Statement of Patrick Harran - latimes.com Page 1 of 1 latimes.comifeatureslhealthlla-me-ucla-statement5-2009mayO5,0,2826268.story latimes.com Statement of Patrick Harran UCLA's Donald J. and Jane M. Cram Professor of Organic Chemistry. My students and I deeply mourn the death of our friend Sheri Sangji, and we realize our pain cannot possibly compare with the anguish felt by her family. She was an exceptionally gifted young woman with a bright future ahead, and her loss is truly tragic. ROLL OVER. TO LEARN MORE + + Since Sheri's death, attention has focused on inspection and training records. These protocols are very important in developing and documenting a culture of safety, but in this case they are largely unrelated to the accident of Dec. 29,2008. Sheri was an experienced chemist and published researcher who exuded confidence and had performed this experiment before in my lab. Sheri had previous experience handling pyrophorics, chemicals that bum upon exposure to air, even before she arrived at UCLA. Her most recent position prior to joining the group involved "scale-up process safety." However, it seems evident, based on mistakes investigators tell us were made that day, I underestimated her understanding of the care necessary when working with such materials. Sheri's death resulted from a tragic accident. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has found no willful violations in its report. Throughout my career, I have strived to create a culture of safety. I am haunted by memories of this tragedy and wish that nothing like it happens again - in my lab or any other. In continuing our research, I go forward with a heavy heart in remembrance of Sheri and with a rededication to safety. I will also work tirelessly to achieve Chancellor Block's goal of making UCLA the leader in safe laboratory practices. Copyright (C) 2009, The Los Angeles Times http://www.latimes.comifeatureslhealthlla-me-ucla-statement5-2009may05.0.3663416.pri. .. 10/29/2009