I originally trained as a PhD candidate in microbial biochemistry at the University of Buffalo in the laboratory of Dr. Gerald B. Koudelka. After conferral I became a Senior Scientist for SAIC, contracted to the US Army, RDECOM, Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. In this position, I was responsible for the scientific aspects of multiple government and industry funded studies into the persistence and decontamination of bacterial pathogens. ​Later, I accepted a position at CUBRC as a Senior Research Scientist where my duties included proposal development and writing, technology development, strategic business development, and regulatory compliance. I was also the primary investigator of record for the USDA/CDC permitted Joint CUBRC/SUNY at Buffalo Select Agent program. In my current position as the Biosafety Officer for the University at Buffalo, I am responsible for regulatory oversight and the safe conduct of biological research for over 200 Principal Investigators. Academically, I hold an appointment as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.​I have authored numerous peer reviews papers, was awarded the 2017 Knudsen Award by the American Biosafety Association (ABSA International) which is given for scientific contributions to biosafety. I have been awarded the ABSA international’s Hashimoto Service Award in 2019 and again in 2021 for service to the profession.In 2018, I founded the private consulting firm, Upstate Biosafety, LLC and currently serve as the principal consultant. I have also been awarded 2 US patents: US-20130337577-A1US-8080404-B1