The Research Risk Management Team was formed out of an alignment between the Research Services Office and the department of Environmental Health and Safety. This team focuses on managing risk and facilitating regulatory compliance within the University's diverse research activities.

Working with key stakeholders and experts across campus, programs and emerging areas of focus include:

  • Biohazards (microorganisms and biological toxins)
  • Biotechnology (plants with novel traits)
  • Radiation (nuclear substances, lasers, x-rays, microwaves, UV)
  • Laboratory Safety
    • Chemicals (high hazard chemicals, carcinogens, teratogens, etc.)
    • General laboratory operations/equipment (fume hoods, autoclaves, decommissioning)
    • Hazardous waste (biohazardous, chemical and radiological)
  • Field research (remote locations, etc.)
  • Research security (safeguarding research, STRAC policy, National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships)
  • Controlled research (controlled goods, chemical weapons, export controls)
  • Cannabis and controlled drugs and substance

For more information, contact us at

Jennifer Wesley - Manager, Research Risk
P: 519-824-4120 x56401
E: jwesley@uoguelph.ca

Gausiya Khan - Senior Health and Safety Consultant (Biosafety)
P: 519-824-4120 x53190
E: bso@uoguelph.ca

Alicja Zachertowska - Senior Health and Safety Consultant (Laboratory Safety)
P: 519-824-4120 x54270
E: azachert@uoguelph.ca

Tara Hargreaves - Senior Health and Safety Consultant (Research)
P: 519-824-4120 x53774
E: radsafe@uoguelph.ca, bso@uoguelph.ca

Karan Virdi - Senior Health and Safety Consultant (Radiation) Officer
P: 519-824-4120 x54888
E: radsafe@uoguelph.ca

Amy Allison – Research Security Specialist
P: 226-962-7950
E: research.security@uoguelph.ca