About

BIOGRAPHY
Erica Nystrom Santacruz has a BS in Entomology and Zoology from UW-Madison, and an MBS from the University of Minnesota. Her early career centered on invasive and exotic insect research in BSL-2 containment. The experiences served as a launching pad into the world of biosafety, occupational health, and compliance. She worked for four years as a BSL-3 Lab Manager and is a Registered Biosafety Professional with ABSA International. She is currently the Occupational Health Program Manager for Health, Safety & Risk Management at the University of Minnesota. Her role involves collaborating with medical providers and university stakeholders to manage complex occupational health requirements for those working in diverse academic environments, with an emphasis on potentially biohazardous exposures. She is enthusiastic about ensuring that the education and technical processes put into place serve personnel in a way that helps them comply with requirements to work safely. She is currently reviewing the Lab Animal Allergen Program for the University of Minnesota.