LAWTE Program 2019 final.pdf · Poster Presentations 52-57 Thank You from the ... Paula Clifford 2013-2015 Bruce W Kennedy 2011-2013 Cindy Buckmaster ... The American Association

LAWTE has the

Cure for the Blues

Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange 2019 Biennial Conference

Memphis, Tennessee June 24-26

2

2019 LAWTE Biennial Conference 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the President 4

Benefactor Recognition 5-6

Officers 7

Past Presidents 8

Conference Committee Members 9-10

Special Thanks 10

Commercial Training Partner (CTP) Recognition 12-18

CTPer Membership Information 19

CTPer Vendor Booth Locations 20

Keynote Speaker Biography and Abstract 21

Program Agenda 22-29

LAWTE Networking Event Information 24

LAWTE Reception and Awards Banquet Information 27

Award Descriptions 28

Session Abstracts 30-42

Workshop Descriptions 43

Speaker Biographies 44-49

2019 Presenters List 50-51

Poster Presentations 52-57

Thank You from the Program Chair 59

Whole lot of shakin’ going

on...


Can’t help falling in love...with LAWTE

I am so excited to welcome you all to Memphis and the 2019 LAWTE Biennial

Conference.

We are thrilled to host this meeting in Memphis, a city full of great music, food,

history, and culture. We are very thankful to our partners in the AALAS office and

the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for their support in bringing

this meeting to Memphis!

The Program Committee, led by Dr Tiffany Whitcomb, has put together an amaz-

ing conference that I am sure all will enjoy. The program schedule promises a va-

riety of excellent opportunities for learning and networking. I encourage you to

take full advantage of all of these events. One of the great benefits of participation

in the LAWTE biennial meeting is the chance to meet and learn from other train-

ers from all over the world. Learning from each other helps us all grow in our mis-

sion to support laboratory animal welfare through training and education.

I want to thank the amazing individuals that volunteer their time to run this meet-

ing, and LAWTE itself, for the benefit of all of us. The officers and standing com-

mittee chairs and booth manager (pg 7), the many individuals who volunteered to

organize this 2019 meeting (pg 9-10), our Commercial Training Partners (pg 12-

21) and sponsors (pg 5-6) are all essential to the success and value of LAWTE.

Please take time to meet and thank those folks for all of their hard work and dedi-

cation.

We are an organization run by and for trainers, so whether you have been training

for years and come back for new ideas, or this is your first meeting on your way to

becoming a trainer, Welcome! I hope that this meeting is inspiration and provides

you many ideas and tools to enrich training efforts at your own institution.

Most importantly, I hope you have fun and forge many great relationships with

new colleagues, for these are the most fruitful benefits of this great organization.

Most sincerely,

Melissa C Dyson 2018/2019 LAWTE President


PROGRAM SPONSORS

A Huge Thanks

to our Generous Sponsors for treating us all!


PROGRAM SPONSORS

A Huge Thanks

to our Generous Sponsors for treating us all!


2018-2019 OFFICERS

President

Melissa C. Dyson, DVM, MS, DACLAM

Associate Professor and Deputy Director,

Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine,

University of Michigan

Secretary

Lauren Healy

IACUC Administrator

Envigo

Treasurer

Bruce W. Kennedy MS RLATG CMAR CPIA EdD

IACUC Administrator, Office of Research

Chapman University

Past-President

Lisa M. Kelly, BS, RLATG

Compliance Training & QA Director

University of Georgia

President-Elect

Tiffany L. Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM

Assistant Director,

Comparative Medicine

Penn State College of Medicine

With Special Thanks to:

Website Committee Chair: Jon McGill

Sponsorship Chair: Ryan Byrd

Membership Chair: Kiirsa Pokryfke

LAWTE Booth Manager: Kim Froeschl


PAST-PRESIDENTS

Paula Clifford 2013-2015

Bruce W Kennedy 2011-2013

Cindy Buckmaster 2009-2011

William Singleton 2007-2009

Stacy Pritt 2005-2007

Marc Hulin 2003-2005

Deb Wenger 2001-2003

Peggy Murphy-Hackley 1999-2000

Nicole Duffee 1998-1999


2019 Conference Committee Members

Program Chair

Tiffany L Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM

Educational Program Committee

Lisa Secrest, CMAR, RLATG (Chair)

Diana Baumann, BS, CMAR, RLATG (Co-Chair)

Christine Essary

Michelle Hull, MS, RLATG

Publicity Committee

Summer Boyd, MS, RVT, VTS-LAM (Deputy), RLATG (Chair)

Local Arrangements Committee

David Hamilton, DVM, DACLAM (chair)

Kadijah Wainwright, BS, LATg, Veterinary Technician

Stacey Barnett, RVT, LATg, Veterinary Technician

Leadra Williford, LAT, Training Coordinator

Cameron Fili, DVM

Katy O’Connell, DVM

Brianne Hibl, DVM

Registration Committee

Kiirsa Pokryfke, MS, CMAR (Chair)

Pamela Grabeel, MA

Karen Dean-Christie, LVT, LATG


2019 Conference Committee Members

Awards Committee

Michelle Sager, RLATG (Chair)

Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW

Kimberly Champ, BS, RVT, CMAR, CPIA

Christal Huber, MS, CMAR, RLATG

Jillian Hash BS, LATG

Natasha J. Melfi, BS, RLATG, MBA/HRM

Rebeccah Wood, BS, LVT, RLATg

Kelly Gale, BS, RLATG

Poster Committee

Amy Kilpatrick BA, CVT, RLATg, CPIA (Chair)

Cheryl Pater, B.S., RVT, RLATG, CMAR

Karen Froberg-Fejko

Commercial Training Partners Committee

Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT (Chair)

Bob MacGregor

Sponsorship Committee

Ryan K. Byrd, RLATG (Chair)

Penny L. Devlin, MLAS, BS, AS, RLATG, ILAM

Karena Thek MBA, CMAR


SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Daniel Hanson, MS, MSME (Dana Farber Cancer

Institute)...we are continuously in your debt for your

unwavering willingness to create the very best

mascot logos ever!

The amazing team at the University of Tennessee Health Science Cen-

ter for their energy, dedication, and hospitality in bringing this conference

to the Birthplace of Rock and Roll, Memphis, Tennessee.

The hard-working staff at AALAS National Headquarters in Memphis for

their support.

