Welcome to the Environmental Health & Safety Office

Environmental Health & Safety Administration

Julie Zobel - Assistant Vice President, EHS

Dr. Zobel is currently the Assistant Vice President for Environmental Health and Safety. She began working in the area of safety and compliance for Mason in 2000 as the university Biological Safety Officer, Chemical Hygiene Officer, and Assistant Radiation Safety Officer. She was quickly promoted through the ranks to Director of Laboratory Safety. In 2007 her role expanded as she worked with university official to establish the university’s first Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS). EHS functional areas include emergency preparedness and response, environmental compliance, fire safety, laboratory safety, occupational health, and occupational safety.

Dr. Zobel earned dual Bachelor degrees in Hazardous Materials/Environmental Management and Civil Engineering from the University of Findlay and the University of Akron, respectively. She earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering from the University of Akron where her thesis project focused on investigating a consortium of bacteria for their ability to degrade total petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. In addition, she earned her doctorate in Biodefense from George Mason University and her doctoral research and dissertation addressed the role of naturally occurring Bacillus anthracis in biological incident preparedness and response. She is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager at the master's level, a Registered Biosafety Professional thorough the American Biological Safety Association, and a member of Tau Beta Pi the engineering honors society.

Prior to working at Mason, she was employed as an environmental consultant where she was responsible for conducting phase I, II, and III environmental site assessments as well as groundwater flow and contaminant fate and transport modeling.

Amy Jackson - Office Manager

Ms. Jackson joined the Office of Laboratory Safety in August 2006 and has since taken on the role of Office Manager in the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the EHS including all fiscal, and HR matters.

Amy has been with the university since 1999, first working at the Center for the Arts as the Artist Services Coordinator and then with the Life Sciences department as the Assistant to the Associate Dean of Research.

Amy graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Music.

Deepali Nanda - IT Specialist

Deepali earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Application from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2001, an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering from APTECH Computer Education, India, 2002, and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from George Mason University. Prior to joining the Office of Laboratory Safety, Deepali provided technical support for Wipro Technologies in India providing technical information, troubleshooting, and managing support for Dell, Inc.

Ms. Nanda joined the Office of Laboratory Safety as a student employee in 2004. She supports all Office of Laboratory Safety staff and performs a variety of job functions that include website development and maintenance, technical assistance with information collection and tracking, and traditional clerical support.

She is currently working on her Master of Science degree in Information Security and Assurance at George Mason University.

Geri Lee - Compliance Specialist

Geri Lee joined the Environmental Health and Safety Office as the compliance specialist in August of 2007. As a member of the EHS team she focuses on regulatory compliance, serves as the safety training coordinator, and contributes to communication initiatives. In her role as training coordinator she manages all aspects of the EHS safety training program, which includes scheduling, advertising, registration, training records, updating the training component in the electronic records management system, and coordinating interpretation and translation services.

Before joining EHS, Geri was the coordinator of special projects with the Office of the Vice President for Research & Economic Development. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with a minor in Communication from George Mason University in 2008.

Jessica James - Administrative Specialist

Ms. Jessica James is originally from Jersey City, New Jersey. Jessica is a former George Mason University student, and earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Cultural Studies in May 2011. Currently she is planning to enroll in George Mason University’s Graduate Certification Program to become a licensed Early Childhood Special Education teacher.

Jessica joined the Environmental Health and Safety Office in May of 2010 as the Administrative Specialist where she serves as the receptionist at the Police and Safety Headquarters as well as routes inquiries and emergencies as necessary. Professionally she has over five years of administrative support experience.

Tina Cipara - Data & Communications Specialist

Ms. Cipara joined the Environmental Health & Safety Office in March 2011 as a Data and Communications Specialist. She is responsible for the office’s marketing communication efforts and also serves as an administrator for the office’s data management software.

Prior to joining the EHS team, Tina was the Special Projects Coordinator for the Office of Research & Economic Development. In this role she was responsible for the office’s web and social media presence as well as the coordination of annual events and publications. She is also a freelance web designer and developer who enjoys helping small businesses to create their online identities.

Tina earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is currently working on her Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication, both from George Mason University.

