Summer research and student seating All,

It is the summer and we have the usual influx of students coming in to do research. This year is different as we have a full research contingent of laboratories for the first time since we've opened the building. 

Please be flexible with student seating. If you have a student in the lab who you know is off for the summer, let your neighboring labs know that the space is temporarily available for their students to use.

The building was designed for flexibility, but we need to be flexible with each other. 

Thank you!
]]> All, It is the summer and we have the usual influx of students coming in to do research. This year is different as we have a full research contingent of laboratories for the first time since... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150600/guest@my.umbc.edu/dcb93f36619861fd7ec8475906f5179d/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 true Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:16:54 -0400 High Temp H2O update The HTHW System is not back on yet. Part of this outage was to replace aged pipe and fittings in the Central Plant. There was a series of pipe cuts and welds that needed to occur. Late last week one of the welds failed a test. Every weld on this system is tested to confirm the integrity of the weld. This is critical since this system carries water at 330 degrees F at 250 psi. A failure of a weld when the system is on would be catastrophic and possibly fatal. The team worked through the weekend to complete the new weld. We are awaiting the results of testing, which is happening today. As soon as we have a weld test that passed, we will begin filling and turning on the heat. At this point, the earliest this will be is tomorrow morning. We will keep you informed on the status of the system. Thank you for your patience.   ]]> The HTHW System is not back on yet. Part of this outage was to replace aged pipe and fittings in the Central Plant. There was a series of pipe cuts and welds that needed to occur. Late last week... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150589/guest@my.umbc.edu/7ef73f160961c4a31422061f56cd6395/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 true Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:17:17 -0400 Equipment log books All,

I will be distributing equipment log books for autoclaves, shared centrifuges and glasswashers in the building over the next week or so. I'll be starting in room 324C where we have the single currently operational autoclave in the building and also be bringing up additional metal pans for secondary containment. 

The log book is fairly adaptable.

For each piece of equipment add the date, the time and you name.
In addition: 

For autoclaves: log Dry, liquid or waste cycle
For Glass washers: Log Chemistry, agar, etc
For Centrifuges: Log Rotor type, RPM, time and temperature

Thank you!
]]> All, I will be distributing equipment log books for autoclaves, shared centrifuges and glasswashers in the building over the next week or so. I'll be starting in room 324C where we have the... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150502/guest@my.umbc.edu/9172612f574c3ed15e5a8237c5b45cb9/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 false Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:14:16 -0400 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:19:22 -0400 Safety Training Gap Analysis Keeping researchers researching All,

The university is implementing an occupational safety program across all aspects of operations including the research labs. To start this process, building managers and administrators have been asked to poll researchers about real or perceived shortcomings for a number of different areas as listed below:

One of the most important elements in having a safe and healthy workplace is having a clearly defined process for identifying and controlling workplace hazards. The Hazard Identification and Control Procedure has been developed to assist lab and research managers and staff by providing a framework for identifying and controlling hazards in their areas. All departments, including research and laboratory areas, must take adequate steps to ensure their areas are free from recognized and foreseeable hazards.

The second part of the equation is hazard communication. Hazard Communication refers to the processes and procedures put into place to ensure that employees are aware of the chemicals they work with and the hazards that they may pose, so that they can be well-informed and protect themselves from those hazards. 

I have attached three documents concerning our expectations for safety training, these are meant to start a conversation that will address areas which may be falling through the cracks in the research labs. Situations where chemical and or biologics handling, PPE usage, equipment training and the like need to be better addressed either by additional training opportunities or better communication to current resources are all items we're interested in.  These surveys are meant to enhance safety in the labs above and beyond the annual lab audits which will continue. 

I'm going to keep comments open on this announcement, feel free to share concerns here or email me directly at Cuddy@umbc.edu. 

Thank you!




]]> All, The university is implementing an occupational safety program across all aspects of operations including the research labs. To start this process, building managers and administrators have... Document https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/dc868734cb172907887770950663c6d9/69f591a7/news/000/150/459/195091fcceeee097b7a2d6e5205d5364/Compliance Guide - Hazard Identification.docx?1748529736 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150459/guest@my.umbc.edu/5d7851ee820e44aeb4b62c76a9051ca9/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 true Thu, 29 May 2025 10:56:49 -0400 Thu, 29 May 2025 11:37:10 -0400 Summer session Building Hours Session One May 27th - July 3rd All,

With the beginning of summer session classes, I am going to tighten up access to the building. Starting today, after the card reader system rolled memorial day to the 27th, the building hours for the ILSB will be monday - Friday 7:40  AM until 5:10 PM. 

We may have some occasions where special events are taking place during the summer, but I have nothing on my radar prior to 7/4/25. 

Should you notice students propping doors open after hours, you can send me an email or call the campus police directly at 5-5555. You do not have to address the students directly, that's part of what campus security and I'm here to do. 


]]> All, With the beginning of summer session classes, I am going to tighten up access to the building. Starting today, after the card reader system rolled memorial day to the 27th, the building... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150419/guest@my.umbc.edu/9480550bcca56582e02e00564711d3eb/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 true Tue, 27 May 2025 12:48:17 -0400 Details for May 2025 High Temperature Hot Water (HTHW) Outage Update from facilities management

This is regarding the annually scheduled High-Temperature Hot Water (HTHW) system shutdown that will affect multiple buildings across campus. The HTHW system affects heat, air conditioning and domestic hot water at sinks, showers, etc. The shutdown will begin Friday, May 23 and conclude by Monday, June 9, 2025, and is part of a major infrastructure maintenance and repair to improve reliability and system performance.