&

&


COMMERCIAL TRAINING PARTNERS

AALAS is an association of professionals that advances responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of labora-tory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. AALAS provides educational materials to laboratory animal care professionals and re-searchers, administers certification programs for laboratory animal technicians and managers, publishes scholarly journals, supports laboratory animal science research, and serves as the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory ani-mals. Contact: Pam Grabeel, Education Manager for Education & Scientific Affairs

Phone: 901-754-8620

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

ACTS is consulting company dedicated to providing resources necessary to improve operational

efficiencies through training and professional development. www.actstraining.com

Contact: William Singleton, President

Phone: 484-684-7268 or 484-574-7455

Email: [email protected]

The Andersons lab bedding is the sole manufacturer of Bed-o’Cobs, The Andersons has provid-ed the research community with the most trusted name in bedding since 1962. Let us assist you with your bedding and enrichment needs from cob to paper products. Contact: Angie Winters, Regional & Int Sales Mgr. Colleen Kander, Regional Sales Mgr Phone: 269-567-0146 and 419-377-3639 Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

http://www.actstraining.com/


Based in Allentown, NJ, USA, Allentown, Inc. is the leading global provider of quality built biomed-

ical research housing solutions and related products to the biomedical research community. For

50 years, Allentown has produced innovative and superior housing solutions, which continue to

exceed industry standards. With an unmatched commitment to customer service and the highest

quality products, Allentown’s success has allowed their consistent growth on a global scale. Allen-

town’s offices in Reading, UK; Neuss, Germany; and Bussy-Saint Georges, France compliment a

distribution network servicing customers in 66 countries. The recent acquisition of A.CO, an Italian

supplier of industrial washing solutions, located near Milan, Italy, further expands Allentown’s

product offering and demonstrates the company’s strategic vision of growth, innovation and com-

mitment to the global biomedical research community.

Contact: Johnny Wilson, Technical Sales

Consultant

Phone: 800-762-2243

a-tune software Inc. is a provider of regulatory compliant software for medical research. tick@lab

supports management of IACUC, IRB, IBC, and COI. These modules are fully integrated with our

Facility Management software which includes: Protocol Management, Transgenic Breeding, Ca-

pacity Planning, Task Management, Accounting, Facility Management, Vet Records, Zebrafish

Management and RFID/Barcoding Census system for calculation of per diem costs. A Data Mart

is provided to ensure customized reporting and integration. Works on Mac, PC, Tablet IPad, with

any browser.

Contact: Justin McNulty, MLAS, CPIA, RLATG, PROJECT MANAGER

Phone: 512-243-8539 or 206-391-3677



Bio-Serv Delivers Solutions! With 50 years of experience, we have developed a wide range of products designed to meet the unique requirements of research animals. Our comprehensive prod-uct line includes Custom and Medicated Animal Diets, Reward Pellets, Enrichment Devices and Edibles Treats for all species and a Special Care Product line to help laboratory animals with criti-cal needs. www.bio-serv.com Contact: Karena Thek, National Sales Manager

Phone: 908-255-9145



Carter 2 Systems, Inc. manufactures custom products for the laboratory animal industry including

housing, transport, transfer, containment and enrichment products. All of our products are built to

order and customized to your specific needs. www.csimfg.com

Contact: Bob MacGregor, Eastern Sales

Phone: 207-323-2154



Envigo is a provider of lab animal models, diet, bedding, bioproducts for science and contract research services. Contact: Chris Rogers, Sales Director Phone: 281-755-4500 Emaijl: [email protected]

Innovive is the leading manufacturer of high-performance IVC rodent housing, designed for disposable caging. Our patented IVC racks and caging system exceed industry standards for performance and durability; they also enable research animal facilities to eliminate/reduce tradi-tional cage wash operations. With over 300 installations worldwide, we continue to serve the ani-mal research community in the effort towards scientific discovery. www.innovive.com Contact: Warren Riley, Senior Account Representative Phone: 858-309-6653 Email: [email protected]


With more than 20 years’ experience, we’re your trusted partner for all your specialty animal feed, bedding and enrichment needs. Consider us also a “ONE STOP SHOP” for all your consumables like PPE. We serve a wide variety of businesses and institutions from universities, medical schools, small biotech and area zoos from New Mexico across to North Carolina. Known for our top quality products, superior service, and friendly staff, Lab Supply is proud of the fact that we have not lost a customer in 20+ years. www.labsupplttx.com Contact: Valerie Lansford, Sales Representative Phone: (832) 336-1550 Email: [email protected]


Charles River Labs is a global provider of research models, preclinical, clinical, and support ser-vices. Products and services include: Research models; Surgical services; Preconditioning; Ge-netically Engineered Models and Services (GEMS); Diagnostic services; Insourcing solutions (staffing, training and housing); in vitro and in vivo pharmacology; Biomarkers; Pathology; Full Service CRO for toxicology and safety assessment; and more. www.criver.com Contact: Pat Sikes, Sr Business Development Director Phone: 214.912.7173 Email: [email protected]

With over 30 years experience, Kent Scientific Corporation continues to serve medical and re-search scientists as a worldwide provider of integrated solutions for pre-clinical research and drug discovery advancement. As the World Leader in non-invasive blood pressure, physiological moni-toring and anesthesia systems for mice and rats, we enable our customers to achieve results that are fast, consistent and exceedingly accurate. Customers can rely on our informative web site to effortlessly purchase research products through our online shopping cart. You can choose from thousands of products in our online catalog. Enjoy the latest technological advances in research products at the best prices. Contact is: David Poldiak, Regional Manager, Technical Products, [email protected], 860-626-1172 ext 1203


Shepherd Specialty Papers, a commercial member of AALAS for over 30 years, specializes and manufactures a full line of premium paper beddings and enrichment. ALPHA-dri® is a virgin cellu-lose paper bedding, our most popular bedding. ALPHA-dri® Plus™ steps up the game by com-bining the ALPHA-twists™, making your enrichment a convenient additive. Cage liners are avail-able for every animal housing arrangement. The patented Shepherd Shack® has revolutionized rodent enrichment. Shepherd Specialty Papers has utilized years of material handling knowledge to offer a comprehensive bedding dispensing system. Contact: René Ketelsen, Regional Sales Manager Phone: (615) 239-4200 Email: [email protected]

Medline is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical/surgical products and personal protection for laboratories and animal care professionals. Our ability to bring best practices from one setting to another — from university systems and independent laborato-ries to professional vivariums, is what sets us apart. Contact: Chris Lope, Vice President and Stephanie Pasko, Marketing Director Phone: 814-404-5713 and 847-224-7049 Email: [email protected] and [email protected]


Sol Del Mar, Inc. specializes in preparing Lab Animal Professionals for AALAS Certification by

providing online courses that run year round. www.soldelmarinc.com

Contact: Laura Jones, President

Phone: 805-857-1073



For more than 60 years, Tecniplast has designed, manufactured and installed high quality inte-

grated solutions for the modern vivaria. From conventional housing for rodents and aquatics, to

IVC systems, to fully automated washing and robotized cage and bottle processing, to wireless

data and asset management.

