2026

Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ 
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Institutional Biosafety Committee 
Minutes of December 08, 2025, Meeting  

Members Present -

  • Elena Galkina, Ph.D., Co-Chair 
  • Julius Nyalwidhe, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Bruce Finlay. BSO, Environmental Health & Safety   
  • Neelima Chandra, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Kan Wang, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Ming-Lei Guo, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Nancy Welch, M.D. Consultant
  • Yan Sanders, M.D., Scientist 
  • Elizabeth Goodwyn, Community Representative    
  • Jamie S. Heisig-Mitchell M.S., Community Representative 
  • Courtney Kerr, Environmental Health & Safety
  • Chanda Hill, Director, Research Compliance 
  • Heather Singleton, M.S., Ad Hoc, Occupational Health
  • RaShae Y. O. Cook, M.S., RLATG, CMAR Animal Expert
  • Daniel Sullivan, Ph.D., Ad Hoc, IRB [ABSENT]
  • David Mu, PhD. Institutional Rep 

Office of Research Staff Present -    

  • Kimberly Powell, MS, IBC Administrator   

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was held via Zoom on January 12, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 12:04 PM by Dr. Galkina.

I. Conflict of Interest - There is a conflict of interest for Dr. Chandra for the review, as she is a member of the Doncel lab.

II. Administrative Actions -  The minutes from the meeting on December 8, 2025, were reviewed by the IBC. There was a motion to approve the amended minutes, and it was seconded. No motion against approval. The minutes were approved unanimously.

III. Registrations for Review - 

  1. Initial Reviews and 5-year Renewals 
    1. Doncel Lab – Reviewer Dr. Guo. PI Dr. Doncel. The main research focus of Dr. Doncel’s lab is the study of epithelial and immunoinflammatory responses of the female and male reproductive tract to diverse stimuli, including new drugs in development with antiHIV/HSV/ZIKV (microbicide) and sperm function inhibitory properties. The lab conducts experiments using numerous techniques that include cell and tissue culture, immunohistochemistry (IHC) on fixed specimens, RT-PCR and ELISA, HIV/HSV/ZIKV in vitro infection. Cell and tissue culture is the main technique used in microbicide testing, HIV and HSV/ZIKV testing.  Cells and tissues are grown in culture where they can be tested with compounds and then challenged with viruses. This is a 5Yr Renewal
      • i. Applicable NIH Guideline Sections  
        • (a) Section III-D-1  
        • (b) Section III-D-3  
      • ii. Projects reviewed: 
        • (a) # 10118 
        • (b) # 10152 
        • (c) # 10245  
        • (d) # 10277 
        • (e) # 10352 
        • (f) # 10441 
        • (g) # 10472 
      • iii. Biological handling and waste disposal – Working with virus is limited to approved personnel in specific controlled spaces. The registration provides a good description of waste disposal and decontamination methods.
        • The committee requests more details about obtaining human biopsy tissues and all safety measures for their containment and transport from what source 
        • Will they be working with monkeys or do they want to remove the monkey viruses from their registration? 
      • iv. IACUC – The IACUC numbers should be updated. 
      • v. Rooms and Spaces – If cell culture uses virus it is done in JI 353 or 316. Non-viral cell culture is conducted in the core lab of JI 321. IHC techniques are conducted in JI 347/349 and analyzed in JI 322. 
      • vi. Members - Please remove Dr. Terry Jacot from the bio-registration.
      • vii. Training – Dr. Doncel needs to update expired biosafety and autoclave training. 
      • iix. Voting – A motion was made to approve pending the necessary modifications. Drs.  Galkina and Nyalwidhe can give final approval upon receipt of the modifications. 
        • (a) Votes For (9) / against (0) / abstain (1)   
        • (b) Conflicts of Interest – 1 
  2. Re-Review of Initial Reviews and 5-year Renewals 
  3. Annual Reviews with Significant Changes 
  4. Re-Review Annual Reviews with Significant Changes 
  5. Amendments to Registrations 
  6. Completed/Terminated Registrations
  7. Annual Reviews with minor changes sent for electronic reviews and final approval pending. 
    1. Alvarez Lab – sent for E-review on 1/7/26
  8. final Approvals Granted 
    1.  Popovics Lab – approved 12/8/2025 

IV. Old Business -    

V. New Business-

  1. Bruce apprised the committee about the status of the platform migration to OneAegis 

Chaires Adjourned the meeting at 12:20 PM

Members Present

Elena Galkina, Ph.D., Co-Chair

Julius Nyalwidhe, Ph.D., Co-Chair

Bruce Finlay. BSO, Environmental Health & Safety

Ming-Lei Guo, Ph.D., Scientist

Nancy Welch, M.D. Consultant

Elizabeth Goodwyn, Community Representative

Jamie S. Heisig-Mitchell M.S., Community Representative

Courtney Kerr, Environmental Health & Safety

Chanda Hill, Director, Research Compliance

Heather Singleton, M.S., Ad Hoc, Occupational Health 

RaShae Y. O. Cook, M.S., RLATG, CMAR Animal Expert

David Mu, PhD. Institutional Rep

Kimberly Powell, MS, IBC Administrator

Not Present: 

Neelima Chandra, Ph.D., Scientist

Kan Wang, Ph.D., Scientist 

Yan Sanders, M.D., Scientist

Daniel Sullivan, Ph.D., Ad Hoc, IRB

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was held via Zoom on April 13, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 12:03 PM by Dr. Galkina.

