Institutional Biosafety Committee Minutes

Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences Institutional Biosafety Committee Zoom Meeting minutes from Thursday September 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM

IBC Members Present

• Dr. Crystal (Niki) Johnson: Committee Chair - Present
• Dr. I-Hsiu (George) Huang:  Scientific Member - Present
• Dr. Sue Katz Amburn:  Scientific Member - Present (10:08)
• Dr. Gerwald Koehler: Scientific Member - Absent
• William (BJ) Reddig: Lab representative - Present
• Dr. David Wallace: Animal Expert - Present
• Dr. Fang (Fiona) Liu: Non-affiliated member - Absent
• Jennifer Nangle: Non-affiliated Member - Absent
• Dr. Vikram Gujar: Alternate Member - Affiliated Scientist - Absent

Quorum: Quorum was met. Five (5) voting members were present when the meeting was called to order, and four (4) voting members were required to conduct business. Dr. Sue Katz Amburn joined at 10:08 a.m., bringing the number of voting members present to six (6).

Others in Attendance

• Amber Hood: Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences - Director Regulatory Compliance & Research Facilities
• Rebecca Crandell: Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences - Assistant Director Research Compliance
• Swarup Mitra: Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences - Faculty Research

Minutes

1. Call to Order
   • The IBC Chair called this meeting to order at 10:00am.
     1. Conflicts of Interest
        • The IBC Chair asked all members present to identify any conflicts of interest with the materials that are to be reviewed.
        • None were identified
     2. Discussion of previous minutes
        • No discussion was held regarding the September 2026 IBC meeting minutes.
2. Review of Prior Business
   • Business: Report of pending/outstanding protocol(s)
   • Review and Discussion: None
3. New IBC Registrations and Amendments for Review
   1. Review of IBC-00001264
      • PI Name(s): Dr. Swarup Mitra
      • Registration Title/Number
        • Use of Viral Vectors for animal experiments
        • IBC- 00001264
      • Project Overview:
        • This research uses non-replicating viral vectors in mice and rats to deliver specific genetic instructions to selected brain cells. These vectors, primarily recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), act as delivery vehicles for harmless fluorescent reporter proteins or other research-related molecules and cannot reproduce or spread on their own in the animals. The viral vectors are designed to target specific cell types, allowing researchers to visualize and study how individual brain cells contribute to behavior and biological processes. Appropriate biosafety and animalcare procedures are followed during vector preparation, administration, and animal handling.
      • NIH Guidelines Section
        • N/A
      • Risk Assessment and Discussion
        • Discussion: The Committee reviewed the proposed use of viral vectors and discussed the procedures associated with receipt, storage, preparation, administration, and disposal. Dr. Mitra clarified that the viral vectors are obtained as prepared material from commercial sources, including Addgene and VectorBuilder, stored at -80°C, and transported to the animal facility for use. Vector preparation and loading into syringes occurs within the animal facility using appropriate PPE. Following administration, used vials are placed into biohazardous waste.
        • The Committee specifically considered the replication-deficient nature of the vectors, the small volumes handled, preparation and administration procedures, sharps-related exposure risk, engineering controls, PPE, decontamination, and waste-disposal practices. The Committee determined that the described practices adequately address the identified biosafety risks.
        • The Chair noted formatting artifacts within the Cayuse submission, including question marks apparently generated during transfer of text containing special characters. Dr. Mitra agreed to correct these formatting issues for clarity. The Committee confirmed that supporting documentation for the viral constructs was attached to the registration.
        • Following questions from the Committee, Dr. Mitra left the meeting prior to deliberation and voting. No additional biosafety concerns were raised during deliberation.
      • Training
        • All personnel listed on this application have completed the minimum required lab safety training courses, including Lab Chemical safety and Bloodborne Pathogens training. Additionally, all personnel have documented in-lab training for specific procedures that are carried out in each individual lab.
      • Additional Training
        • No additional training was outlined for this application.
      • Occupational Health Respresentative Review (if applicable)
        • No additional occupational health concerns were outlined for this protocol.
      • Biosafety Level Assignment
        • Biosafety Level: 1
        • Additional Discussion or notes:  No additional discussion was held regarding the biosafety level.
      • IBC Vote
        • Action: Approve as written.
          • Approved
        • Votes:
          • For - 6
          • Against - 0
          • Abstain - 0
          • Recused - 0
        • Notes:
          • None
4. New Business
   • Topic: TRAP2 Mice and defining Transgenic.
   • Discussion:
     • The Committee discussed whether a proposed IACUC breeding protocol involving TRAP2 mice requires IBC submission or continued IBC oversight. The discussion also identified a broader need to clarify institutional criteria for determining when work involving genetically modified or transgenic animals requires IBC review.
     • Members distinguished routine breeding activities from subsequent experimental uses that may introduce recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, viral vectors, biological hazards, or other activities requiring IBC review. The proposed TRAP2 activity currently consists of breeding and does not itself include experimental manipulations that could subsequently trigger IBC review. The associated IACUC breeding protocol had been received but had not yet undergone IACUC review and was scheduled for the October IACUC meeting.
     • The Committee discussed the importance of consistent institutional criteria for determining when IBC review is required. Members supported revising institutional transgenic-animal guidance and discussed a standardized abbreviated screening tool or decision tree and a documented IBC determination when full committee review is not required. The Committee also discussed electronic Committee review within a defined timeframe. No final abbreviated review process was adopted at
       this meeting.
   • IBC Vote
     • Determination/Vote: TRAP2 breeding activity
       • The Committee determined that breeding of the TRAP2 mice, as currently proposed, does not require an IBC protocol or continued IBC oversight. Subsequent experimental use of these animals may require IBC review depending on the activities involved and should be evaluated separately.
     • Votes:
       • For - 5
       • Against - 0
       • Abstain - 1
       • Recused - 0
     • Notes:
       • The determination applies to the breeding activity as currently proposed; future experimental uses remain subject to IBC review as applicable.
5. Public Comments
   • No public comments were recorded at this meeting.
6. Other Discussion
   1. Review of institution document regarding transgenics
      • The Committee agreed that the institutional guidance addressing transgenic animals should be revised to establish clearer and more consistent criteria for determining when IBC review is required. The revised guidance may incorporate a decision tree or other structured screening mechanism. Dr. Amber Hood will circulate a shared working version to Committee members for collaborative review and edits before the next regularly scheduled IBC meeting. The Committee also noted that evolving federal requirements concerning dangerous gain-of-function research may need to be considered as the guidance is revised.
   2. Administrative screening / Reishi mushroom inquiry
      • The Committee discussed a potential administrative screening process through which investigators could provide a concise description of proposed activities and associated biosafety considerations to determine whether formal IBC submission is required. Members emphasized the value of a standardized template and written institutional criteria to support consistent, documented determinations. The Chair also reported an inquiry regarding use of Reishi mushroom powder/extracts in an animal model. Based on the information provided, the Chair determined that the proposed activity did not require IBC protocol submission and notified the investigator. No final screening procedure was adopted at this meeting.
   3. Unaffiliated member recruitment
      • The Chair informed the Committee of the need to identify a potential replacement unaffiliated member and requested recommendations. Members discussed potential candidates from the local community and external scientific organizations. Committee members were asked to forward additional recommendations to IBC staff for consideration.
7. Adjournment
   • With no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:46 a.m.
   • Committee will hold the next IBC monthly meeting on for Thursday, October 15, 2026.