Chemical Safety Officer
karki@uchicago.edu
Chandra received both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 2019 and 2017 respectively, under the supervision of Prof. James Hoefelmeyer at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. His research focused on synthesizing hollow manganese oxide nanomaterials as a catalyst to replace expensive, highly toxic, and less environmentally friendly catalysts. Chandra's MS thesis is titled “Application of Hollow Mn Nanoparticles in the Oxidation of Cyclohexene.”
During his senior year of college, Chandra won the position of EH&S technician, a position typically awarded to graduate students, showcasing his dedication and exemplary work ethic as an undergraduate student aspiring to become a Chemical Safety Professional.
Chandra served as a lead EH&S technician for three years during his time at the University of South Dakota. His major accomplishments included updating the USD LAB Safety Manual, creating user-friendly training materials, and advocating for an improved safety culture within the chemistry and biology departments. He introduced the practice of incorporating a safety minute slide at the beginning of each weekly seminar presentation within the chemistry department. Additionally, he closely worked with PIs/researchers to help them create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for particularly hazardous substances (PHSs), offered lab/hazard-specific training for chemists, upgraded the hazardous waste management system, and implemented safer techniques for collecting hazardous waste from laboratories, thereby enhancing safety protocols.
Chandra's contributions helped the USD EHS department grow by bridging communication gaps between EHS, PIs, department chairs, and researchers, providing resources and support to researchers.
In January 2020, Chandra joined the University of Chicago's Office of Research Safety (ORS) as a Chemical Safety Officer (CSO). In this role, he oversees various aspects of the chemical hygiene plan, including laboratory inspections, chemical safety training, risk assessment, emergency response, and review of the chemical hygiene plan. He collaborates with stakeholders to establish a safety culture across the campus research community.
Chandra is an active member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and is involved with the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety (DCHAS).