Do you want to get your laboratory on the list?
Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)
Do you want to get your laboratory on the list?
Please contact Ken Keeler at 936-6663 (kkeeler@umich.edu)
Our research focused primarily upon nuclear medicine and organic chemistry in making new radiopharmaceuticals. Such new radiochemistry techniques are then applied to the development of new biomarkers for PET imaging as well as multi-modality (e.g. PET-MRI, PET-CT, PET-optical) applications. These radiolabeled products can then be used for noninvasive molecular imaging of biochemistry in living human subjects but also, by changing the radioisotope in question, targeted radiotherapy. Hazardous waste generated is manifested for proper disposal adhering to OSEH guidelines.
“The Sustainable Labs program has changed how we conduct our daily business for the better. Everyone here is much more mindful about how much energy we use and the simple ways to reduce it. We’ve taken great steps towards removing ketones, which are very harmful to biological systems, from our syntheses. Recycling some items, like disposable booties and lab coats, aren’t cost effective so we are always looking for ways to reduce their use.” George Kropog, Safety Officer
Our lab primarily studies motivation as it relates to obesity using behavioral, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and biochemical techniques in rats. Techniques employed include, but are not limited to Slice Electrophysiology, Mass Spectrometry, Western Blotting, and a variety of behavioral methods. Hazardous waste streams generated are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines. Several waste streams encountered in our lab are being recycled following guidelines given by the OCS team.
“Becoming part of the sustainable labs program has been a big benefit to our lab. With very little effort we were able to implement a number of small changes that have not only reduced our environmental impact, but have also saved the lab money. We are routinely able to procure chemicals from the ChEM Reuse program free of charge, and have also been made aware of viable, environmentally friendly alternatives to some of the chemicals and other consumables used in our lab. I would definitely encourage other labs to participate.”-Cameron Nobile, Lab Manager
Our research focused primarily upon the development of new strategies and methodologies for the synthesis of natural products. Of particular interest are the discoveries of practical new processes which utilize the redox chemistry of visible light activated metal complexes, environmentally benign alternatives to traditional methods. The majority of operations are performed in fume hoods. We installed a local vacuum system by Vacuubrand for sustainable operations. Rotavapors used in our lab are interfaced to isolated recirculating chillers or to cold fingers to trap the low boiling solvents. Techniques we utilize include GCMS, UPLC, TLC-MS. Hazardous waste generated is manifested for proper disposal adhering to OSEH guidelines.
“Sustainability in a research lab is a never-ending challenge. We are constantly striving to find new ways to conserve resources or reduce waste. What is important is making the effort to not be wasteful. This effort may consist of investing in a more efficient piece of equipment, substituting environmentally benign chemicals for traditional ones, or simply turning the lights off in a vacant room. When we all try to be sustainable, we improve the quality of life both at Michigan and around the world.” James Devery, Safety Liaison
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disease with pleotropic manifestations, including scarring rashes, organ damage and elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms leading to lupus skin rashes are poorly understood. In our lab, we are currently exploring the connections between cutaneous rashes and the development of systemic disease in SLE. We use cell culture, electrophoresis, PCR, microarray, ELISA and other techniques. Waste streams generated are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines.
“The Kahlenberg Lab is very proud to be part of the OCS program. We were already recycling and had switched to SYBR Safe® for our gels. Dr. Reddy introduced us to OSC programs such as ice pack recycling, the ChEM Reuse program, the pen/pencil recycling and the Planet Blue Ambassador Program. We are very pleased to be a part of the Green Lab Movement and recommend this program to others.” Tammi Reed, Lab Manager
The Knight Lab studies the role of neutrophils and platelets in autoimmune disorders such as lupus and the related antiphospholipid syndrome. This work involves both fresh human samples, which are studied in tissue culture, and animal models. Additional techniques include microscopy, flow cytometry, PCR, western blotting, and protein purification. With the help of the Office of Campus Sustainability (OCS), we have improved our recycling streams and energy efficiency; have found safer reagents for DNA detection in gel electrophoresis; and have minimized the use of methanol, isopropanol, and chloroform in procedures that we perform almost daily. Hazardous waste streams are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines. Further, several waste streams encountered in our lab are now being recycled following guidelines given by the OCS team.
