Please join us in recognizing Dr. Olga Pechanova, a dedicated member of the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology (IGBB), as an MSU Safety Dawg! She was nominated by Dr. Daniel Peterson, who had this to say in support of her commendation:

“It is part of Olga's job to help keep the IGBB labs clean and safe, and she does her job with aplomb!  She ensures that all IGBB employees are educated on safety issues; indeed, she hosts an IGBB safety discussion group that includes IGBB faculty, staff, and students.  At these meetings, Olga leads discussions of safety policies, emergency action plans for the IGBB and Pace Building, and other safety issues of relevance.  Dr. Pechanova also schedules EH&S Waste & Laboratory Safety training sessions for IGBB employees.

Ever since Olga has been the IGBB's Lab Manager, the EH&S safety reviews of the IGBB labs have been exceptional!  It is a joy to read the annual safety review reports for the IGBB; they are a direct reflection of Olga's dedication to safety and regulatory compliance.

In summary, I can think of no one more deserving of the title of EH&S Safety Dawg than Dr. Pechanova, and I am proud to have her on the IGBB team!”

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Pechanova for her long-standing commitment to safety!

EH&S is proud to recognize Andy Rainey of the MSU Riley Center as one of our newest Safety Dawgs, honoring his outstanding commitment to creating a safe environment for staff and patrons alike.

Andy was nominated for his proactive leadership and hands-on approach to safety. He played a key role in acquiring advanced fall protection equipment, ensuring that employees working at elevated heights were properly harnessed and protected. His foresight addressed a critical risk area, preventing accidents before they could happen.

In addition, Andy has taken the initiative during large public events, implementing thoughtful crowd control strategies to reduce hazards and maintain order. Whether behind the scenes or in the front row, Andy consistently puts safety first and leads by example.

His actions reflect the spirit of our safety culture at MSU: Think Safe. Work Safe. Be Safe.

Please join us in congratulating Andy Rainey on this well-deserved honor!

The Campus Landscape team, part of Campus Services, has been honored as December Safety DAWGS for their commitment to safety over the past year. Led by Jim Bo Hearnsberger, Associate Director of Campus Grounds, along with supervisors Jimmy Shannon and Myles Thibodeaux, the team works daily to promote safety for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Their proactive approach to safety includes hosting routine safety chats, participating in safety training, and identifying and addressing hazards to maintain a safe workplace and welcoming campus.

The team’s consistent efforts to create a safe environment reflect their leadership and serve as an example for the entire university community. Their recognition as December Safety DAWGS highlights their role in fostering a culture where everyone is encouraged to Think Safe, Work Safe, Be Safe.

Photo Identifiers

Front Row taking knee from left to right: Melvin Turnipseed, Deshaun Blair, Patricia Edminson

Front Row left to right: Myles Thibodeaux, Raphael Leonard, David Davis, Orlando Licor, Pete Moody, Tim Parker, Clark Bullock, Randy Ellis, Gussie Lane Jr, Sammy Vaughn, Anthony Bell, Mitch Freelon, Jimmy Shannon.

Second Row left to right: Dezmond Woods, Katzman Rogers, Robert McCarter, Travis Graf, Aundra Pittman, Marquez Bell, Tylan Carter, James Brownlee, Jason Hillhouse, Brandon Williams, David Long, Jason McQuirter, Quantavious Montgomery, Matthew Henry, Nicholas Moore, JimBo Hearnsberger

3rd Row left to right: Tyreese Shields, Diallo Strawter, Jonathan Hughes, Gevontae Bush, John Cranford, Todd Wilson, Quadarion Brooks, David Sherman, William Smith, Dylan Karges, Mark Murphy