About Research Safety


The Research Safety unit provides coordination and support related to regulatory program compliance, loss control, incident management, chemical product evaluation, PPE selection and distribution, regulatory agency support and citation management, and equipment approval for field and laboratory-based research efforts. Our unit develops and implements comprehensive research safety programs in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Meet Our Team

Name Title Email
Sandra Conrrad Assistant Director, Research Safety sconrrad@uci.edu
Alice Lee IBC Administrator alicecl@uci.edu
Amir Irannejad Senior Research Safety Specialist amir.irannejad@uci.edu
Angela Geissbuhler Research Safety Programs Manager ageiss@uci.edu
Aytana Sanchez Research Safety Specialist aytanas@uci.edu
Christine Tafoya Biosafety Officer (BSO) tafoyac1@uci.edu
Izabela Ibraim ABSO/High Containment Lab Officer (HCLO) icoimbra@uci.edu
Judi Abegania Assistant Biosafety Officer jabegani@uci.edu
Medalyn Supnet Research Safety Specialist msupnet@uci.edu
Ryan Morinaka Administrative Policy Analyst rmorinak@uci.edu
VACANT Chemical Safety Officer
(For inquiries, contact Sandra Conrrad)
VACANT Controlled Substances and DOT Program Coordinator
(For inquiries, contact Angela Geissbuhler)

Our Programs

  • Controlled Substances Research Program and DOT Drug and Alcohol Program
  • Occupational Health preventative medicine and medical monitoring for all areas on campus, including research and non-research groups, medical referral, immunization review, and medical clearance to wear appropriate PPE. Allergy assessment and coordination of medical accommodations with the relevant departments on campus
  • PPE Distribution Program for Research Laboratories
  • Vivaria Safety Officer and AED campus program

Our Services

  • Controlled Substances Use Authorization (CSUA)
    We maintain and support all aspects of the UCI Controlled Substances Use Authorization (CSUA) Program to comply with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrations governing the use of controlled substances for research, veterinary and teaching purpose. This includes CSUA’s for chemical precursors and the DEA List I chemicals and campus DEA liaison for Schedules II-V registrations.
  • Lab Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    We support the research community on campus by providing the appropriate PPE, personal fit-testing, and training on appropriate use. We assess needs and track distribution of PPE through an online application, manage laundry services for the entire campus, and offers prescription eye protection.
  • Occupational Health
    We support the health and well-being of all UCI employees and researchers by ensuring that workplaces are safe. We accomplish this by coordinating with other campus locations to ensure employees/ researchers with different medical conditions have the proper work environment or PPE to work safely.
  • Vivarium Safety
    We support IACUC efforts to ensure safety in research involving animals. Specifically, EHS develops procedures, conducting assessments of research spaces and investigates and responds to safety and injury incidents.