IVC Housing systems for rodents and aquatics

Digital IVC Housing for rodents

High-efficiency rack and cabinet washers

Safety cabinets and changing stations with laminar flow technology

Bedding handling systems

Automation for Clean and Dirty sides

Contact: Richard Cluck Phone: 484-875-0500 Email: [email protected]


From our Animal Drinking Water, Environmental Monitoring, and Decontamination services, to

our proprietary disinfectants and sterilants, Quip Laboratories focuses on providing facility hy-

giene solutions to a wide variety of industries. With in-house research and development, patho-

gen identification, production, quality control, and sales teams, we provide a comprehensive ap-

proach to efficient and eco-gentle facility hygiene. You can find Quip Labs on the web at

www.quiplabs.com, or call us today at 1-800-424-2436

Founded in 1971, Instech Laboratories, Inc. is a privately-owned company focused on the de-sign, development and manufacturing of instruments for biomedical research. We are committed to our customers in university, government, and corporate laboratories by offering laboratory an-imal infusion systems and products in standard and custom configurations worldwide. www.instechlabs.com Contact: Wyatt Boughter Phone: 484-576-2362 Email: [email protected]

http://www.quiplabs.com


The Jackson Laboratory (often abbreviated as JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical re-search institution dedicated to contributing to a future of better health care based on the unique genetic makeup of each individual. With more than 2000 employees in Bar Harbor, Maine; Sacra-mento, California; and at a new genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut; the Labor-atory's mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global bio-medical community in the shared quest to improve human health. The institution is a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and has NIH centers of excellence in aging and sys-tems genetics. The laboratory is also the world's source for more than 9,000 strains of genetically defined mice, is home of the Mouse Genome Informatics database and is an international hub for scientific cours-es, conferences, training and education. Contact: Ella Torian Opportunity Development Man-ager—Southeast Region Phone: 207-266-8685 Email: [email protected]

Transnetyx serves efficient animal care through genetic services (Automated Genotyping, Genetic Monitoring) and colony management software (Transnetyx ColonyTM). Transnetyx Automated Genotyping delivers actionable, accurate results resulting in saved time, less human error, and thus fewer reclips through an industry-leading, automated real-time PCR process with over 100 quality checks. Transnetyx Genetic Monitoring offers strain and substrain verification services directly from stored genotyping samples to give researchers confidence on the genetic background of their mice. Transnetyx Colony

TM is a free cloud-based breeding colony

management software (web and iOS) that integrates genotyping results and provides a way to better access and share data between facilities and labs. With Transnetyx,labs and facilities can focus on efficiently and responsibly progressing research forward while effectively saving valuable time and resources. Contact: Ryan Yanase, VP, Institutional Sales and New Product Development Phone: 888-321-2113(ext 124) Email: [email protected]


The Laboratory Animal Science Master Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School, is an almost entirely Distance Education program to prepare laboratory animal professionals for the rapidly evolving science, technology, ethical and regulatory issues. MLAS may also improve career advancement in veterinary care or research and potentially strengthens the Veterinary Medicine school applications.” Contact: Alireza Hosseini, MD, Program Director, LAS Master Program Phone: 757-446-5634 Email: [email protected]


Commercial Training Partner (CTPer) Membership

Purpose: To provide the opportunity for companies that offer expertise and training to

support LAWTE through an official membership. The membership will benefit both

LAWTE and the CTPer.

Benefits:

Discounts to events and biennial conference

Priority for sponsorship opportunities

Access to members only area of LAWTE website for up to 5 company representa-

tives

Contributor to Training Exchange

Access to Listserv (over 900 people – members and non-members of LAWTE)

Access to LAWTE closed Facebook group for up to 5 company representatives

Access to membership directory. The membership directory can be used by any

current LAWTE member or CTPer to connect with fellow members. The member-

ship directory cannot be downloaded into a client management system or commer-

cial communications system.

Cost: $250 per year

For more information email [email protected]



VENDOR BOOTHS

BOOTH 1: AALAS

BOOTH 2: Animal Care Training Services (ACTS)

BOOTH 3: Allentown Inc.

BOOTH 4: Andersons

BOOTH 5: a-tune software Inc.

BOOTH 6: Bio Serv

BOOTH 7: Carter 2 Systems, Inc.

BOOTH 8: Envigo

BOOTH 9: Innovive

BOOTH 10: Kent Scientific

BOOTH 11: Lab Supply

BOOTH 12: Charles River Laboratories

BOOTH 13: Medline Industries, Inc.

BOOTH 14: Shepherd Specialty Paper

BOOTH 15: Sol del Mar

BOOTH 16: Techniplast USA

BOOTH 17: The Jackson Laboratory

BOOTH 18: Transetyx, Inc.

BOOTH 19: Instech Laboratories, Inc.

BOOTH 20: Eastern Virginia Medical School

BOOTH 21: Ancare

BOOTH 22: QUIP


2019 Keynote Speaker Presentation

Abstract and Biography

Training is More Than See One, Do One, Teach One

Deanne Pawlisch, MS, CPP, CVT

Training should be agile, provide the complexity of real-world situations and allow learners to demon-strate practical skills that can be immediately employed. This means engaging all six processes – hear-ing, seeing, questioning, discussing, doing and teaching. From planning a professional development strategy to setting goals, it is imperative to be flexible in order to make training appropriate, timely, and meaningful. Developing a strategy for continuous learning not only aids knowledge retention but also en-ables employee growth.

Ms. Pawlisch is an Instructional Design/Program Specialist at Harper College in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked in a variety of practice settings as a credentialed veterinary technician. She has been a volunteer veterinary technician for the SPCA in Su-va, Fiji as well as a technician supervisor for a twen-ty-four-hour emergency clinic. Using only a leash and a towel, she once single-handedly defended a police officer from a gang of feral cats. Deanne pi-lots a Tonopen with unflagging speed and performs ten-minute snap tests in nine minutes. She writes award winning patient histories while translating doctors' hieroglyphics into discharge instructions. On weekends, to let off steam, she participates in full-contact bird grooming. In 2008 Deanne became an instructor for the NAVTA approved Veterinary Assis-tant program at Harper College and in 2011 she was elected to the board of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation. Deanne holds a BS in Anthropology from Loyola University and a MS in Instructional Design from Western Illinois University. Currently Deanne is a trainer with Complete Veteri-nary Team Services, where she helps practices build the staff of their dreams. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her furry family.


2019 Conference Agenda

Sunday June 23, 2019

4:00pm-7:00pm Registration/Poster Setup Ballroom Pre-function Space

Monday, June 24, 2019

6:30am-7:30pm Vendor setup Main Ballroom/AB

6:30am -7:30pm Poster Setup Main Ballroom/AB

6:30am –10:00am Registration Ballroom Pre-function Space

Monday Morning, June 24, 2019

7:30am -8:30am Breakfast Main Ballroom/AB

8:30am -8:45am Welcome Main Ballroom/AB

Main Ballroom

8:45-9:45 Keynote: Training is More Than See One, Do One, Teach One – Deanne Pawlish 9:45-10:00 Break – Vendor and Poster Preview 10:00-10:15 Commercial Training Partners Talk: Can I Really Deliver Isoflurane Without Using

Compressed Gas? – Kent Scientific –Eugene Marino 10:15-10:30 Commercial Training Partners Talk: Leveraging Electronic Data Collection to Increase

Automation and Reducing Compliance Risk – A-Tune –Justin McNulty 10:30-11:30 Multigenerational Workforce and Effective Communications – Stephen Baker 11:30-1:00 Lunch and mingle with vendors 11:30-12:15 Poster Judging

