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​​​​​​​​​​​​​Ann Wiegand's GLP Story

​Ann Wiegand is a research biologist in the HIV Dynamics and Replication Program (HIV DRP) in the Center for Cancer Research of the National Cancer Institute. The HIV DRP has participated in the Green Labs Program (GLP) in both 2023 and 2024. Through their participation, they’ve been empowered to improve their sustainability and their labs have seen great leaps in efficiency. For Ann, she believes it’s just another part of their lab responsibilities.

“We as a lab felt the need to complete the Green Labs Program since we inevitably generate a fair amount of waste in our lab practices. We really needed to be educated and updated on ways that we could reduce this through the helpful guidance of the [Green Labs] program.”

This education, brought about by participation in the GLP, has inspired Ann and her lab to consider new and innovative ways to reduce waste and conserve energy. They have taken some classic steps, such as switching over to Energy Star freezers and avoiding plastics where possible. They’ve even employed the use of a robot to bypass the need for plastic pipette tips and greatly improve their efficiency.

The GLP also encourages lab staff to subscribe to the Green Zone Newsletter, and such an action has helped connect Ann to a world of new perspectives.

“We've learned a lot from the Green Zone Newsletter in particular each month. I love reading it because it provides helpful outlines of information that emphasize the importance of energy efficient equipment and laboratory operations.”

While the HIV Dynamics and Replication Program has experienced sustainable improvements since participating in the GLP, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for them. Since they are a Biosafety Level 2 lab, it has been rather challenging to reduce and reuse while also meeting biohazard disposal requirements. Nonetheless, Ann sees a bright future where additional avenues to information bring about more sustainable operations at the NIH.

In the end, Ann frames her lab’s perspective of the GLP simply yet impactfully:

“…We believe it's very important to follow the guidelines to reduce waste at all costs and it's crucial to the sustainability of our planet.”

To read the full interview, click here, or listen to the interview below:

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NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Did you know? ​​​​​The 2025 NIH Freezer Challenge​ is live and all NIH labs are encouraged to participate! You only need to complete 1 initiative to participate and the data entry process is very quick. To learn more about sustainability at the NIH​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage​ to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.