Welcome to SEBSA
The Southeastern Biological Safety Association (SEBSA) is a professional organization founded in 1999 for the purpose of promoting the principles of biological safety.
The Southeastern Biological Safety Association is a regional association of scientific professionals dedicated to encouraging interest in the biological sciences, promoting biological safety practices, and increasing the sharing of accurate information relating to public health and safety. Members of SEBSA include professionals from various backgrounds from engineering, architectural design, and mechanical operations, to research, clinical, and public health. All have joined SEBSA with the common goal of networking with people who have similar interests in biological sciences and socializing in dynamic settings to gather innovative solutions to emerging issues.
President’s Message
Welcome to 2026, SEBSA Members!
It is a profound honor to step into the role of President for the Southeastern Biological Safety Association (SEBSA) as we begin our 2026 operating year.
To our new members, welcome to a community that I truly believe is the heartbeat of our profession. To our returning members, thank you for your continued dedication to the safety and security of our laboratories and communities. And to our corporate members and sponsors, your partnership is the backbone of our educational initiatives; we are incredibly grateful for your investment in our mission.
2025 was a year characterized by both excitement and resilience. While we faced many challenges—some that directly impacted our daily operations and others that indirectly shifted the landscape of biosafety—our community never wavered.
I often reflect on my own journey with this organization. I joined SEBSA and attended my first symposium at Georgia Tech in 2015. I didn’t know it then, but that single event forever changed the trajectory of my professional career. It provided me with the mentorship, technical knowledge, and a network of peers that transformed my "job" into a lifelong calling. My goal for 2026 is to ensure SEBSA continues to provide that same "trajectory-changing" experience for all of you.
Our success is built on the tireless efforts of volunteers. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our outgoing Board of Directors for their leadership and vision:
Bobby Clark (Past President)
Christy Myrick (Past Treasurer)
Jessica Powell (Councilor at Large A)
Your dedication has left SEBSA stronger than you found it, and we are indebted to your service.
I am also thrilled to welcome our new Board members who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our leadership team:
Jessica Powell (President-elect)
Stephan Willias (Treasurer)
Deepika Suresh (Councilor at Large A)
As we look toward 2026, my focus will be on strengthening our connections, expanding our professional development resources, and ensuring that every member feels the same spark of inspiration I felt back in 2015.
I look forward to working with each of you as we navigate the future of biosafety together. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.
2026 Board of Directors
President-Elect
Jessica Powell Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Secretary
Carolina Dolislager Carter, MS
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
President
Betsy Butler, RBP (ABSA), CPBCA Tanaq Management Services LLC
Atlanta, Georgia
Treasurer
Stephen Willias, PhD, CPBCA
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Councilor B
Robert W. Hayman IV, MSc, RBP (ABSA)
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Past President
Dee Mazzetti, MPH, RBP (ABSA)
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Councilor A
Deepika Suresh, MS, RBP (ABSA)
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
A Big Thank You to our Corporate Members!
Unmatched Reviews Expertise. Innovative Technology.
Sponsors, sites, and contract research organizations (CROs) rely on Advarra to ensure compliance, quality, and efficiency throughout the clinical trial lifecycle.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about SEBSA, please contact us.