Charlie Bradley, instrument maker in the University of Michigan Department of Mechanical Engineering, was named one of the first recipients of an Excellence in Research Safety Award.
Excellence in Research Safety Awards, launched by the Academic Safety Committee in 2025, are given in two categories: Excellence in Research Safety and Excellence in Innovation. Awards are given to “one principle investigator, faculty lead or supervisor, and one research support staff member, who exemplify what it means to put safety first every day.”
“I am very honored to be recognized,” Bradley said. “I feel very privileged to receive this award in the first designation of recipients.”
Bradley was recognized with his award during the Annual Safety Summit conducted by the Research and Academic Safety committee on May 20.
As instrument maker, safety is a crucial part of Bradley’s daily tasks. Each day, he supports ME students in their research through design consultation, fabrication, manufacturing, and training in the safety and operations of the ME Graduate Machine Shop and its tools.
He explained that safety encompasses everything from communication between team members to ensuring cleanliness, organization, and proper training of all individuals who use lab equipment.
“Thank you to my colleagues and leadership for the compliment and the appreciation of my efforts toward providing a safe environment for learning and research,” he said.