UND chemistry technician recognized for safety leadership and STEM advocacy

By AI, Created 10:10 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Sara Margit Wallace, a Chemistry Stockroom and Safety Technician at the University of North Dakota, is being highlighted for her role in laboratory safety, student supervision and STEM mentorship. Her profile also underscores her advocacy for women in science and disability inclusion as she looks to expand her work in chemical safety and entomology.

Why it matters: - Sara Margit Wallace’s work affects the safety of nearly 1,500 students each semester in UND laboratory courses. - Her role connects lab operations, student training and chemical handling in one of the most hands-on parts of science education. - Her advocacy for women in STEM and disability inclusion adds a broader equity angle to her technical work.

What happened: - Influential Women highlighted Sara Margit Wallace, a Chemistry Stockroom and Safety Technician at the University of North Dakota. - Wallace oversees laboratory safety operations, manages hazardous and standard chemical inventories, coordinates waste disposal and advises on safety compliance. - She also supports instructional activities across the chemistry department and supervises student employees. - The profile says Wallace helps maintain safety for nearly 1,500 students each semester. - Wallace completed a Master of Science in Biology at UND in 2025. - She previously studied Biological Sciences at Adrian College.

The details: - Wallace’s research background includes microbial communities associated with Megachilidae bees and watershed ecosystem analysis. - Those projects helped build skills in DNA analysis, lab procedures, environmental research and field-based methods. - She served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, helping undergraduate students in lab coursework. - Wallace also trained laboratory technicians in nutrient and soil analysis at AGVISE Laboratories. - She is certified in First Aid and CPR. - The profile says Wallace works as a Lead Chemistry Safety Supervisor and Stockroom Technician, where she oversees teaching lab experiments and supervises seven student employees. - Wallace is a member of the Entomological Society of America. - Her long-term goals include teaching entomology while continuing research and laboratory management. - A Learn More link is available through her Influential Women profile: Sara Wallace’s profile.

Between the lines: - The profile frames Wallace as both a technical specialist and a mentor, which reflects the growing need for lab staff who can manage safety while supporting student learning. - Her comments on unequal access to funding, recognition and advancement in STEM point to persistent barriers for women in male-dominated fields. - Her emphasis on disability advocacy shows the profile is as much about inclusion as it is about scientific credentials. - Wallace says confidence grows through experience rather than external validation, underscoring a career built around persistence and service.

What’s next: - Wallace plans to keep building her career in chemical safety. - She hopes to combine teaching, research and laboratory work over the long term. - She also wants to contribute to entomology while continuing hands-on scientific research. - The profile says Wallace remains focused on encouraging young women and underrepresented students to pursue STEM careers.

The bottom line: - Wallace’s profile spotlights a science professional whose impact extends beyond lab operations into student support, inclusion and STEM mentorship.