November 2012
In this issue of our Reach newsletter, we focus on a subject that is near and dear to my heart and to the hearts of Drexel's vibrant research community - the creation of a strong safety culture within our research and instruction labs.
As a community committed to the responsible conduct of research, we strive to carefully manage and mitigate risks within our labs, guided by federal, state and local regulations as well as by University policies. These risks come in many forms, including potential exposure to hazardous substances like chemicals and biological and radioactive materials, and physical hazards posed by lab equipment and instruments. Though it is true that hazards in university labs are often less severe than in similar industrial environments, research and teaching labs pose some unique challenges, not the least of which is the greater presence of individuals who are still learning about the responsibilities that often come with engagement in exciting new research projects.
We have committed to strengthening our lab safety program here at Drexel through the activities described in this newsletter. I hope we can count on your support for them.
Deb
Deborah L. Crawford, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Research
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Promoting A Culture Of Safety
Drexel University created the Lab Safety Committee (LSC) during the 2012 winter term to form a partnership between the Office of Research and the Drexel University Department of the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) that brings additional awareness to promoting a "culture of safety," according to Dr. Sreekant Murthy, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research Compliance.
"The university is concerned and wants to ensure the safety of students and faculty in lab practices," said Dr. Michele Marcolongo, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Translational Research and chairperson of the LSC. Read More »
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Camera Technology Like No Other
More than meets the eye.
Dr. Adam Fontecchio's work proves that adage every day. Dr. Fontecchio's research focuses on nano-photonics and new methods of nano-manufacturing, including electro-optics, liquid crystals, inkjet printing of polymers, and flexible electronics. But he speaks most often of his work along the visual spectrum.
An associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and an associate dean of engineering for undergraduate affairs in the College of Engineering, Dr. Fontecchio received a $750,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a camera technology, known as hyper spectral imaging, in partnership with a company called Optra Inc. Dr. Fontecchio considers this among his greatest achievements. Read More »
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