“I am really thankful for all the people of OCS for introducing us to the green lab program. OCS has given us a great opportunity to do research in an environmentally-conscientious way. Adopting these “green ways” has provided us a sense of confidence that we are conserving not only energy, but also lab equipment and chemicals. We are very pleased to be a part of the Green Lab program and would certainly recommend this program to others. Go green, while being blue!!!” -- Sri Yalavarthi, Lab Manager
Lab members are involved in a variety of projects involving theoretical ecology, agricultural ecology, and tropical ecology. Most of the lab work involves identifying arthropods from field samples and biocontrol experiments. We do have chemicals in our lab except ethanol. We do not generate hazardous waste from our lab. Non-hazardous solid waste streams generated in our lab are being recycled following the guidelines provided by the Office of Campus Sustainability.
"Our lab is very concerned with the multiple dimensions of sustainability, and becoming a sustainable lab was an important step for us to show our commitment to this cause. We recycled many of the old chemicals that we no longer use, and we are conscious to save energy and resources through habits such as keeping our chemical hood shut, recycling anything we can, and turning off lights and appliances when not in use. The program was easy to implement thanks to the help of Dr. Reddy.” " Aaron Iverson, Safety Liaison
In our lab we develop genome-scale technologies to comprehensively identify sequence variants, resolve genomic structures, and dissect their functional impacts with respect to molecular and cellular phenotypes. Equipment we use includes but is not limited to: centrifuges, incubators, PCR machines, ULT freezers and microscopes. Hazardous waste streams generated are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines. Solid waste streams encountered in our lab are being recycled following guidelines given by the OCS team.
“I am really thankful for all the people and their efforts who have initiated the green lab program, as it has changed our lab in many ways. As a start-up lab we took the advantage of ChEM Reuse program. Through this program our level of awareness raised to conserve energy and resources. We are pleased to be a part of the Sustainable Lab program and would like to recommend others as well. It is easy and rewarding” -- Rosemary Lemons, Lab Manager
Our work focuses on understanding the mechanism of bacterial biofilm bloodstream infections and to cure them. We are currently using BL-1 and 2 organisms and pursuing molecular, microbiological, and bioengineering approaches to achieve our goals. Equipment we use includes but is not limited to: centrifuges, incubators, orbital shakers, ULT freezers and microscopes. Hazardous waste streams generated are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines. Several waste streams encountered in our lab are being recycled following guidelines given by the OCS team.
“I am really thankful for all the people and their efforts who have initiated the green lab program, as it has changed our lab in many ways. In addition to that it has provided us a sense of confidence that we are conserving not only energy, but also lab equipment and chemicals. I am pleased to be a part of the Green Lab program and would like to recommend others as well.” -- Prannda Sharma, Lab Manager
Radiation Safety Service (RSS) provides technical support that includes safety evaluations, radiation monitoring, environmental and personnel dose assessments, radiological emergency and radioactive spill response, and radon monitoring, We are also responsible for instrument calibrations and counting various samples using a liquid scintillation counter or a gas proportional counter.
"The OSEH / RSS laboratory has implemented the sustainable research practices provided by the OCS staff and remains committed to laboratory safety and hazardous waste reduction. Some changes include turning off the lights, fume hood, small equipment and computers when not in use as well as recycling all packaging materials. We continue to stay focused on the reduction of chemical use within the lab.”-Patty Quattro, Safety Liaison
Our laboratory studies cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic airways diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). At this time, we are focusing on three main projects. First, we are studying the mechanisms by which rhinovirus (RV), a common cold virus, induces exacerbations of asthma and COPD. Second, we are studying how early-life viral infection could actually induce the development of asthma. Third, we are studying the roles of matricellular proteins such as periostin in the pathogenesis of asthma and BPD. Waste streams generated are manifested and disposed of in accordance with U-M OSEH guidelines.
"Dr. Reddy contacted the Hershenson lab when we switched from Ethidium Bromide to Gel Red. With his help we are also reducing our energy consumption by closing fume hood sashes, increasing the temperature on our deep freezers and generally being more energy conscious. Dr. Reddy also introduced us to Lab Sustainability programs for better recycling of ice packs, pipette tip boxes and Styrofoam. The program was easy to implement, and Dr. Reddy was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. We hope to implement more sustainable programs in the near future." Adam Goldsmith, Lab Manager