  1. Conflict of Interest- There is a conflict of interest for Dr. Galkina for the Galkina Lab review, as she is the PI – she will abstain from that vote.
  2. Administrative Actions
    1. The minutes from the meeting on January 12, 2026, were reviewed by the IBC.   There was a motion to approve the minutes, and it was seconded.  No motion against approval.  The minutes were approved unanimously.
  3. Registrations for Review - 
    1. Initial Reviews and 5-year Renewals - None
    2.  Re-Review of Initial Reviews and 5-year Renewals- None
    3. Annual Reviews with Significant Changes 
      1. Yang Lab – PI Dr. Yang.  The main research focus of Dr. Yang’s lab is translational breast cancer research, with the goal of developing cancer biomarkers and therapies. This lab investigates tumor progression mechanisms, using experimental models, clinical patient samples, multi-omics and bioinformatics.  The lab conducts experiments using cell and tissue culture, immunohistochemistry (IHC), RNA & DNA isolations and next generation sequencing, FACS and CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, and many other techniques.  This is an annual review.
        1. Applicable NIH Guideline Sections 
          1. Section III-F-1
          2. Section III-F-2
          3. Section III-F-3
          4. Section III-F-4
          5. Section III-F-5
          6. Section III-F-6
          7. Section III-F-7
        2. Projects reviewed:
          1. # 10412
        3. Biological handling and waste disposal –The bio-registration provides thorough details for waste handling and disposal as well as use of PPE and safe handling of tissues and lentiviral vectors.  The committee requests that the standard Lentivirus form be signed and added to the bio-registration and also please include information that students should contact student health if there is a lab exposure.  The IBCA will send the Lentivirus form to Dr. Yang and email all researchers regarding student health/Occ Health contacts.
        4. Training – All training is up to date
        5. Voting – A motion was made to approve with the addition of the lentiviral vector form.
          1. Votes For (7)/ against (0)/ abstain (0) 
          2. Conflicts of Interest –0
      2. Okhravi Lab – PI Dr. Okhravi.  The main research focus of Dr. Okhravi’s lab is Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive decline, with the goal of improving the knowledge base and standards of care. This aims to allow patients greater function and independence and thus reduce the financial burden of institutionalization.  Research in this lab involves immunoprecipitation, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. The projects are primarily clinical research studies.  This is an annual review.  The committee requires the addition of pharmaceutical information from Eli Lilly regarding the medication being tested in project #10475.  The submission is considered incomplete without this.
        1. Applicable NIH Guideline Sections 
          1. None
        2. Projects reviewed:
          1. # 10434
          2. # 10450
          3. # 10475
        3. Biological handling and waste disposal – the BSO is satisfied with the procedures for safety and disposal.
        4. Training – All training is up to date
        5. Voting – A motion was made to approve upon the addition of the pharma information.
          1. Votes For (7)/ against (0)/ abstain (0) 
          2. Conflicts of Interest –0
      3. CONRAD Lab –PI Dr. Doncel.  The main research focus of the CONRAD lab is the study of antimicrobials, antivirals, contraceptive agents and new drugs.  There are currently 3 projects underway at BSL/ABSL 1 or 2.   Research involves a variety of methods, including biopsy tissue collection, swabs, etc. for analysis of drug concentration and side effects, immunohistochemistry, bacterial culture, microscopy, etc. This is an annual review.  The committee would like clarification of what work is being done on the main campus and what work is occurring here on the medical campus, as well as details regarding the transportation of biological materials between campuses.  They also request an email from Dr. Yousefieh to provide approval date and protocol number for work being done on the main campus.
        1. Applicable NIH Guideline Sections 
          1. Section III-D-1
          2. Section III-D-3
        2. Projects reviewed:
          1. # 10387
          2. # 10385
          3. # 10449
        3. Biological handling and waste disposal â€“ All solids will be decontaminated by placing them in a container with 10% bleach for at least 30 minutes. This includes pipet tips, plates dishes and other plastic, and disposable labware. After at least 30 minutes, bleach solution will be flushed, and disposable items will be allowed to dry air prior to autoclaving. Non-disposable materials will be decontaminated twice with 10% bleach for 30 minutes, sprayed with 70% ethanol, rinsed, dried, and autoclaved.  BSCs will be wiped with bleach and then ethanol.  Depending on the exact work occurring, PPE may include front facing lab coat, covered by a rear facing lab coat, shoe covers, face shields and double nitrile gloves. 
        4. Training – All training is up to date
        5. Voting – A motion was made to approve with the clarification regarding what work will be conducted at which location and how transportation is handled.  Chairs request a copy of the main campus IBC approval.
          1. Votes For (7)/ against (0)/ abstain (0) 
          2. Conflicts of Interest –0
      4. Galkina Lab – PI Dr. Galkina.  The main research focus of the Galkina lab is the study of atherosclerosis regulation via the immune system.  Research involves exploring immune cell populations under particular conditions and their role in vascular inflammation, and investigation of sleep fragmentation effects.  The overall goal of this research is to identify immune pathways to serve as targets for intervention.  Research techniques include PCR, IHC, Flow cytometry, etc. This lab works with lentiviral vectors and CRISPR.  This is an annual review.
        1. Applicable NIH Guideline Sections 
          1. Section III-D-3
          2. Section III-D-4-b
          3. Section III-E-3
        2. Projects reviewed:
          1. # 10049
          2. # 10341
          3. # 10394
          4. # 10440
        3. Biological handling and waste disposal â€“ Laboratory practices thoroughly describe safe handling of hazardous materials: use of BSL 2 practices and facilities, PPE, signs and instruction to minimize risks; thorough description of decontamination, disposal, containment and clean-up; and proper disinfection of workspaces and materials.   Bio-registration includes a special SOP for lentiviral work and requires lab workers to read, acknowledge and sign a form to confirm training.
        4. Training – All training is up to date
        5. Voting – A motion was made to approve
          1. Votes For (6)/ against (0)/ abstain (1) 
          2. Conflicts of Interest –Dr. Galkina
    4. Re-Review Annual Reviews with Significant Changes- None
    5. Amendments to Registrations- None
    6. Completed/Terminated Registrations - None
    7. Annual Reviews with minor changes sent for electronic reviews and final approval pending.- None
    8. Final Approvals Granted
  4. Alvarez Lab – approved 1/14/2026
    1. Strelitz Diabetes Center Research Lab - approved 1/21/2026
      1. Sharp Lab – approved 2/11/26
      2. Reproductive Clinical Science Lab – approved 2/11/26
      3. Taylor-Fishwick Lab – approved 2/23/26
      4. Brown Lab – approved 3/3/26
      5. Semmes Lab – approved 3/3/26
      6. Microbiology Core Lab – 3/13/2026
      7. Matrougui Lab – 3/17/2026
      8. Brachova Lab – 3/20/2026
      9. Nagre Lab – 3/30/2026
  5. Old Business -   None
  6. New Business -  
    1. The committee was notified that there would be 1 or 2 new members added to the IBC
    2. Bruce updated the committee about the status of the platform migration to OneAegis

