2023 AIHA BC Yukon AGM Feature Speaker
Dr. Byron Gates
Presentation Topic
Enhancing the Utility of Wipe Sampling in the Workplace
Presentation Brief Description
Wipe sampling offers a simple means of collecting residues of interest from a myriad of workplaces for further analysis. The collection of samples using a combination of wipe materials, solvents, wiping modalities, and methods of analyzing the collected residue offer a relatively simple approach to assessing potential workplace exposures. This sampling is widely used for assessing exposures to heavy metals and hazardous chemicals, which can include species from drugs used in the management of cancer to heavy metals that can induce lung fibrosis, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The workplaces of interest can, thus, span from hospitals and clinics to construction and manufacturing to production and processing of advanced materials (e.g., those enabling clean energy technologies).
Biography
Byron Gates is a Professor of materials chemistry and surface science at Simon Fraser University (SFU). His interdisciplinary team is creating advanced materials and techniques for a variety of applications through collaboration with researchers around the world. Significant developments include preparation of designer syntheses of nanoscale materials, new methods for tuning surface chemistry of materials including battery materials, on command release of small molecules from nanoparticles, and enhancing electrocatalytic performance of materials used in clean energy production and utilization. The team has also created techniques for tracking nanomaterials in the workplace and in the natural environment and has been establishing best practices for handling engineered nanomaterials. Professor Gates completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry and Nanotechnology at the University of Washington while working with Professor Younan Xia. Prior to joining SFU in 2004, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University with Professor George M. Whitesides. He served as a Director and co-founder of 4D LABS, overseeing the establishment of an extensive Class 100 clean room and materials characterization facility, an extensive suite of electron microscopy tools, and fuel cell testing services. He has also designed and implemented a series of new approaches to undergraduate training in the analytical sciences in preparation for careers in both research and development settings. Prof. Gates continues to integrate his passion for teaching and research in his pursuits.