September 15, 2022
The PSD September Spotlight is Ian Hoppie, Laboratory Safety Specialist. Ian is responsible for managing and providing technical guidance, training, and inspective/risk analysis of the PSD laboratory safety program. He works closely with students on maintaining lab safety and has been instrumental in making the Shut the Sash sustainability campaign successful. Ian is from the south Chicago suburbs and has lived in Chicagoland most of his life. He has been working in this role since July 2021.
What do you enjoy about being a part of the PSD community?
My position allows me to see different research projects and experiments. I get to learn something new every day. Everyone is creative and great problem solvers. It allows for a variety of viewpoints
Tell us a bit about you.
I have been working in safety for about a decade now. First in radiation safety at Fermilab and now in laboratory safety at the University. Working at the University really has allowed me to expand my safety skills. I recently became a Certified Safety Specialist and will soon test to become a Certified Hazardous Material Manager. When I am not thinking about safety, I am usually taking care of my dogs, cooking, reading, or exploring the city with my wife.
Who inspires you?
My grandparents and parents were big inspirations for me. They always encouraged me to pursue my education and what I wanted to do.
What is the most interesting thing that you are working on right now?
Currently it is helping plan a live fire extinguisher training for the PSD chemistry department’s TA’s. It isn’t often that fire safety training includes real fire. I also am involved with creation and improvements in the safety programs at the University.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
Research and science are a collaborative pursuit. To allow for this collaboration, we need to make space for everyone. Having a variety of viewpoints will bring different perspectives, and as a result we will have different problem solvers. Everyone’s backgrounds are different and allowing for inclusion will bring those backgrounds together for the greater good.
What three words best describe you?
Dependable, Curious, and Dedicated