Safety is the foundation for responsible research. We implemented multiple measures to ensure that laboratory standards were consistently met. Bacterial cell experiments were carried out in a BSL-1 laboratory, while mammalian cell experiments took place in a BSL-2 setting.
All members of our team completed the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program in Responsible Conduct of Research in the Biomedical Sciences. This training emphasized the ethical, administrative, and professional responsibilities required of researchers in the biomedical field.
Before entering the laboratory, each team member completed the necessary EHS training modules provided by Stony Brook University. These courses prepared us for safe laboratory practices and compliance with institutional safety policies.
Our team received hands-on training with essential laboratory equipment—such as the autoclave, centrifuge, and thermocycler—through instruction from Dr. John Peter Gergen (Primary PI), Dr. Gabor Balazsi and Dr. Kathryn Gunn (Secondary PIs), Head Curator Mary Bernero, as well as support from graduate students Melanie Cragan and Chris. Additionally, members of the 2024 Stony Brook iGEM team shared their experience and insight.
Two of our members underwent additional training under Dr. Gunn to safely conduct mammalian cell culture in a BSL-2 laboratory.
In order to conduct human subject surveys ethically and responsibly, our team completed the CITI Responsible Conduct of Research in Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) course. This training was necessary to ensure compliance with federal and institutional requirements when collecting data from participants. This was a requirement to be able to submit the survey and protocol for IRB review for the survey study.
A major consideration during experimental design was the avoidance of unnecessary biological hazards. For studies involving HIV-related work, we used an HIV mimic rather than any pathogenic strains to eliminate risk. Similarly, we exclusively used non-pathogenic E. coli strains, as pathogenic strains were both unnecessary for our goals and unsafe for our team.
We followed strict procedures for waste disposal. Work surfaces in contact with biological material were disinfected with ethanol immediately after use. Reusable and disposable containers were decontaminated with Germicidal Ultra Bleach (1:10 dilution) before reuse or disposal. All biological waste, along with any materials that came into contact with it, was placed in designated biohazard bins. Non-laboratory waste, including food or drinks, was strictly prohibited in the lab.
Laboratory work was never performed without proper PPE. Depending on the task, this included gloves, lab coats, safety goggles and UV glasses. PPE was always removed before exiting the laboratory to prevent contamination in shared areas of the Centers for Molecular Medicine.
Prior to beginning new protocols, our team held discussions to review potential hazards, especially when unfamiliar reagents or equipment were involved. We also reinforced standard safety precautions for routine procedures to minimize risks.