Institutional Biosafety Committee
Reporting Line
The Institutional Biosafety Committee reports to the Vice Provost for Research or his or her designee.
Composition of Membership
Members of this committee are appointed by the Vice Provost for Research. National Institutes of Health-Office of Science Policy mandates at least five (5) members and must include an animal expert, a plant expert, a Biosafety Officer, and two members unaffiliated with the institution representing the interest of the surrounding community. Additionally, if the institution participates in or sponsors recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule research involving plant-associated small animals (arthropods), transgenic plants or animals, or viable recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule-modified microorganisms are being tested, the institution must ensure that the IBC has adequate expertise and training to review proposed research. The VPR or his or her designee also may appoint additional persons from any unit or discipline in the University to serve in an ex-officio capacity or ad hoc consultant(s) to provide expertise as needed.
Committee Charge Responsibilities
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) reviews recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules research (r/s DNA) conducted at or sponsored by the University for compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines) and approves and monitors those research projects that comply with the NIH Guidelines.
https://ehs.web.baylor.edu/biosafety/institutional-biosafety-committee
Committee Members, 2026-2027
| Member | Department (Academic Unit)/Title Role | Roll-off Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dungan, Cory | Health, Human Performance, and Recreation (HHS) Animal Research-SME | Non-rotating |
| Nguyen, Jacques | Psychology and Neuroscience (A&S) Animal Research-SME | Non-rotating |
| Pitts, Jason, Vice Chair | Biology (A&S) Arthropod SME | Non-rotating |
| Taube, Joe | Biology (A&S) Molecular/Synthetic Biology SME | Non-rotating |
| Trakselis, Michael, Chair | Chemistry and Biochemistry (A&S) Molecular and Synthetic Biology SME | Non-rotating |
| Vichaya, Elisabeth | Psychology and Neuroscience (A&S) Animal Research-SME | Non-rotating |
| King, Bryan | Human Sciences and Design (HHS) Arthropod SME, Alternate IBC Member | Non-rotating |
| Urlacher, Samuel | Anthropology (A&S) Field Research SME, Alternate IBC Member | Non-rotating |
| Ash, Steve | Program Director, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Non-BU Affilliated Community Member | Non-rotating |
| Brigman, Brandi | Research Administrator, Computational Medicine Stanford University Non-BU Affilliated Community Member | Non-rotating |
| Zechmann, Bernd | Director of Center for Microscopy & Imaging, Associate Director of Biological Core Facilities Plant Research-SME | Non-rotating |
| Klement, Wyndi | Biosafety Officer and Institutional Biosafety Committee Coordinator | Non-rotating |
| Holland, Deborah | Assistant Vice Provost for Research Compliance | Non-rotating |
| Becker, Chris | Assistant Vice Provost of Research Infrastructure & Core Facilities | Ex officio |
| Nemec, Michelle | Director of the Molecular Bioscience Center Alternate | Ex officio |
| Nichols, Traci | Administrative Manager, Environmental Health and Safety | Ex officio |
| Humphrey, Karen | Senior Director of Environmental Health and Safety | Ex officio |
As of 2026/07/31