Lab Safety Recognition Program

The Lab Safety Recognition Program is a new initiative created to recognize and celebrate the individuals who go the extra mile to promote a strong safety culture within their lab. This program spotlights lab members who go above and beyond routine expectations, demonstrating exceptional commitment towards protecting the safety of their colleagues, Duke’s research facilities, and the broader research community.

After reviewing the contributions of 20 excellent nominees, we are pleased to announce Rhianna Hampton of the Reeves Lab as the Spring 2026 recipient of the Lab Safety Recognition Program Award.

Rhianna was selected for her outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to laboratory safety while managing complex, high‑risk research operations. As manager of an RTP BSL‑2 facility supporting work with viral vectors, human and non‑human primate samples, and radiological sources, she has maintained an exceptional compliance record with no major safety findings. Her proactive approach to compliance, along with her dedication to training and continuous improvement, has fostered a strong culture of accountability where safety is fully integrated into daily lab operations.

Honorable Mentions

We would also like to recognize the following individuals for their outstanding contributions to laboratory safety:

• Samantha Shaltz, Gusa Lab
  “Sam demonstrates excellent community support for lab safety every month by anonymously contributing a 'LAB' Safety Tip to the MGM departmental newsletter delivered by 'Lookout Larry the Labrador,' a cartoon character based on her own dog's image. She has been offering a safety tip every month for at least a year. The cartoon dog image and short text make the safety tip fun and easily digestible!”             – Dr. Asiya Gusa, PhD
• Eleanor Caston, Segura Lab
  “She has provided continued training and support to lab members all the way from the undergraduate to postdoc levels in helping people stay in compliance and understand the "why" behind all our rules. She has been a kind mentor to all in holding us to high safety standards and really raised the bar for all future safety officers in the Segura Lab”           - Andrea Jones, PhD
• Madison Armand, Duke Lemur Center
  “Madison has developed annual safety training for all DLC employees. In addition to these virtual trainings, she conducts hands-on trainings for everything from tool use to emergency response drills. She is in a leadership role as the Safety Committee Chair. She has been the first person in this role, and has formed the safety committee and developed a standardized safety program for the center.”      - Chrissy Conrad, RVT

For any questions about the program, reach out to the OESO Laboratory Safety Division at labsafety@duke.edu.