Effective lab safety leadership goes beyond compliance—it fosters a culture where safety is an integral part of daily operations. Strong safety leaders implement rigorous protocols, ensure team accountability, and create an environment where researchers feel empowered to prioritize safety. Applying lab management best practices is essential for maintaining high safety standards, preventing incidents, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Each year, Lab Manager honors professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership through our Leadership Excellence Awards program. The Excellence in Safety Leadership Award recognizes individuals who set high standards for lab safety, drive continuous improvement, and cultivate a proactive safety culture. Those with effective lab leadership skills understand that a strong safety culture is built on training, communication, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Gustina Gonzales, biosafety officer for the City of Houston, is the recipient of this year’s Excellence in Safety Leadership Award. Her scientific leadership has been instrumental in strengthening biosafety measures, improving risk assessment protocols, and ensuring a safe, compliant work environment.
Michelle Gaulin, associate editor at Lab Manager, spoke with Gonzales about her approach to lab safety, the challenges of implementing effective safety programs, and the strategies she uses to foster a strong safety culture.
Q: What inspired you to prioritize safety leadership in your lab?
“I noticed the need for stronger risk assessments, compliance adherence, and a proactive safety culture, which motivated me to take on a leadership role in biosafety and training.”
A: My dedication to lab safety stems from my extensive experience in public health laboratories. I have witnessed firsthand how biosafety directly impacts public health outcomes. Ensuring the safe handling of biological materials, preventing the spread of multi-drug-resistant pathogens, and mitigating emerging threats have been central to my roles. As a biosafety officer, I noticed the need for stronger risk assessments, compliance adherence, and a proactive safety culture, which motivated me to take on a leadership role in biosafety and training.
Q: What are the biggest challenges labs face when it comes to fostering a strong safety culture, and how have you addressed them?
A: One major challenge is ensuring consistent adherence to safety protocols across all staff levels. Resistance to change, knowledge gaps, and complacency can hinder a strong safety culture. To address this, I have developed and implemented comprehensive biosafety training programs for both laboratory and regional sentinel labs. By integrating risk assessments, hands-on training, and continuous monitoring—along with safety partners—we have created an environment where safety is embedded in daily operations rather than seen as a regulatory burden. Additionally, as the co-chair of the Houston Health Department Safety Committee, I have worked to make safety a shared responsibility among all staff members.
Q: Can you share an example of a successful safety initiative you implemented and its impact?
A: One of my most impactful initiatives was enhancing the biosafety risk assessment and risk mitigation planning for public health and sentinel laboratories. By developing structured site visits and biosafety outreach programs, I was able to identify vulnerabilities and provide tailored corrective actions. This initiative has significantly improved laboratory compliance and strengthened overall biosafety preparedness.
Q: How do you engage and motivate your team to take ownership of lab safety?
“I believe in fostering a culture where safety is seen as a shared responsibility rather than just a regulatory requirement.”
A: I believe in fostering a culture where safety is seen as a shared responsibility rather than just a regulatory requirement. To engage staff, I focus on clear communication, hands-on training, and empowerment. By conducting regular safety training, involving staff in biosafety risk assessments, and encouraging open discussions about safety concerns, I ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining a safe lab environment. Additionally, I coordinate annual staff training and packaging and shipping training for public health partners, reinforcing the importance of safety beyond our lab.
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Q: What advice would you give to other lab managers looking to improve safety practices in their labs?
A: I would advise lab managers to develop a strong biosafety and safety culture, invest in training and engagement—such as hands-on workshops, interactive drills, and real-world risk scenarios—to improve retention and adherence. Foster a reporting culture that encourages staff to report near misses and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Finally, lead by example—demonstrating a commitment to safety through actions rather than just policies sets the tone for the entire team and lab.
Gustina Gonzales’s career journey
Originally from Round Rock, Texas, Gonzales is a dedicated public health laboratory professional with more than a decade of experience in biosafety, compliance, and laboratory management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Texas Southern University.
Currently serving as the biosafety officer at the City of Houston Health Department, Gonzales is committed to ensuring laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, and emergency preparedness. As a National Safety Council Rising Star of Safety and an Association of Public Health Laboratories ambassador and mentor, she actively promotes workplace safety and professional development.
When she is not advancing public health initiatives, Gonzales enjoys trivia and immersing herself in a good book.