Breakout Room (Gospel)

10:30-10:50 Cost Effective Approach to Anesthetic Waste Gas Scavenging, Why Not DIY? – Jamie

Ludwig

10:50-11:30 The Super Primate Environmental Enrichment Challenge – Karen Froberg-Fejko



Monday Afternoon, June 24, 2019

Offsite Workshop (South Entrance Lobby for bus)

1:00-3:00 Workshop: Rodent Wet Lab #1 – University of Tennessee

3:00-5:00 Workshop: Rodent Wet Lab #2 – University of Tennessee

Main Ballroom

1:00-1:30 The Art and Mechanics of Presenting - Julianne Bryan

1:30-2:00 Can’t Help Falling in Love – Katie Thomas

2:00-2:30 Development of a Laboratory Animal Care Training Program – Jamie Naden

2:30-3:00 Lights! Camera! Action! Creating Engaging Learning Experiences with Video and

Online Technology – Heather Waldis

3:00-3:30 Break– Vendor and Poster Preview

3:30-4:00 An Alternative to Job Rotation to Encourage Staff Development, Eliminate Boredom

and Improve Retention Rates – Madison Nichols, Kristina Presbitero and Aubrey

Rouledge

4:00-5:00 Compassion Fatigue: Essential Information for Every Training Program – J. Preston

Van Hooser and Bruce Kennedy


3:30-3:50 Category E Initiative: Improving Communication, Improving Welfare – Kathy Meunier

3:50-4:10 Is That a Rat in Your Pocket? A Novel Way to Restrain Mice – Jamie Ludwig

4:10-4:30 BRAD: A Model for Engaging Staff Through an Education and Advocacy Program –

Logan France

4:30-4:45 Assessing Technical Proficiency in a Germ-Free Setting – Ryan Byrd

4:45-5:00 Commercial Training Partners Talk: – Can Cleaners and Disinfectants Affect ATP

Readings-? -QUIP- Tim Hidell


LAWTE Networking Event

at

The Rec Room

Monday June 24th 6:00-9:00PM

Come play with us!

The Rec Room in Memphis has the Games you remember.

Your $60.00 ticket gets you access to an array of games from all generations, plus trans-

portation, food, and drinks (first adult beverage is on the house!).

Monday, June 24th, from 6:00-9:00PM, the Rec Room in Memphis will belong to LAWTE.

Come network with us from the comfort of your own Barcalounger!



Tuesday Morning June 25, 2019

6:30-10:00 Registration Lobby

7:30-8:30 Breakfast Ballroom

Main Ballroom

8:30- 9:30 Diversity and Inclusion in the Training Arena – Morag Mackay

9:30-9:45 Commercial Training Partners Talk: Making the World Greener, One Glove at a Time!

– Medline – Evan Oravec

9:45-10:00 Break – Vendor and Poster Review

10:00- 10:30 Making the Research Conversation Great Again – Hillary Chase

10:30- 11:00 Using an Instructional Authoring Tool to Create Robust Online Trainings – Amy

Dryman

11:00- 11:30 Patience is a Virtue…Keep Calm and Train On! – Leah Schmidt

11:30-1:00 Lunch and mingle with vendors


10:00- 11:30 Collaborative Development of an Aseptic Survival Surgery Curriculum – Dr. Daphne

Molnar and Dr. Kenneth Salleng



Tuesday Afternoon June 25, 2019

Main Ballroom

Main Ballroom

1:00-1:20 Stress Management Techniques – Caroline Thompson

1:20-1:40 Increasing Training Consistency Within a Diverse Animal Resources Department –

Jennifer McMillan

1:40-2:00 Developing A Rodent Surgery Program – Monica Torres and Ryan Byrd

2:00-3:00 Forming Productive Teacher-Learner Alliances Between Researchers and Trainers –

Dr. Tiffany Whitcomb


3:30-5:00 Constructivist Tools to Address Industry Complexity Program –Lisa Kelly


1:00-5:00 Workshop: Using the Meyers-Briggs Type Assessment to Aid Communication and

Training – Diana Baumann


2019 Awards Reception

Tuesday June 25 6-8pm

The event will be held at the Guesthouse at Graceland at the

South Lawn, weather permitting

(Ballroom A is the alternate location)

Welcome Melissa Dyson

LAWTE President

Poster Awards Cheryl Pater 2019 Poster Awards Committee

LAWTE Awards Rebeccah Wood 2019 LAWTE Awards Committee

Mix and mingle and enjoy a variety of the King’s favorite desserts.

*one drink ticket available with each registration., additional drinks cash bar only


FOUNDER’S AWARD (Individual) – must be current LAWTE member FOUNDERS AWARD: To recognize an outstanding educator/trainer in the field of laboratory animal science and/or regulatory compliance. A honorarium of $250, plaque and a lifetime membership to LAWTE will be awarded to the recipient IMPACT AWARD: To recognize an outstanding educator/trainer in the field of laboratory animal science that has a passion for teaching and encourages students to learn. An honorarium of $100, plaque and a 1 year membership to LAWTE will be awarded to the recipient. ROOKIE AWARD: To recognize an outstanding educator/trainer in the field of laboratory animal science that has been in the training environment for less than 2 years. An honorarium of $100, plaque and a 1 year membership to LAWTE will be awarded to the recipient. THE LAWTE TOP 3: A “Top” award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has demonstrated outstanding achievement and excellence in the laboratory animal science training arena since the last LAWTE meeting. A plaque will be awarded to the recipients. Top Award – Performance: for public presentation, workshop or lecture within the last 2 years that demonstrated the speaker as impactful, authoritative and engaging Top Award – Development: for the development of a training curriculum, online learning program or training webinar that is powerful and influential in the LAS field Top Award – Program: an AAALAC-accredited animal facility that demonstrates a commitment to training through proficiency assessment, emphasis on the 3Rs and managerial support of continuing education, AALAS certification and involvement in outside training opportunities

PLEASE JOIN US IN

CONGRATULATING OUR OUTSTANDING TRAINING AWARD WINNERS

AT OUR TUESDAY EVENING RECEPTION

AWARDS



Wednesday June 26, 2019

Main Ballroom

7:30-8:30 Breakfast 7:30-9:00 Registration

8:30-8:45 Commercial Training Partners Talk: Topic: It’s the Soft Stuff That’s Important – ACTS

Caroline Thompson

8:45-9:45 Using Behavior Based Approaches to Rethink Training Techniques in Animal Facilities

Donna Goldsteen


10:00- 10:20 Commercial Training Partners Talk: AALAS Community Exchange – A New Way to

Connect – AALAS – Pam Grabeel

10:20- 10:35 The Chip Clip: A Calming Restraint Method for Mice – K. Thompson

10:35- 10:55 Use of 3D Printing and Micro-CT Imaging to Develop a Training Device for Rat Body