Emergency Management Staff

David Farris - Director, Emergency Management & Fire Safety

David joined George Mason University as Chemical Hygiene Officer in August 2004. In this role, he was instrumental in developing laboratory safety program and created emergency response plans in accordance with federal and state environmental regulations. David’s role evolved and became responsible for managing and developing safety programs in a broader sense for the university specifically in the areas of occupational safety and environmental compliance where he established the university’s first Environmental Management System. In 2008, David became Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response and in 2010 the Fire Safety group within EHS was added to his portfolio. David focuses on ensuring that emergency plans are designed, implemented and practiced, as well as the development and implementation of fire safety strategies at Mason.

Prior to working at Mason, David was at Clean Harbors Environmental Services. He started as a field chemist in 1999 and quickly advanced to lead field chemist specializing in hazardous materials management and disposal. He became the regional manager for the Mid-Atlantic field chemist division in Baltimore, Maryland. During David’s tenure at Clean Harbors he served as a technical service specialist, sales representative, field service specialist, and project manager in the areas of business development, environmental compliance, emergency response, environmental remediation, and industrial services.

David graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, received a Master's degree in Business Administration from Mason's School of Management in May 2007, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at George Mason University.

Joe Hinrichs - Emergency Coordinator

Joe Hinrichs joined George Mason University in January of 2013. He supports the University’s emergency preparedness and management functions by developing emergency plans and exercises, maintaining emergency operations facilities, and operating the University’s emergency notification systems.

Previously, Joe worked for SRA International as an Emergency Preparedness Analyst at the US House of Representatives in their Office of Emergency Management. On another project for SRA, he served as an Intelligence Analyst for DHS. Joe is a two-time Mason alumnus graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and a Master of Public Administration.

Zachary Pope - Asst. Director, Resident Safety & Emergency Preparedness & Response

Zachary Pope joined George Mason University in March of 2011 as the Assistant Director for Residential Safety and Emergency Preparedness. In his role, Zac focuses on emergency planning and implementation within the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Zac also monitors compliance with fire and life safety codes in the residence halls as part of his position. Previously Zachary served as the Emergency Management Coordinator for Angelo State University, where he served a campus of 6,000 students with his mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Zac graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and graduated with as Master’s of Education degree in college student personnel from Western Carolina University’s College of Education and Allied Professions in May of 2009.

Environmental Compliance Staff

Bobby Goodfellow - Director, Laboratory Safety & Environmental Compliance

Bobby joined George Mason University as the Director of Laboratory Safety & Environmental Compliance in June 2012. Bobby is responsible for the management and oversight and of laboratory safety and environmental compliance programs across all George Mason campuses.

Prior working at George Mason, Bobby worked in the homeland security market for Booz Allen Hamilton. Bobby supported the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Chemical and Biological Division, Chemical and Biological Research and Development Branch as a Task Order Manager. Bobby was the Lead Technical and Programmatic Science and Engineering Technical Support Assistant on two wide area biological restoration and recovery projects; a multiplex biological sample analysis platform project; first responder hand-held biological assay validation projects (Bacillus anthracis and Ricin); and interagency operational biological field sampling and decontamination projects. Bobby sat on the Enhanced Threat Agency Sub-Working Group on Restoration and Decontamination. Mr. Goodfellow also has operational experience in field sampling for biological agents, sampling strategies, and the development of sampling plans. Bobby began his homeland security career supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Preparedness Directorate where he gained extensive experience in grants, first responder training and technical assistance, and exercise programs.

Bobby graduated from Marywood University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Biotechnology.

Fire Safety Staff

Bill Brown - Senior Fire Safety Inspector

Bill Brown came to George Mason University in February 1999 as a member of the Physical Plant as a Compliance Safety Officer and currently serves as a Senior Fire Inspector within Fire Safety Programs. Bill oversees the inspection, testing, and maintenance of all GMU fire suppression systems and related equipment. In addition, Bill is responsible for the testing and inspection of all fire alarm and detection systems, inspections of GMU buildings for fire prevention code compliance, as well as Contractor and Physical Plant fire protection related issues for renovations and new construction projects.

Bill is a Certified Fire Official with a certification as A 1031 Fire Inspector and a certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies in Fire suppression and Fire alarm and detection systems. Bill is a member of the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Virginia Fire Prevention Association, and Virginia Building and Code Officials Association.

Drew Beaune - Fire Safety Technician

Andrew Beaune joined EHS-Fire Safety in October of 2012. In his role as Fire Safety Technician he supports routine fire safety inspections and testing of fire extinguishers, commercial kitchen hoods, fire alarm systems and sprinkler systems. Andrew comes to Mason from Simplex Grinnell where he gained experience in with fire sprinkler and alarm systems.

