Michael Heminuk, CSP, AOES

Safety Engineer

NC Department of Transportation

Michael hails from Newark, New Jersey. He began his safety career while in the US Navy where he was stationed around the world on submarines, ships and various shore commands and held both Enlisted Submarine Warfare (ESW) and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) designations. While in the Navy, he earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Connecticut. In 2003, he joined NC Department of Transportation (DOT) as a Safety Engineer. As a civilian, Michael pursued and achieved many safety credentials to include Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Accredited Office Ergonomics Specialist (AEOS), Manager Environmental Safety and Health (MESH) and several trainer certifications. He truly enjoys his work and believes that the DOT’s safety program is the envy of not just all the executive level departments in North Carolina, but possibly in the nation.Michael recently earned the opportunity to be the DOT Industrial Hygiene Consultant. He looks forward to continuing the fine tradition of those who came before and to bring the Industrial Hygiene programs to new levels of excellence to serve the needs of the DOT personnel and the wonderful citizens of North Carolina.

Frieda E. Sanders, PhD, MESH, IH-MESH, AOEE

Chemical Hygiene & Biosafety Officer

Wake Technical Community College

Frieda Sanders graduated from Tuskegee University (AL) in 2003 with a BS in Plant and Soil Science and Horticulture, and in 2008 with an MS in Plant and Soil Sciences with a focus on Plant Genomics. Frieda has over 10 years of diverse laboratory science experience, ranging from plant-based RNA molecular biology to synthetic peptide integration using nanotechnology. She worked at North Carolina State University Veterinary School in the Vector-Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory as a PCR technician before going back to school with hopes of becoming a Plant Breeder. Little did she know, there was a different unexpected path to safety ahead for her. After accepting a position at Wake Tech (the largest community college in the state of North Carolina) in the Biology Department as a lab technician, she changed career paths. She became part of the newly formed Wake Tech Environmental, Health, & Safety Department in 2014. Frieda feels that she has found her niche in safety, through serving others.

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Ogaga Tebehaevu, MS, CIH, CSP 

Industrial Hygienist at East Carolina University

Ogaga Tebehaevu is an environmental health and safety professional with 11 plus years of experience. Ogaga started his career abroad as a safety engineer. He worked as a risk officer with Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, and a safety engineer with Oceanstreams Limited for a combined period of over 6 years. In 2014, he worked as an environmental health and safety engineer with Cummins Turbo Technologies’ Ladson Plant, as part of its graduate professional internship program. He currently serves as the industrial hygiene specialist at East Carolina University since 2015. In this position, he interacts with the campus community in anticipating, evaluating, and controlling occupational and environmental hazards to protect the health and safety of staff, faculty, and students. Ogaga holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial safety and environmental engineering, and a master’s degree in occupational safety. He is a certified industrial hygienist (CIH) and a certified safety professional (CSP).

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Jessica Foster, CSP, CHST is originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico and an US ARMY veteran.  She began her construction career as an apprentice with Local 602 in Washington DC, later becoming a Building Trade Pipefitter Journeyman. After many years in construction, her safety passion led her to pursue and earn her AAS in Environmental Health and Safety. A bilingual OSHA Outreach Trainer in both Construction and General Industry.  She has served in numerous Safety roles from Site Safety to Regional Director of Safety.  Her most recent title role was serving as Director of Workforce Development.  This role included training and additional capacities as both NCCER Master Trainer and Primary Administrator. Jessica currently serves as a board member on the NCDOL OSH Advisory Council and likewise a board member of the Carolina Star Committee.  Her passion has always been promoting a culture of safety in the construction safety field.  During this time Jessica is most excited to collaborate with an innovative company where her past experience will allow her to become a valued member of any team.