The message is clear: most failures are systemic - and that means they’re also solvable.
This talk isn’t about blame or perfection. It’s about clarity, culture, and the strength to tune out the noise and focus on the signals that really keep people safe.
Everything to Know about Syringes: Navigating the Syringe Space; Matt Falvo, Air-Tite Products, Inc.
Matt Falvo will educate the attendees on different syringe types and their uses. He will provide an overview of the current syringe landscape as it relates to the macro-environment so attendees come away with a better understanding of syringe use, the clinical applications, and the macro-economic impact in today’s environment. Additional topics that will be covered include the difference between RX and lab use and also a look at tariffs and the impact to cost and supply chain.
2 Worlds - Dynamics & Management of Your Team; Daniel Martin, Lawrence University
As a lab manager, you likely sit at the intersection of two worlds. You have individuals that you supervise and others that supervise you. Creating and being a part of a team is important to the success of your endeavors. To explore that team dynamic, specific situations from my professional experience will be presented to foster reflection of your role and hopefully provide avenues for you to make your own team better.
Since high school, the common theme in Daniel's life has been aid and assistance. 12 years as a Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor, 17 years as an Assistant Swimming & Diving Coach, several stints as a volunteer for the Rowing Club, and other minor roles, all for Lawrence University. In the community, he volunteers for local road races as a course marshal and periodically a bicycle marshal, ensuring the safety of participants. When not busy assisting others, he enjoys slinging a hammock in various area parks, constructing little wood projects for mostly practical purposes/organization, kayaking around Wisconsin lakes and rivers, and propagating jade plants via rooting and cutting to give to others. It's a satisfying feeling to be around others making a difference.
Thursday Professional Development: Leading During Unpredictable Times
Candace Nicolls leads the Executive Development and Coaching practices at Envoy. A former Chief People Officer for fast growth technology companies, her focus is on ensuring our executive clients can negotiate the best performance from their talent by finding mutually agreed goals, incentives, and accountability metrics. Candace leads conversations focused on understanding organizational dynamics and collaboratively finding pathways to resolution and higher performance. As part of this practice, she leads Envoy’s research collaborations on building social connection within high performing teams and addressing executive loneliness.
Scott Wayne is the lead negotiator at Envoy. He supports executives and government leaders in negotiating partnerships, navigating crises, and resolving conflict. He particularly focuses on arenas where commercial, government, and nonprofit issues intersect. Scott teaches executive leadership programs and speaks at conferences on combining negotiation theory, behavioral economics, and stagecraft to understand human behaviors, negotiate through conflict, and influence outcomes.
Predictability is out, uncertainty is in. The traditional “rules” that applied in society are shifting and core assumptions are no longer solid. More than ever, leaders need the right tools to guide their teams to high performance as they navigate uncharted waters. In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a series of frameworks and tools to help them drive optimal performance from their teams.
Key Takeaways:
1. How to contextualize changing operating environments for decision making.
2. How to build flexible operating models to respond to changing scenarios.
3. How to stabilize team members intellectually and emotionally in uncertain environments.
4. How to motivate high-performers to remain focused on mission without full information or resources.
5. How to make optimal tradeoffs in the face of imperfect knowledge.
Procurement Roundtable; Moderated by Amanda Luna, University of New Mexico
Are you looking to optimize your procurement processes and build stronger vendor relationships? Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion designed for procurement professionals like you. We’ll cover everything from vendor price negotiation and optimal product sourcing to leveraging institutional agreements, crafting effective RFPs, and developing efficient organizational strategies. This roundtable is your opportunity to share your experiences, learn from the proven successes of your peers, and build valuable connections with other procurement experts. Come ready to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and elevate your procurement practices.
Virtual Reality (VR) in the Lab; Kathryn Malody, Hamline University
In this session new will discuss the reality of the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the lab. I will describe the ways Hamline University chemistry and biology faculty have incorporated VR headsets into their labs as tools for learning skills and concepts, and modeling. I will cover computer requirements, headset maintenance and storage, as well as some of the software that is available. There will even be a hands-on demonstration and opportunity to try it out yourself. Please come ready to share you own VR experiences (or lack thereof), questions and concerns.
Kathryn Malody earned B.A.s in Biology and Environmental Science from Macalester College, St Paul MN and a M.S. in Botany from the University of Minnesota. She joined the staff at Hamline University, St Paul MN, in 1990. She enjoys a diversity of duties and challenges: overseeing the creation of new biology lab spaces, reorganizing resources and programmatic space between two separate buildings, training and supervising the student workers, and managing all aspects of running the biology teaching and research labs, as well as teaching laboratory and seminar sections. Kathryn joined NAOSMM summer 2011. She attended each subsequent national meeting, benefitting from the seminars, roundtables and “talking shop” with people who face very similar challenges.
My Green Lab; Jordan Ridgeway, Impact Laboratories
Join us for an overview of My Green Lab and the newly updated My Green Lab Certification 2.0—the leading standard for lab sustainability. This session will cover the environmental challenges labs face, the solutions offered through Certification 2.0, and the real-world benefits, including energy and waste reduction, ESG alignment, and enhanced staff engagement. Learn how labs around the world are using this program to meet climate goals and drive meaningful change.
Effective Student Worker Performance Reviews; Dave Ross, Calvin University
Performance reviews may be one of the hardest aspects of any job. It can be a stressful experience for the worker as well as the supervisor. Because of this, some may have just given up on doing performance reviews altogether. Which is unfortunate because, if done correctly, it can be a positive and beneficial experience for both people involved. In this session, I will discuss ways to conduct effective performance reviews for student workers in an undergraduate setting.
Dave obtained his degree in Chemistry from Wisconsin Lutheran College. After graduating, he worked for 7 years as a Quality Control Chemist in the pharmaceutical and medical device testing industries. He returned to Wisconsin Lutheran College to be the Building Manager/Chemistry Stockroom Manager for the new Science building. After 13 years he took the position of Chemistry Lab Manager at Calvin University and just completed his 8th year. Dave has been a NAOSMM member for 18 years and served the organization in many roles, including the Executive Board, Site Selection, Conference Host, and currently the Membership Committee chair.
RFID Tracking for BYU Chemical Inventory; Matthew Allen & Todd Fluckiger, Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University recently implemented an RFID-based system for tracking and managing academic chemical inventories across campus. This workshop will highlight how the new system has streamlined our chemical audit process, improved compliance with OSHA requirements, and enhanced overall safety and efficiency. Attendees will learn about the challenges we faced, the tools, we used, and the measurable outcomes we’ve observed since deploying the system. Whether you’re exploring RFID for the first time or looking to refine your current practices, this session will provide practical insights and real world case study from a large academic institution.