Chairs adjourned the meeting at 12:50 PM.  

2025

Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ 
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Institutional Biosafety Committee 
Minutes of December 08, 2025, Meeting  

Members Present -

  • Aurora Kerscher, Ph.D., Co-Chair 
  • Elena Galkina, Ph.D., Co-Chair 
  • Bruce Finlay. BSO, Environmental Health & Safety   
  • Neelima Chandra, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Kan Wang, Ph.D., Scientist [ABSENT]
  • Julius Nyalwidhe, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Ming-Lei Guo, Ph.D., Scientist 
  • Nancy Welch, M.D. Consultant [ABSENT]
  • Yan Sanders, M.D., Scientist 
  • Elizabeth Goodwyn, Community Representative    
  • Jamie S. Heisig-Mitchell M.S., Community Representative [ABSENT]
  • Courtney Kerr, Environmental Health & Safety
  • Chanda Hill, Director, Research Compliance [ABSENT]
  • Heather Singleton, M.S., Ad Hoc, Occupational Health
  • RaShae Y. O. Cook, M.S., RLATG, CMAR Animal Expert
  • Daniel Sullivan, Ph.D., Ad Hoc, IRB [ABSENT]
  • David Mu, PhD. Institutional Rep 

Office of Research Staff Present -    

  • Kimberly Powell, MS, IBC Administrator   

The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) was held via Zoom on December 8, 2025. The mee called to order at 12:02 PM by Dr. Kerscher. 

I.Conflict of Interest - No conflicts of interest existed for today’s review. 

II.Administrative Actions -  The minutes from the meeting on October 13, 2025, were reviewed by the IBC. There was a motion to approve the amended minutes, and it was seconded. No motion against approval. The minutes were approved unanimously. 

III. Registrations for Review - 

  1. Initial Reviews and 5-year Renewals 
  2. Re-Review of Ini al Reviews and 5-year Renewals 
  3. Annual Reviews with Significant Changes 
  4. Re-Review Annual Reviews with Significant Changes 
  5. Amendments to Registrations 
  6. Completed/Terminated Registrations
  7. final Approvals Granted 

IV. Old Business -    

V. New Business-

  1. It was announced to the committee that Dr. Kerscher, who is now the Interim Program Director for the Biomedical Sciences Program, is stepping down as Co-Chair after 15 yrs, and Dr. Nyalwidhe will be taking over that role. 
  2.  Dr. Kerscher notified us that there will be a training session on January 7th for those who ship biological materials internationally. More details to come. 

Chaires Adjourned the meeting at 12:18 PM

2025 (Archive)

s 
August 11 2025 Meeting Minutes
July 14, 2025 Meeting Minutes
June 9 2025 Meeting Minutes