Condition Scoring– Booth

10:55- 11:15 Technician Training Shorts – Vaughn

11:15- 11:30 LAWTE Town Hall – Hot Topics, Questions and Discussion

11:30- 11:45 Closing Remarks from the LAWTE Leadership

Transnetyx Tours (South Entrance Lobby)

1:00 Bus departure pick-up Groups 1 and 2

1:30 – 2:30 Group 1 and 2 tour

2:00 Bus departure pick-up Groups 3 and 4

2:30 – 3:30 Group 3 and 4 tour

2:30 Bus return pick-up Groups 1 and 2

3:30 Bus return pick-up Groups 3 and 4

4:00 Bus hotel arrival Groups 3 and 4


2019 Session Abstracts

Training is More Than See One, Do One, Teach One Deanne Pawlisch Monday, Main Ballroom

Training should be agile, provide the complexity of real-world situations and allow learners to demonstrate practi-

cal skills that can be immediately employed. This means engaging all six processes – hearing, seeing, questioning, dis-

cussing, doing and teaching. From planning a professional development strategy to setting goals, it is imperative to be

flexible in order to make training appropriate, timely, and meaningful. Developing a strategy for continuous learning not

only aids knowledge retention but also enables employee growth.

Commercial Training Partners Talk - Kent Scientific: Can I Really Deliver Isoflurane Without Using Compressed Gas? Eugene Marino Monday, Main Ballroom

Yes! The most common method for delivering inhalant anesthesia, such as isoflurane, employs tradition-

al wick design canister-style instruments that use a mechanical vaporizer to mix the liquid anesthetic chemical with com-

pressed oxygen at a prescribed ratio to produce the proper anesthetic gas mixture. In recent years, technical improve-

ments on how we deliver inhalant anesthetics have been made, and alternative systems provide researchers with more

options, one of which is the ability to deliver isoflurane without the need for using compressed gas. In this presentation,

you will learn about how you and your lab can deliver isoflurane without compressed gas, use less isoflurane, and im-

prove researcher safety. If you work with rodents and isoflurane, you will not want to miss this presentation.

Commercial Training Partners Talk – A-Tune: Leveraging Electronic Data Collection to In-crease Automation and Reducing Compliance Risk Justin McNulty Monday, Main Ballroom

Electronic data collection can be employed by animal facilities and training coordinators to automate data collec-

tion. Common automation used within electronic data collection systems includes training records compliance, tracking

animal usage, report generation, etc. The use of automation in electronic data collection simplifies data entry, reduces

manual efforts by staff, and helps to ensure compliance with regulatory oversight.

Multigenerational Workforce and Effective Communications Stephen Baker Monday, Main Ballroom

As our workforce becomes increasingly diverse, managing the different generations requires a high degree of

self-awareness and resiliency. Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen “Z”ers have unique values

and expectations that translate into distinct identities and behaviors. Each group likes to work, be managed and interact

with their manager, colleagues and peers differently. In this interactive 1-hour session, attendees will be reminded of

the communication process and be introduced to steps to tailor messages to unify the generations and bring the biggest

impact to your organization.



Cost Effective Approach to Anesthetic Waste Gas Scavenging, Why Not DIY? Jamie Ludwig Monday, Breakout Room

When animal users utilize isoflurane anesthesia there is always potential for exposure to anesthetic waste gas.

There is very little data published regarding typical exposure limits specific to isoflurane however the current recommen-

dation for exposure limits is 2 parts per million/hour. This limit is based on a study performed by The National Institute

for Occupational Safety and Health conducted on other halogenated gasses in 1978. Any researcher using isoflurane is

strongly encouraged to do so in a biosafety cabinet that is ducted to the outside as this promotes little to no exposure to

anesthetic waste gas. This recommendation may not be feasible for all researchers – they may not have access to a

ducted cabinet as they are using specialized equipment (such as imaging) which may not be in or near a cabinet. We

recommend the use of a portable active scavenging unit in these instances. Active scavenging units are expensive,

bulky, and utilize filters that are costly to replace and difficult to monitor for saturation. Commercially available active

scavenge units are quite expensive ranging $2700.00- $3800.00. A solution to providing researchers and their staff with

adequate resources to reduce exposure to anesthetic waste gas was accomplished by building our own portable active

scavenging unit. The overall cost to DIY our scavenger was <$100.

The Super Environmental Enrichment Challenge Karen Froberg-Feiko Monday, Breakout Room

Presented in a quiz format, an overview of primate species-specific behaviors and how to enrich those behav-

iors will be presented. Training tips, for those who works with non-primates, on how to accomplish husbandry needs, low

stress dosing and other protocol related tasks using enrichment strategies will be shared.

The Art and Mechanics of Presenting – A Toastmaster Perspective Julianne Bryan Monday, Main Ballroom

Effective communication skills are critical to success in all areas of life. These “soft” skills can be learned and

honed through skill development, practice, more practice, and feedback. Toastmasters International is a non-profit, edu-

cational organization dedicated to teaching public speaking and leadership skills. Toastmasters’ clubs offer a supportive

and encouraging learning environment in which to practice and improve, not only your speaking and leadership skills,

but your active listening skills as well.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” With Training Kathie Thomas Monday, Main Ballroom

In 2016, we had a large staff turnover that left us "All Shook Up" and in need of extensive training. However, we

did not have an extensive training program in place. So, we pushed up our sleeves and decided "It's Now or Never" and

got to work. In 2018, I was promoted to trainer and training was "Always on My Mind." Since the inception of the training

program, we have developed a thorough ‘Staff and Tasks’ workbook that outlines the trainable tasks and provides com-

prehensive overview of training milestones. The program also incorporates the use of training documents for each task,

appointment of mentors to help guide new technicians, and assessment of training retention, even for those that had

"Suspicious Minds."


Development of a Laboratory Animal Care Training Program Jamie Naden Monday, Main Ballroom

Laboratory animal technicians are tasked with immense responsibility in caring for laboratory animals that sup-

port life-saving research. Attention to proper husbandry and animal care are imperative for upholding animal welfare.

Many academic institutions now offer training programs for animal technicians, and companies exist to provide training

for animal care technicians. There are also several other resources available for training content, such as the AALAS

Learning Library. It is also helpful for individual institutions to develop their own training programs based on their own

standards of care and vivarium. The purpose of this presentation will be to share the development and implementation

of a training program for a large commercial institution where lessons learned may be applied to any institution. We will

discuss how the training program was developed, including use of best practice sharing amongst facilities, creation of a

training guidebook for two types of housing environments, as well as program implementation and assessment. This

presentation will be of interest to veterinarians, investigators, training managers, and animal technicians as attendees

will learn how a commercial vendor created and implemented a large-scale training program across multiple facilities

and how these methods may be applied at their own institutions.

Lights! Camera! Action! Creating Engaging Learning Experiences with Video and Online Technology Heather Waldis Monday, Main Ballroom

With fast paced advancements occurring in technology and the availability of online learning, learners are ex-

pecting more interaction out of training. Today’s learner is an informed consumer of all mediums of communication.

