Manisco Earns Prestigious Chemistry Certification

Penny Manisco, chemistry laboratory coordinator and the College’s chemical hygiene officer, recently passed the Chemical Hygiene Officer credential requirements and certification exam administered by the National Registry of Certified Chemists.

As a staff member in the Department of Chemistry since 2008, Penny uses her chemical and laboratory safety expertise to support Harvey Mudd’s academic enterprise. She helps formulate strategies and programs necessary to provide all faculty, staff and students with a safe chemical learning experience and a safe workplace.

“Penny is one of only 304 certified chemical hygiene officers in the country, and Harvey Mudd College is fortunate to have someone with her professional expertise,” says Kerry Karukstis, chair of the department and the Ray and Mary Ingwersen Professor of Chemistry. “She is the ideal individual to partner with all departments at the College to ensure that our laboratory, research and Clinic programs follow prudent safety practices and proper chemical management.”

Manisco previously worked as a licensed clinical laboratory technologist in hospital and medical laboratory settings. She received her B.S. in biological science from the University of Southern California.