May 29, 2023
May spotlight is Megan Utley. Originally from northwest Indiana, she is PSD’s new Lab Safety Specialist. Megan is responsible for managing and providing technical guidance, training, and inspective/risk analysis of the PSD laboratory safety program to ensure a safe environment for research and the pursuit of academic excellence.
We interviewed her about her interests and experiences below:
People can come to you for…
Safety questions and concerns, both for labs and for general safety.
What do you enjoy about being a part of the PSD community?
I love being part of a team and building a stronger, more inclusive community within PSD.
Tell us a bit about you.
I’ve been in safety for over a decade and have lived on both coasts of the US. I love all things gaming –video and board games are the best!
Who inspires you?
Women like Junko Tabei and Chien-Shiung Wu who pursued their passions despite what stood in their way.
What is the most interesting thing that you are working on right now?
I’m working with researchers to improve safety in the labs after a lot of turnovers in my position. Building the networks and connections to encourage and maintain safety is essential!
What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
It means ensuring that every person is respected, valued, and encouraged. It means people feel safe being themselves and are able to fully engage with and enrich their teams.
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My teachers, who took the time to ensure you really understood the topic instead of just learning by rote.
What three words best describe you?
Problem-solver, empathetic, curious.
If they made a movie about your life, what genre would it be and who would play you?
I would love a good action-comedy about a lab disaster, with Sigourney Weaver as the lead!