Full List of Impacted Buildings:

    - Chemistry Building, HHMI (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

    - Physics Building

    - Erickson Hall

    - Performing Arts & Humanities Building (PAHB)

    - Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB)

    - Engineering & Computing Services (ECS)

    - Information Technology & Engineering (ITE)

    - Library (to include Special Collections)

    - Sondheim Hall

    - Administration Building

    - Commons

    - RAC

    - Biology/Schwartz

    - UC

    - Sherman

    - Math/Psych

    - Public Policy

    - Fine Arts

    - Central Plant/Police Station


Anticipated Impacts:

Domestic Hot Water Availability:

·         The food service venues at The Commons and Chick-fil-A will continue to have domestic hot water via stand-by electric water heaters. True Grits Dining Hall is not affected.

·         RAC locker room bathrooms near the pool will have domestic hot water via stand-by electric water heaters. The pools will not be heated.

·         Other locations will lose domestic and lab hot water service for the duration.

Temperature and Humidity Control:

·         The hot water outage impacts the comfort level of the air conditioning system. Building temperature and humidity controls will be closely monitored throughout the shutdown.


Key Dates:

    - May 23–24 – System shutdown and staged cooldown process.

    - May 28–June 7 – Infrastructure work including heat exchanger and valve replacements.

    - June 7–9 – System refill, pressure testing, and final restoration.

]]> This is regarding the annually scheduled High-Temperature Hot Water (HTHW) system shutdown that will affect multiple buildings across campus. The HTHW system affects heat, air conditioning and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150413/guest@my.umbc.edu/dd5229f833c5e5835929ca084f226bb6/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 1 0 false Tue, 27 May 2025 10:20:00 -0400 Tue, 27 May 2025 10:21:43 -0400 High temperature hot water The outage has begun, dress warmly All,

The boilers at the central plant have been turned off to commence the annual maintenance work on the university steam system. This is a campus wide outage affecting all academic building and is scheduled to continue through June 9th. 

Systems affected:

  • Building temperatures will be ~65 degrees F for the duration
  • Domestic hot water in restrooms
  • Laboratory hot water
  • Autoclaves: we have a stand alone unit on the third floor. All others have been turned off
  • Environmental rooms for any use above 65 degrees F.
  • Steam generators
Systems not affected:

  • Glass washers 
  • Vivarium heat
  • Chilled water systems
I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding as the campus attends to these critical maintenance issues.
]]> All, The boilers at the central plant have been turned off to commence the annual maintenance work on the university steam system. This is a campus wide outage affecting all academic building... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150389/guest@my.umbc.edu/6176ba3f896b34c695a6aaf39a69cb21/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 false Fri, 23 May 2025 10:56:24 -0400 Free Specialty Glassware UMBC's Scientific Glassblower shop All,

Some of you may be aware that UMBC has a scientific glass blower in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department: https://glassshop.umbc.edu/. Our glass blower is currently doing inventory and has a number of 3 neck flasks and other glassware available for free to the departments in CNMS. Tony's shop is located in room 206 of the Chemistry building and works 8:30 - 2:00. Please feel free to take a look if you may be interested. 
]]> All, Some of you may be aware that UMBC has a scientific glass blower in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department: https://glassshop.umbc.edu/. Our glass blower is currently doing inventory... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150356/guest@my.umbc.edu/ebda2afc6a250455c5c8e479874354ab/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/xxlarge.jpg?1747925304 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/xlarge.jpg?1747925304 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/large.jpg?1747925304 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/medium.jpg?1747925304 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/small.jpg?1747925304 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/xsmall.jpg?1747925304 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/356/6f7fd903d90a20b3d676f137806811cd/xxsmall.jpg?1747925304 Free glassware 0 0 false Thu, 22 May 2025 10:50:49 -0400 Autoclave Maintenance 5/22 All,

Steris will be performing maintenance on our autoclaves tomorrow morning. As a reminder, we will not have steam or hot water in the building starting this Friday, 5/23 until June 9th. the 3rd floor autoclave on the right hand side will be operational during this time. 

I will be turning off all of the other units until the high temp system is once again operational on Friday.  
]]> All, Steris will be performing maintenance on our autoclaves tomorrow morning. As a reminder, we will not have steam or hot water in the building starting this Friday, 5/23 until June 9th. the... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150329/guest@my.umbc.edu/fa82c704f63fad21c7271df4a9f36998/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 true Wed, 21 May 2025 11:37:46 -0400 Building hours for finals Hi all,

This being the beginning of finals, I've decided to tighten up our building hours based on the finals schedule in the building.

Tomorrow, 5/15 the building and classrooms will be open from 7:40 AM until 10:00 PM. 

Friday, 5/16 the building and classrooms will be open from 7:40 AM Until 5:00 PM, please bring your ID cards to access the building after hours

Monday and Tuesday next week is 7:40 AM  - 10:00 PM and next Wednesday the hours will be 7:40 AM until 8:00 PM. 

Please make sure people in your labs are aware orf the changes.

Thank you!
]]> Hi all, This being the beginning of finals, I've decided to tighten up our building hours based on the finals schedule in the building. Tomorrow, 5/15 the building and classrooms will be... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150175/guest@my.umbc.edu/de8eb34e328b253ec100fa85831f4a4c/api/pixel ILSB Research Labs https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/ilsb-research https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/original.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xlarge.png?1777560876 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/large.png?1777560876 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/medium.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/small.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xsmall.png?1777560876 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/images/avatars/group/12/xxsmall.png?1777560876 ILSB Research Labs 0 0 false Wed, 14 May 2025 17:13:45 -0400 Wed, 14 May 2025 17:14:07 -0400