Environmental Health and Safety

Safety Shout Out

This month's Safety Shout Out goes to Eboy Coats! Ebony is a research specialist with FIU’s Department of Public Health. Particularly, she is the lab manager for Dr. Azzam’s research lab. Since Ebony joined Dr. Azzam’s research lab, she has worked tirelessly to set up and maintain an environment that is safe for the technicians, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students to perform their research. This includes developing a complete document of the standard operating procedures for the lab, as well as specific protocols for each of the many types of samples, chemicals, and toxicants that the lab works with. In addition to working on procedures and protocols for the lab, Ebony makes sure all incoming members and/or students are onboarded fully by completing all the required safety trainings and clearance. She maintains detailed records of these and ensures trainings remain current by sending out reminders. Ebony also keeps the BSL2 and IRB approvals up to date, as well as contract agreements with collaborators, and is in charge of keeping the supplies in the lab for all projects stocked. One of the largest projects in the lab includes receiving tumor samples of any type of cancer from multiple study sites. Ebony ensures that there is a high level of safety and precaution for all members who are involved with handling or disposal of these samples, including methodical and detailed training by senior members of the lab. Another project in the lab involves dosing human primary cells to heavy metals, mostly arsenic. Ebony worked closely with the graduate student to develop methods and protocols for the handling of these chemicals and exposed cells to ensure there was no exposure to anyone working with them. On the day to day, Ebony continuously looks out for safety issues that may arise in any of the labs that we collaborate or interact with. Her door is always open for questions or concerns. She is also the first to reach out and call EH&S, Facilities, or FIU Police should there be a concern to report or need for guidance. To learn more about Ebony Coats and the work in Dr. Azzam's lab, click the "Ebony Coats/Dr. Azzam lab" button. To nominate someone for a Safety Shout Out, click the "Nominate" button.