Gregg Black - Fire Safety Coordinator

Gregg Black joined George Mason University in October of 2010 as an intern with the Environmental Health and Safety Office. Gregg worked with the Emergency Preparedness and Response staff drafting emergency plans for the university. In July of 2011, Gregg was hired on as a full time Compliance Specialist supporting both Fire Safety and the Emergency Preparedness and Response groups within EHS. He serves as the Automatic External Defibrillator Program coordinator for all campuses and has made significant contributions to the emergency evacuation signage, the establishment of fire safety record keeping procedures, and Emergency Preparedness Guides.

Previously Gregg served as a manager of the Community Service Officers program, and Assistant Emergency Manager at the California State University, Chico Police Department. Gregg graduated from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2010. He is currently seeking a Masters in Public Administration from George Mason University.

Lee Wilson - Fire Safety Inspector

Lee Wilson joined the Office of Fire Safety Programs in 2005 after having served with the Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office for 16 years. Lee currently serves as a Senior Fire Inspector overseeing building fire safety inspections for all four campuses. He also manages the opening burning permit, tent permit, and hot work permit programs along with being a valuable resource in both fire and building code research. He also provides educational presentations in fire prevention and related topics campus wide.

Lee holds several state and national certifications including Certified Fire Official, Fire Instructor III, Hazardous Materials Operations, Emergency Medical Technician, and Certified Fire Prevention Inspector. He has taught fire science courses at both the high school and college level and holds a Bachelor's degree in Safety and Risk Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mark Gray - Fire Safety Inspector

Mark Gray came to George Mason University in September 2003 as a member of Facilities Management and currently serves as a Fire Systems Inspector with EHS-Fire Safety Programs. Mark is responsible for the securing and inspection of all exterior post indicator valves and all sprinkler system control valves including the testing and maintenance of sprinkler system back flow preventers. Mark also assists with the fire extinguisher inventory, as well as sprinkler system and fire alarm inspections.

Mark has been trained in Adult CPR/AED, standard first aid, Hazard Communications, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Laboratory Safety Awareness. In the future he plans on testing for certification in fire protection systems, NICET Level 1&2 and Inspector 1031 . When not at GMU, Mark enjoys helping his children with Little League and Youth Football.

Randy Beahm - Fire Safety Inspector

Randy Beahm came to George Mason University in December of 2003 as a member of the Facilities Plumbing Shop. Randy joined EHS as a Fire Systems Inspector in March of 2009. His responsibilities include maintenance of over 2000 portable fire extinguishers and maintaining all fire pumps on three George Mason University campuses. Randy also assists with inspections of all fire suppression systems including, sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire alarms, and commercial hood systems.

Randy has been trained in CPR, First Aid, Confined Space Entry, Laboratory Safety Awareness, Hazard Communications, and Bloodborne Pathogens. His goals are to soon begin testing to get NICET I and II certifications, and then Inspector 1031 certification.

Tim Wharton - Fire Safety Inspector

Tim Wharton became a member of the Office of Fire Safety Programs after serving in the Preventive Maintenance Department of Facilities Management. Tim is a Fire Safety Technician and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of close to 2000 portable fire extinguishers. He is also responsible for maintaining fire pumps found in university buildings. Tim also assists with inspections and maintenance of all other fire protection systems including, sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire alarms and commercial hood systems.

Tim has been trained in hazardous waste, bloodborne pathogen clean-up, confined space entry, inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems and CPR. He hopes to soon be certified in other categories related to fire protection systems, including fire safety inspections of buildings.

Trey Dean - Safety Technician

Trey Dean joined George Mason University in March 2013 as a Safety Technician. Trey is responsible for supporting the Environmental Health and Safety Office in the testing and inspection of safety related equipment in the fields of fire safety, laboratory safety, and occupational health and safety. Specifically, many of his duties include monthly and annual certification of fire extinguishers, biannual inspections of automated external defibrillators, testing of laboratory safety equipment, and conducting surveys of buildings and creating/maintaining appropriate evacuation signage.

Trey holds many state and national certifications including Firefighter I/II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Liquid Propane Emergencies, EMS First Responder, Driver-Pumper Operator, Heavy Technical Vehicle Rescue, and Mayday Firefighter Down, among others. He also serves as a firefighting instructor and volunteer firefighter. Trey attended the University of Georgia and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography.

