Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
THE INSTITUTIONAL BIOSAFETY COMMITTEE (IBC)
In accordance with the NIH Guidelines, the University has established an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) responsible for the review of all research involving recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules and transgenic animals. The IBC is a University-wide standing committee advisory to the Vice President for Research.
On behalf of the Institution, and in accordance with the NIH Guidelines, the Institutional Biosafety Committee is responsible for oversight and review of rDNA research including independent assessment of: containment levels, laboratory facilities, procedures, practices, health surveillance, and training and expertise of personnel involved in the rDNA research.
Additionally, the IBC provides consultation to the Institution’s research community including faculty, staff, and students, concerning issues of biohazards, laboratory biosafety procedures, and appropriate biological techniques (best practices) to minimize risk and hazard.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Membership Roster
Updated 5/28/2025
Member Name | Member Role | Specialization |
Dr. Liping Tang | Primary Voting Member; Chair | rDNA and Animal Expert |
Mr. Martin Rugroden | Primary Voting Member | Non-Affiliated Member |
Dr. Alison Ravenscraft | Primary Voting Member | Plant Expert |
Mr. Philip Oilepo | Primary Voting Member | Non-Affiliated Member |
Dr. Merja Karwoski | Primary Voting Member | Labratory Safety Expert |
Ms. Melissa Conklin-Pierce | Alternate Voting Member |
Biosafety Specialist (BSO Alternate) |
Ms. Maria "Renee" Franco | Policy & Law (Non-Voting Member/IBC Coordinator) | Contact Person |
IBC Meeting Schedule
IBC Meeting Date |
Deadline for Protocol Submissions* |
Thursday, July 3, 2025 |
Thursday, July 17, 2025 |
Thursday, August 7, 2025 |
Thursday, August 21, 2025 |
Thursday, September 4, 2025 |
Thursday, September 18, 2025 |
Thursday, October 2, 2025 |
Thursday, October 16, 2025 |
Thursday, November 6, 2025 |
Thursday, November 20, 2025 |
Thursday, December 4, 2025 |
Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
Thursday, January 15, 2026 |
Thursday, February 5, 2026 |
Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
Thursday, March 19, 2026 |
Thursday, April 2, 2026 |
Thursday, April 16, 2026 |
Thursday, May 7, 2026 |
Thursday, May 14, 2026 |
Thursday, June 4, 2026 |
Thursday, June 18, 2026 |