They desire and want to have background knowledge prior to the hands-on experience and be able to reference materi-

al from the training immediately afterwards. The use of video and online technology can create dynamic conversations

between trainer and learner by providing background knowledge, stimulating new thought processes, and enhancing

the learning experience where the learner becomes more deeply involved in their own education. Videos are fantastic

tools for reinforcing learning and content when used with intent and purpose. Paired and implemented with the right in-

structional design, training can come alive before, during and after scheduled training events. Video learning is also

beneficial by reducing costs, travel, time, and accommodates various learning styles by providing valuable insight to

abstract concepts. This session explores implementing online and video technology to breathe new life into the training

experience using readily available resources for developing media rich experiences.



An Alternative to Job Rotation to Encourage Staff Development, Eliminate Boredom, and Im-prove Retention Rates Madison Nichols, Kristina Presbitero, Aubrey Routledge Monday, Main Ballroom

Regardless of the job, it is often the case that individuals are assigned to specific areas for day-to-day duties but

occasionally are required to cover other facilities in the event of a loss or absence. As such, it is critical for employees to

be cross-trained and familiar with the varying responsibilities and expectations within an institution. This presentation will

explore the implementation of a job rotation strategy, as well as an alternative shadowing program, to accomplish the

goal of cross-training employees, and will address the logistics behind this implementation, including the advantages and

disadvantages of each system. As a model, we will discuss how job rotation and shadowing impacted the performance

of veterinary technicians working with different investigators, species, and clinical issues. The benefits of job rotation and

shadowing must be weighed against the potential complications of implementing these programs. Job rotation has prov-

en useful in promoting flexibility, employee engagement, and retention while also allowing employees to gain experienc-

es, acquire new skills, and refine infrequently used skills. However, job rotation has the potential to disrupt individual rou-

tine and consistency in a facility. Job shadowing, an alternative approach to rotation, can provide similar benefits with

minimal disruptions, promoting one-on-one training among peers and a team approach. Discussion will include the ways

in which these systems assist in identifying employee strengths and areas needing development, resulting in more fo-

cused training and greater job satisfaction. Insight from three veterinary technicians at varying stages of their career, all

with experience in implementing these programs, will highlight necessary considerations and steps to successfully bring

these strategies in various settings.

Category E Initiative: Improving Communication, Improving Welfare Kathy Meunier Monday, Breakout Room

USDA Pain Category E covers procedures that cause more than minimal or transient pain and/or distress but

cannot be performed using pain relieving drugs or palliative care measures without adversely affecting the study. Due to

the very nature of these procedures, an increase in non-compliance findings or animal welfare concerns can occur. With-

out clear communication established before IACUC-approved work begins, labs may not be aware of the proper use of

necessary forms and how to best document animal monitoring, while animal care staff may be unaware of new proce-

dures that may result in the perception of a severe animal welfare issue. Discussions with research lab members, animal

care, and veterinary staff combined with a review of past non-compliance findings identified several gaps in both training

and communication. As a result, a pilot program has been initiated to proactively increase awareness of protocols that

contain Category E procedures by identifying and reviewing in person the expectations for all involved. Increased com-

munication among all involved personnel has been an immediate result. Clarity and completeness of documentation has

also improved. Although it is too early in the pilot to determine if this initiative should continue, we remain confident that

the processes now in place will result in better care for the animals and a significant decrease in non-compliant findings.



Is That A Rat in Your Pocket? A Novel Pocket Method for Rat Restraint Jamie Ludwig Monday, Breakout Room

Providing safe and comfortable restraint for laboratory rodents is key to promoting animal welfare and is essen-

tial for efficient experimental manipulations. We have developed a sewn restrainer as an alternative for use in our facility.

The sewn restrainer consists of a surgical towel that has been sewn into a pocket equipped with a solid base and an

adjustable strap that can be secured behind the rear legs of the animal. All components of this restrainer are sanitizable

–the base can be removed and cleaned with disinfectant and the cloth portion can be laundered. The premise of this

restrainer is identical to that of an ordinary towel that has been folded into a pocket. We find that rats show preference

for the dark pocket and acclimate quickly for routine procedures. Placing the animal into the restrainer takes very little

effort as most of them willingly walk in. The sewn pocket restrainer, however, offers some advantages over a folded tow-

el; the sewn pocket eliminates the need to refold the towel between animals; the addition of the strap behind the legs

frees up a hand and allows for a single person to perform two handed procedures as needed. The sewn restrainer pro-

vides restraint appropriate for procedures such as subcutaneous injections, tail vein injections/blood collections, intraper-

itoneal injections and blood collections from the pedal or saphenous veins. We performed a small- scale comparison

between using the sewn pocket restrainer and a plain towel for restraint. Briefly, two cages of three rats were sequential-

ly restrained for 20 seconds each in each style of restraint. The timer started as the restrainer was prepared and ended

after the last rat was returned to the cage. Preliminary results demonstrated that the sewn pocket restrainer is more effi-

cient. It took an average of approximately 30% longer to restrain six rats in the towel compared to the sewn restrainer.

Compassion Fatigue: Essential Information for Every Training Program J. Preston Van Hooser, Bruce Kennedy Monday, Main Ballroom

Compassion fatigue is the cost of caring for other lives in emotional, mental, and physical pain (Figley, 1982).

Compassion fatigue is characterized by deep physical and emotional exhaustion and a pronounced change in the ability

to feel empathy. Trainers are vulnerable to compassion fatigue because of the work that they do. While compassion

fatigue can be a normal consequence of caring, we must continue to learn ways to improve the support system within

the laboratory animal workplace. Such support will help maintain a healthy and productive climate in lab animal science

for both humans and animals. For us to continue to provide the best training environment possible for advancing science

and supporting animal welfare, Trainers must incorporate compassion fatigue awareness and management as part of

their overall curriculum. Trainers are in a unique position of often being the first interaction that an animal user has. The

authors will introduce the topic of compassion fatigue as it applies to individuals who train others who work directly with

research animals, identify ways Trainers can raise compassion fatigue awareness, support the individuals they are train-

ing and provide the essential information that should be included in every training program. We will provide the audience

with innovative ways of sharing information that will include online, in-person, and visual training aids. The authors be-

lieve that recognizing compassion fatigue as it relates to laboratory animal science is the first step in addressing it.

Providing the proper tools and curriculum to raise awareness and manage compassion fatigue will not only benefit the

Trainer, it will also help the Trainer help the laboratory animal staff, research team and the animals.



