Chemical Safety Officer
Chandra received both master’s and bachelor’s degree of science in chemistry in 2019 & 2017 respectively under the supervision of Prof. James Hoefelmeyer from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. Chandra’s MS thesis is “Application of hollow Mn3O4 nanoparticles in the oxidation of cyclohexene.” While Chandra was in the senior year, he was able to win the position of EH&S technician. This position is awarded typically to graduate students, but Chandra was given this opportunity as an exemplary undergraduate student who has a dedication in to work as a Chemical Safety Professional.
Chandra worked as a lead EH&S technician for three years and his major accomplishment was the successful advocacy for an improved safety culture in chemistry and biology department at USD. Chandra also began the practice of incorporating a safety minute slide at the start of each weekly seminar presentation within the chemistry department. During his time at USD as a lead EHS tech., he was able to upgrade the hazardous waste management system and establish a new and safer techniques for collecting hazardous waste from laboratories. Chandra helped USD EHS to grow as a department which provides resources and supports to researchers by breaking the communication gap between EHS, PIs, department chairs and researchers.
Chandra joined the University of Chicago of ORS in January 2020 as a Chemical Safety Officer. He is responsible for different aspects of chemical hygiene plan that includes laboratory inspections, training, risk assessment, emergency response, review of chemical hygiene plan, and work with stakeholders to establish safety culture around the campus research community.
Chandra is an active member of American Chemical Society (ACS) and he is involved with ACS division of chemical and health and safety (DCHAS).