Laboratory Safety Staff

Bobby Goodfellow - Director, Laboratory Safety & Environmental Compliance

Bobby graduated from Marywood University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry and a concentration in Biotechnology.

Cara Leitch - Biosafety Officer

Cara Leitch joined the Office of Laboratory Safety in May 2010 as a Biosafety Specialist. Cara’s duties include supporting the Biomedical Research Laboratory and assisting the Biosafety Officer with Institutional Biosafety Committee activities, biological waste operations, and training.

Before joining OLS, Cara worked for SAIC Frederick, Inc. at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick, MD for 9 years. She worked in the Environment, Health, and Safety Office, where she conducted laboratory inspections, performed environmental sampling, provided a variety of training in Biosafety and Industrial Hygiene related topics, assigned medical surveillance programs, and acted as the Institutional Biosafety Committee Coordinator.

Cara earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Pittsburgh in 2001 and is currently working on a Master’s of Public Health.

Diann Stedman - BRL Biosafety Manager/Responsible Official

Ms. Stedman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science degree in microbiology and immunology from Virginia Commonwealth University, where, for her thesis project, she developed a tetracycline regulated expression system in Trypanosoma cruzi. Prior to coming to Mason, Diann spent seven years as a Research Assistant at Yale University laboratory studying the neurochemistry of addictive behavior. Her responsibilities included overseeing safety and compliance for the laboratory, training new personnel, assisting fellow laboratory personnel in molecular and animal behavior studies, and conducting independent research.

Ms. Stedman has received Radiation Safety Officer training from Radiation Safety Academy and Biosafety training from the American Biological Safety Association. She is a member of both Health Physics Society, and American Biological Safety Association. Ms. Stedman joined the Office of Laboratory Safety as Radiation Safety Officer in 2004 and is currently the BRL Biosafety Manager/Responsible Official in George Mason University laboratories.

John Crocker - Chemical Safety Manager

John Crocker joined the Laboratory Safety & Environmental Compliance group within the Environmental Health & Safety Office in January 2013 as the Chemical Safety Manager. In this role he will serve as the chemical hygiene officer for the university as well as administer several other aspects of the laboratory safety and environmental compliance programs.

Before joining George Mason, John served at Radford University for 12 years as an environmental specialist responsible for environmental compliance, chemical and industrial hygiene, and biosafety.

Prior to that, he worked as an industrial hygienist for an environmental consulting firm in Richmond, Virginia conducting inspections and project monitoring for asbestos and lead as well as other indoor air quality concerns. John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1997. John most recently has received certification as a Board Certified Safety Professional in 2012.

Louann O'Reilly - Administrative Specialist

Ms. O’Reilly joined the Office of Laboratory Safety in November 2008. She supports the OLS staff performing various jobs functions including desktop publishing/word processing, office scheduling, record keeping, etc. She also has a critical role in collecting, distributing, preparing and tracking documentation.

Before joining OLS, Ms. O’Reilly provided administrative support to the physicians and staff at a local cardiologist office. She has also been employed by a Department of Defense contractor in a variety of administrative positions. She has extensive experience providing customer interaction and office support to senior executives and staff. She possesses an in-depth knowledge of office procedures and documentation development.

Sarah McAbee - Laboratory Safety Officer

Ms. McAbee earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech in 2004. After graduation, she worked for HydroGeoLogic, Inc. in Herndon, Virginia as an Environmental Scientist. Ms. McAbee traveled extensively to serve HGL cliental primarily located at United States military installations, where she served as field leader during environmental sampling events. While in the office, Sarah performed data analysis and risk assessments and authored site closure documents, environmental reports, and cost proposals.

While at Virginia Tech, Sarah worked for George Mason University's Office of Laboratory Safety during the summer and winter breaks. In November 2006, Ms. McAbee joined the Office of Laboratory Safety as a Laboratory Safety Specialist, and has since been promoted to Biological Safety Officer. In her capacity as Biological Safety Officer, she is responsible for coordinating the activities of the Institutional Biosafety Committee, overseeing biological waste operations, conducting inspections, and providing Biosafety and Bloodborne Pathogens training.

Stephanie Ford - Radiation Safety Officer

Stephanie Ford joined the Office of Laboratory Safety in November 2008 as a Lab Safety Technician II. Ms. Ford’s duties include annual laboratory inspections, chemical and biological waste management, safety equipment inspections, record keeping as well as lab safety training.