BRAD: A Model for Engaging Staff Through an Education and Advocacy Program Logan France Monday, Breakout Room

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, understanding the significance of one’s role within their profession is

necessary for achieving job satisfaction. Keeping employees engaged and motivated so they may reach personal goals

and fulfillment is often a struggle for managers and trainers. This presentation will describe a model for helping animal

care staff attain greater job satisfaction through an education and advocacy program. The model takes advantage of

Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD), an outreach initiative founded in 2015 through Americans for Medical

Progress Hayre Fellowship in Public Outreach. BRAD is an international campaign with the goal of increasing aware-

ness about the essential role of animals in biomedical research and related careers. In 2018, 135 BRAD events were

celebrated at veterinary, medical, graduate, and undergraduate schools, contract research organizations, vendors, phar-

maceutical companies, and more. These events brought together students, faculty, staff, and the general public to show

support for and recognize the need for animals in biomedical research. This initiative continues to grow, and we believe

it is due, in part, to the positive impact on internal staff who are engaged in BRAD. From experience in directly planning

BRAD events at two major institutions, tips and tricks will be shared on utilizing available resources and creating person-

alized activities to highlight the impact staff make on the lives of the animals and ultimately the success of the research.

Past celebrations have included a week-long program with activities specifically designed to educate the care staff on

current animal models and the importance of the basic science research, promote higher levels of involvement with co-

workers, and empower the staff to take a more active role in advocating for the animals. They have also included the

utilization of social media to connect participants from other institutions hosting BRAD, publicize the celebrations, and

demonstrate support around the world. This helps to further connects care staff with the bigger picture about how their

work impacts the health and wellbeing of others and that there are people just like them doing the same thing at their

own facilities. Finally, the presentation will demonstrate how to successfully engage upper management, peers, and the

media team to get approval to host a BRAD event.

Assessing Technical Proficiency in a Germ-Free Setting Ryan Byrd Monday, Breakout Room

In 2014, our institution started up a 4,533 sq. ft. germ free facility that consists of 80 flexible film isolators that

house approximately 300 mice and 100 rats. Six technicians carry out the day-to-day husbandry and technical proce-

dures within the facility. Since research staff are not permitted to perform technical procedures for ongoing studies, it is

imperative to have an effective and successful proficiency training and assessment program. This is essential so that we

can provide documentation to researchers and contractors requesting our services. These proficiencies are vital for

demonstrating that the staff have been deemed proficient to perform the requested technical procedures needed for their

studies. We have set up a training plan covering technical procedures for proper restraint, injections (ID, IP, IV and SQ)

and blood collection (maxillary vein) in mice and rats. Checklists are used to assess the six different technical skills for

mice and rats. Trainees deemed as proficient are capable of consistently and accurately performing the specific tech-

niques with an 80 to 100% pass rate. Each year the technicians are reassessed and deemed proficient. Reassessment

is vital in verifying that the technician’s technical skills are sufficient and helps in evaluating the current training needs.



Commercial Training Partners Talk—Creating an Environmental Monitoring Program for Your Facility Tim Hidell

Monday, Breakout Room

Is your sanitation program effective? It’s impossible to tell without proper monitoring and measurement of your

efforts. In order to really answer that question, you’ll need to establish a baseline regarding where your facility is current-

ly, obtain the tools needed to properly measure sanitation and disinfection and develop concrete and effective standard

operating procedures for all members of your organization to follow. Follow Quip Labs President Tim Hidell as he ex-

plains the latest innovations in sanitation and disinfection monitoring including ATP monitoring, DNA and MALDI-TOF

sequencing and organizational software. By the end, you’ll better understand the importance of environmental monitor-

ing, how to convey this importance to your entire organization and what tools you’ll need to get the job done.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Training Arena Morag Mackay Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Diversity focuses on the differences of our workforce and as trainers we need to be able to recognize these dif-

ferences to enable us to create an environment where all different kinds of people can thrive and succeed. In our jobs

we need to recognize diversity but also focus on inclusion of all people regardless of their abilities. Our priority needs to

be to understand multiple viewpoints and to work with those that think, act and believe differently than you.

Commercial Training Partners Talk - Medline: Making the World Greener, One Glove at a Time! Evan Oravec Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Today, thousands of exam gloves are disposed of in traditional waste bins. Unfortunately, these trash bins are

eventually deposited into landfills where gloves can take upwards of 50 years to decompose. With the Medline

Greensmart® program, you can convert non-hazardous vinyl, nitrile, and latex gloves into clean, renewable energy.

Learn more about how the Greensmart® program works and how Medline can help you reach your sustainability goals.

Collaborative Development of an Aseptic Survival Curriculum Daphne Molnar, Kenneth Salleng Tuesday, Breakout Room

Ensuring appropriate training is the responsibility of the Institution as stated in the Animal Welfare Act, the Public

Health Service Policy and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Asepsis, gentle tissue handling, mini-

mal dissection of tissue, appropriate use of instruments, effective hemostasis, and correct use of suture materials and

patterns are components of good surgical technique that researchers must follow. The available online training modules

that cover aseptic surgical technique provide information only and lack in the ability to assess transferable knowledge

applied in the field. Together with the institutional Learning and Development team and a designated veterinarian Sub-

ject Matter Expert (SME) an Aseptic Survival Surgical Curriculum was developed to meet the needs at a large academic

institution. After conducting a needs assessment and using a rapid task analysis tool, the learning objectives and a

blended course design were established. The curriculum was designed to include a survey, a pre-test, two on-line mod-

ules with videos, interactive learning, a post-test, and a hands-on aseptic survival surgery course. Through learner feed-

back and assessments, there has been an increase in transferable knowledge. Presenters will discuss the challenges of

a collaborative research program development, the methods of meeting the perceived training needs, and how the var-

ied learning styles were considered in the development and design of the curriculum. Examples of the developed curric-

ulum will be shared.




Making the Research Conversation Great Again Hillary Chase Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Talking about animal research can be a very daunting task, but with the right tools it can become easier. This

presentation brings the good, bad, and ugly conversations to light on the road to inspire more productive conversations

in the future. We will explore ways to become more confident when talking to the public about our role in animal re-

search and learn to encourage our fellow co-workers to do the same.

Using an Instructional Authoring Tool to Create Robust Online Trainings Amy Dryman

Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Learners often sigh and roll their eyes when they are informed, they need to complete an online course. Their

prior experiences with online courses have been one slide after the next with some multiple-choice questions, either at

the end or mixed into the slide deck. This method of online training is limited in ways to test knowledge transfer and of-

ten bores the learner. Online training does have its benefits though. It frees the learner and the instructor from the class-

room, allows the learner to self-pace and to complete learning when it is most convenient to them and allows the training

team to focus on performing trainings that aren’t suited to online training or require in person, hands-on practice. We

wanted to avoid the “PowerPoint with quiz training” type of online training, if possible. Our institution has been using an

instructional authoring software product to build trainings that not only provide content instruction and the testing of

knowledge transfer but allow learners to practice required behaviors in a fashion. Not all required behaviors can be sim-

ulated with fidelity, but by incorporating some of the tools in the authoring software we have been able to approximate

some of the actions the learner will need to do when using the learning in the lab setting and encourage active thought

about those actions. This presentation will review how we have used this software, it’s strengths and weaknesses. The

presentation will provide an overview of the courses we have built with the software, what we are considering building,

and a closer look at how we worked to recreate behaviors in an online training setting.

