The Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management proudly awards Ms. Amy Simcik as the Employee of the Quarter
Amy joined EH&S as a Hazard Assessment Specialist in August 2020. She consistently uses her background as a laboratory researcher at Pitt to make connections with researchers to enhance their knowledge of safety. She often goes above and beyond in many ways.
Currently, Amy is a critical member of the EH&S biosafety group, where she is the lead reviewer for all animal research protocols. As a Hazard Assessment Specialist, she evaluates all chemical, biological, and animal species-specific hazards used in a research protocol. She ensures that every researcher listed as a worker has completed appropriate training and occupational health screening. The EH&S hazard assessment team of two personnel reviews between 2,500-3,000 protocols and personnel additions each year.
Amy’s experience in performing laboratory safety audits and reviewing material transfer agreements for all incoming and outgoing biological research agents (~1,000-1,500 per year) has laid a solid foundation for her current role. But it's her willingness to go the extra mile that truly sets her apart. During a period of staff turnover, she worked tirelessly, even during long hours, weekends, and holidays, to ensure that animal research protocols were reviewed. Her dedication played a critical role in ensuring that researchers were able to accept grant funding and continue their vital animal research.
Amy always volunteers to help and cheerfully takes on tasks when asked. She actively contributes to many EH&S activities, such as evacuation exercises and volunteering to staff vaccine clinics. In her free time, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree with a focus on biological safety from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
We are delighted to have Amy as a part of the EH&S Team.