Research laboratories working with biohazardous agents, microorganisms and/or recombinant DNA technologies are special, often unique, work environments. The materials being used may pose special risks to persons working in or near the laboratory or to the environment should the material escape the containment procedures established for the laboratory. All research and educational activities that involve infection agents, plant or animal pathogens, hazardous chemicals, recombinant DNA molecules, microorganisms, human etiologic agents, human tissues or body fluids, or gene therapy must be reviewed and approved by the Winston-Salem State University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) prior to initiation.
- Biohazardous Materials Training
- IBC application process and submission video
- NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
- BMBL 6th Edition
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Consideration for Handling Potential SARS-CoV-2 Samples
- Forsyth County Department of Public Health
- Winston-Salem Fire Department
- OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
IBC members:
* non-affiliated members
- Rafael Loureiro, Chair, Plant Expert loureirorr@wssu.edu
- David Pollard, Lab Rep
- Pamela Jones, Member
- Jeffery A. Meixner, Member
- Tenille D. Presley, Animal Expert
- Angela Richardson, Lab Rep
- Richard McCutchen*
- Sabrina L. Peoples, Lab Rep
- Fenghai Guo, Member
- Shawn E. Holt, Voting Contact
- Eric Steelman*
As of June 1, 2025, all IBC meeting minutes must be publicly posted per the NIH Guidelines implementation update. Please find the approved minutes listed below.
To ensure compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, all investigators must use the official IBC Research Protocol Template when submitting new protocols or amendments. Please download the most recent version of the required template below.
IBC Research Protocol Template
Send your finalized protocol for review to the acting IBC Chair - loureirorr@wssu.edu
Approvals are valid for one year and require a two-week review and feedback process by the panel. Before the approval term expires, IBC will send out a notice.
Retain IBC records and accompanying documentation for as long as they are scientifically useful.
Required Training for IRB and Biosafety Protocol Involvement
All individuals participating in research that involves human subjects, biosafety protocols, or NIH guidelines must complete mandatory training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program).
To register:
Visit CITI Program ( click “REGISTER” (do not use “Log in through my organization”).
Select Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) as your affiliated institution.
Agree to the terms and provide your WSSU email address during registration.
Mandatory Courses (must be completed before IRB protocol assignment):
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) – Basic Course
Conflicts of Interest (COI)
NIH Recombinant DNA Guidelines
Highly Recommended:
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Member Training – especially for faculty involved in biomedical research.
Additional elective courses are available at no cost for continued professional development.
