Tan Lab Safety Award Winner

Dr. Cheemeng Tan’s Lab is this year’s winner for the College of Engineering

Dr. Cheemeng Tan and his lab members smile for a photo. They are wearing blue lab coats.
Dr. Cheemeng Tan (back row, second from left) and his lab group.

Dr. Tan’s lab integrates synthetic biology, systems biology, and materials-based approaches to engineer synthetic vesicles and cells. With applications ranging from cancer treatment to tissue regeneration, the Tan Lab is dedicated to developing new treatment paradigms for a broad range of currently intractable diseases.

Lab member wearing a blue lab coat and safety goggles observes a petri dish.

Dr. Tan’s lab embraces proactive safety through regular discussions and peer reviews. Every lab meeting includes a dedicated safety segment, where members raise concerns and suggestions for improvement. These discussions allow members to report potential hazards without fear of blame. 

“I always focus on improving protocols and addressing systemic issues, rather than attributing fault,” said Dr. Tan. This constructive approach ensures continuous learning and collaboration among lab members."

The Tan Lab also focuses heavily on safety mentorship for new team members, such as new graduate students and undergraduate interns. Undergraduate interns are never allowed to work alone and are always supervised by experienced graduate students or postdoctoral researchers to ensure proper safety protocols are followed at all times. Additionally, the lab uses team communication software to quickly contact lab members and the principal investigator in case of any concerns.

“It is a huge undertaking for me to manage the lab safety protocols, but it is joyful and satisfying to work with the Tan Lab members," said Ofelya Baghdasaryan, lab safety officer.

Lab member wearing a blue lab coat and safety goggles works on equipment.

The lab also conducts routine risk assessments, ensuring that safety procedures are up to date and that all members are well-versed in emergency protocols. Lab members are encouraged to establish personal safety plans and check-in arrangements, especially during late-night or weekend work hours.

Looking ahead, Dr. Tan’s lab is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of synthetic cell and vesicle engineering, all while maintaining its commitment to a safe and collaborative research environment.