Ms. Ford graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Biological Sciences in 2005. After graduating, Stephanie moved from Virginia to Colorado and was given the opportunity to work for Doty and Associates, a small civil engineering firm. She was hired on as an Environmental Scientist and contracted out to Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado. In her time there, she was a part of Coors' Corporate Environment, Health and Safety Department. While working directly under the Senior Safety Manager and Senior Environmental Manager, Ms. Ford was able to learn a great deal about the field of Environmental Health and Safety which she was able to bring with her to George Mason.

Occupational Health & Safety Staff

Laura Duckworth - Director, Occupational Health & Safety

Laura Duckworth came to Mason after working for GlaxoSmithKline in North Carolina where she managed their Indoor Air Quality program and served as Biological Safety Officer. Prior to GlaxoSmithKline, Ms. Duckworth worked for 9 years with the NC Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Division. Her work there includes serving as the staff industrial hygienist for the Department of Labor where she provided support to the OSHNC compliance bureau and managed the OSH complaint intake process and the department's industrial hygiene equipment technician. She also served 5 years as an Industrial Hygiene Consultant, served 5 months as the interim Executive Director of the Ergonomics Center of NC seated at NC State University, and 2-1/2 years as an Industrial Hygiene Compliance Officer. Additionally, Laura served as the Advisory Board Chairman for the Ergonomics Center of NC. Laura was with Coastal Technologies for 2 years, as a Program Manager for the research end of their training video section, where she advised on the technical accuracy of training videos with a focus on healthcare and industrial hygiene.

Ms. Duckworth earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from George Mason University and her Master of Science degree in Environmental Health and Industrial Hygiene from Old Dominion University.

Brandy Ellard - Occupational Safety Officer

Brandy Ellard joined George Mason University's Environmental Health and Safety Office in July 2010 as an Occupational Safety Officer. In this role she is responsible for assisting employees, supervisors, and departments with implementing procedures and policies that foster a culture of safety.
In addition, Brandy provides guidance and assistance to the university community so that Mason maintains compliance with applicable safety and health regulations.

Before coming to Mason, Brandy was a consultant to federal, state, and local governments for safety and health issues. As a consultant she was responsible for inspections, sampling, training, and providing recommendations for corrective actions. Brandy attended West Virginia University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a minor in Communications, and a Master of Science degree in Safety Management.

Guyron Brock- Occupational Safety Officer

Guyron Brock graduated from Columbia Southern University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health. As a part of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office, his primary role is to provide support to Mason’s faculty through the implementation of safety programs. He is responsible for providing safety and health technical guidance and assistance to management, supervisors, and employees of George Mason University.

His previous work experience was in the private sector for a government contractor overseas in Kuwait. Mr. Brock worked as a Safety Specialist where he was responsible for inspections, training, job hazard analyses, incident investigations, and personal protective equipment assessments. His future plans include earning a Master’s degree Occupational Safety and Health at Columbia Southern University.

Jennifer Massie - Industrial Hygienist

Jennifer Massie began working for the university’s Environmental Health and Safety Office in December 2009. Her responsibilities include indoor air quality assessments and work with the medical surveillance program. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health and minor in Chemistry from Ohio University. She earned her Master’s of Public Health from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health specializing in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Science.

Before coming to George Mason University Jennifer worked for the Oakland County Health Division, in Michigan, as a Sanitarian Technician primarily conducting restaurant health inspections. She has also completed internships with the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma as an Environmental Health Officer and with Simtars in Queensland, Australia working as a consultant for safety in the mining industry.

Nicole Rodriguez - Occupational Health Coordinator

Nicole Rodriguez is a George Mason University alumnus. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health with a concentration in Global Health. She began working as the Occupational Health Coordinator in June 2012. Her responsibilities are to maintain and manage the Medical Surveillance program. She assists employees in coordinating medical services to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.

Before joining Mason’s Environmental Health and Safety Office full-time, she began working as an intern in January 2011. After graduating from Mason she was hired as a part-time Health and Safety Technician. In this role she worked with George Mason University’s Occupational Safety Officer. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Health at George Mason.

Tom Golden -Industrial Hygiene Technician

Tom Golden graduated from Old Dominion University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Health, along with a certification and minor in Occupational Safety. Shortly after graduation, he began working in the Mason’s Environmental Health and Safety Office as an Industrial Hygiene Technician. Tom’s primary responsibilities include indoor air quality assessments, noise monitoring, and assisting with the Respiratory Protection Program.

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