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Rick Meyer
Senior consultant USP-797,800, Pharma for Superior Laboratory Services, SME for FDA
Professional Background
Rick Meyer is a highly regarded consultant specializing in the design and certification of clean rooms, biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories, and various laboratory environments including chemical, petroleum, and research labs. His expansive experience spans over three decades in the field of environmental control, with a notable emphasis on the critical aspects of facility design and operational safety. Rick has consulted for a myriad of projects, including innovative vivarium installations and comprehensive fume hood and biological hood system designs. He is recognized for his specialized expertise in decontaminating hoods, laboratories, and various facilities, effectively ensuring the safety and compliance of environments where harmful pathogens, biological elements, and radiological substances may be present.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Rick played a pivotal role in building an ISO-5 clean room at NASA, which was integral for the loading of breathing oxygen into spacewalk backpacks for astronauts. This landmark project not only showcased his technical prowess but also underscored his ability to deliver exceptional results within high-stakes environments. His extensive background includes the design of sophisticated exhaust systems for capturing hazardous gases such as H2S, hydrofluoric acid, and mustard gas, as well as facility monitoring systems that enhance operational safety.
Rick is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible within laboratory design and consulting. He collaborates closely with architects and engineers to ensure that the hoods and associated systems seamlessly integrate with other facility components. His commitment to innovation is evident in his work, as he encourages clients to do the unexpected and accomplish the impossible within their project endeavors.
Throughout his career, Rick has certified over 2,500 clean rooms from ISO-class 4-8 and has consulted on an impressive portfolio of at least 250 clean room projects. This level of experience positions him as a leading authority in the clean room certification industry. Rick's contributions to the field also include leading the certification for Baylor College of Medicine's dual access animal changing station, which subsequently became the prototype for Nuaire’s entry into the animal science market. With a track record of testing over 65,000 biological and chemical fume hoods, Rick Meyer’s expertise is truly unparalleled in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Rick's educational background includes key studies at Sam Rayburn High School and advanced training in Contamination Control from the Institute of Environmental Sciences. He also earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Engineering, Drafting, and Design from San Jacinto College. His solid foundational education complements his extensive professional experience, equipping him to tackle complex challenges in clean room design and laboratory safety.
Rick's career journey has seen him assume significant roles across various organizations, showcasing his leadership and consultancy capabilities. He served as the President of Labquip Inc. and Superior Laboratory Services, Inc., where he honed his expertise in clean room technology and lab design. Furthermore, he was the Certification Manager at Mechanical Specialties Incorporated and later transitioned to the role of Vice President at HEPATECH. In addition to his professional roles, Rick currently serves as an Out-of-State Inspector for the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, ensuring compliance with sterile compounding practices across the state.
Rick’s specialties encompass clean room design and consulting, BSL-3 consulting, USP-797 and cGMP facility consulting, as well as critical exhaust system development. As an industry expert, he has developed HEPA filter enclosures and testing procedures and strives to set new standards by collaborating with organizations such as the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Technology (IEST) and the Contamination Control Association (CETA) to create new protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs), thereby making significant contributions to the best practices within the industry.
Achievements
Among Rick Meyer’s numerous achievements, one of the most distinguished is his involvement in the construction and certification of the clean room at NASA specifically designed for astronaut equipment. His role in this project not only emphasized the importance of clean environments for space exploration but also showcased his ability to adhere to stringent regulatory guidelines while exceeding safety expectations.
Rick’s commitment to excellence has led him to develop a new custom battery containment system for NASA's Orion space capsule backup test facility, reflecting his innovative mindset and dedication to contributing to cutting-edge technology. Although funding for this particular project was denied, the initiative underlines Rick’s visionary approach to problem-solving within laboratory environments.
As an active professional in his field, Rick Meyer’s achievements exemplify his passion and expertise in developing safe, efficient, and compliant laboratory environments. His dynamic career and unwavering dedication to innovation continue to inspire both colleagues and clients alike, solidifying his status as a leader in clean room consulting and safety compliance.