Patience is a Virtue…Keep Calm and Train On! Leah Schmidt

Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Why does this matter so much in training? Keeping your cool when training can be difficult, no matter if you are

a seasoned trainer, new, or assigned to train others by management. If we lose our patience, then our trainee may shut-

down and stop listening. This is very important when we add in the wellbeing and care of our research animals. For

example, if the trainee doesn’t listen to us, then harm could potentially come to those very animals we are caring for,

through cage changing, technical procedures, etc. Therefore, when we learn to keep ourselves focused and calm, we

can think more clearly and adjust our approach accordingly. In this talk, we will look at various scenarios commonly

experienced in our field and discuss ways to approach the trainee calmly and professionally. Additionally, we will dis-

cuss ways to incorporate calming activities, such as mindfulness, yoga, etc., into our personal lives in a way to expand

our own patience levels. By training ourselves to be calm, we can focus on creating a better, and more positive, experi-

ence for all.


Using the Myers-Briggs Type Assessment to Aid Communication and Training Diana Baumann Tuesday, Breakout Room

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment is used worldwide to allow individuals to gain insights

about themselves and to facilitate their communications with others. During this session we will identify our own type and

learn how that affects our preferences for interactions and communication with others. As trainers, understanding the

differences in teaching and learning styles allows us to enhance communication, and therefore learning. Our trainee’s

interests and ways of learning directly affect how he or she takes in information which calls on us to consider different

teaching approaches. The idea of accommodating all learning preferences during a training session can be daunting. It

is natural to fall back on your own learning preferences when teaching; however, trainers need to actively plan to meet

the diverse learning needs of all participants. By varying our teaching styles after learning about personality type, we can

improve our training success.

Stress Management Techniques Caroline Thompson Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Caring for animals that support research is often a stressful job at any level of management. As trainers, we are

very good at helping everyone around us, but often neglect self-care, especially when it comes to stress! Many of us

have never had the opportunity to learn stress reducing techniques that can help us remain calm and clear headed in

tense situations. Most of us breath in our chest, utilizing our secondary breathing muscles. Not only does this cause neck

and shoulder pain, it keeps us locked in the sympathetic nervous system. In this state our brain easily catastrophizes

negative interactions, discarding anything positive. While this saved our ancestors from being eaten by predators, it

doesn’t help us deal with conflicts at work, interpreting emails, or communicating with others. Have you ever had some-

one tell you during a stressful event to “just breath”? As helpful as they might be trying to be, attempting deep breaths

during a stressful situation when it’s not already part of your daily practice is near impossible. This is where the yoga

toolbox comes in. Yoga consists of specific practices that include movement and breath-work to shift us from the sympa-

thetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. “Yoga breathing” forces the diaphragm down, where it massages our or-

gans and activates neurotransmitters that “tell” our brain we are not in danger. Our blood pressure goes down, our heart

rate decreases, and our muscles relax. We enter a state where we can focus and react consciously. A few minutes of

breath-work, of self-care, gives you the ability as a leader to be present, clear minded, and ready for whatever gets

thrown your way.



Increasing Training Consistency Within a Diverse Animal Resources Department Jennifer McMillan Tuesday, Main Ballroom

The Yerkes National Primate Research Center conducts diverse animal-based research between two facilities

that maintain a colony of more than 3,000 nonhuman primates and nearly 5,000 rodents. The Division of Animal Re-

sources (DAR) is made up of multiple units (i.e., animal care, veterinary, behavior and colony management) responsible

for all aspects of animal care and use at the facility. The DAR provides both service and collaborative research support

to investigators. With one Training Coordinator at the center, the training program initially has focused on consistency

with researcher labs, while individual units within DAR, continued to follow their own departmental training. Based on

the results of a survey sent to staff within DAR, asking about their training and education opportunities, we decided to

expand the training program. A Training and Education Committee was developed with representatives from each unit in

DAR to work with the Training Coordinator to develop standardized training and continuing education opportunities for

the DAR staff. The goal was to create a more centralized training program for all units within the division and provide

opportunities that would increase the consistency in how individuals are trained from initial employment. Training in-

cludes comprehensive information from all units to provide a better overall understanding of the responsibilities of each

unit. This standardized training has resulted in improved overall communication. Information is provided through short

lectures, a facility walkthrough, and a hands-on training, all of which are documented. A dedicated training space was

created to provide an environment for these training sessions. Having a designated space to manipulate equipment, set

up mock scenarios, and have in depth conversations/meetings without distractions has been very helpful in this process.

The Committee will continue to monitor overall training to assess the benefits, identify other challenges, and decide what

other changes may need to be implemented over time.

Developing a Rodent Surgery Program Monica Torres, Ryan Byrd Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Currently our animal program consists of approximately 300 active rodent surgical protocols with approximately

800 researchers and their staff performing surgery. Ensuring surgical proficiency is quite a challenge in any laboratory

animal program, but with such many folks requiring training, the Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) had to ap-

proach this task creatively. In 2016 we rolled out our Rodent Surgical Techniques course that would allow us to train and

deem proficient a training ambassador (TA) from every lab and this TA would go on to train other lab members

(trainees). The course was developed as a basic introduction to proper surgical technique for both survival and non-

survival procedures. The course focuses on ensuring “that good surgical technique is practiced” as required by the

“Guide” which includes aseptic technique, anesthesia, post-surgical monitoring and pain recognition. Our course modal-

ities include online training, hands on training on preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative procedures as well as

a final proficiency assessment. To ensure compliance moving forward, after the TA has trained their lab members, these

trainees are audited by CCM training staff. Trainees who pass their audit are deemed proficient. Those who do not are

routed back to the CCM for re-training, where they will complete the entire course again. To date, we have 187 of 298

TAs deemed proficient and 208 of 506 trainees have passed their proficiency exams.




Forming Productive Teacher Learner Alliances Between Researchers & Trainers Tiffany Whitcomb Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Although it was asserted as early as the 1940’s that the teacher-learner relationship is the driving force of learn-

ing, there has been very little research in the meantime exploring the impact of that unique relationship on adult educa-

tion. During this one-hour session, we will explore the evidence available about how learning is enhanced or disrupted

based on the quality and nature of the relationships formed between teachers and learners. Participants will have oppor-

tunities to reflect on their own past learning experiences from the perspective of the influence of the relational aspects of

the class, and explore their own beliefs and intentions surrounding their connections with their students. We will apply

published models and best practices like active listening, attending to non-verbal cues, and establishing trust, to the bio-

medical techniques training environment. Participants will also be invited to engage with one another about how to man-

age common dilemmas, like power differentials between trainers and researchers, and time constraints. Participants will

be provided a toolkit of resources for active listening techniques that can promote relationship-building between trainers

and trainees.

Constructivist Tools to Address Industry Complexity Lisa Kelly Tuesday, Main Ballroom

Constructivist adult learning theories tell us that our perceptions of reality are individually unique and evolve con-

tinuously over our lifetime. Our ways of knowing and being are shaped by our conceptualization of our world. As the

world become more complex, so too much our way of understanding and dealing with the challenges that face our indus-

try. As trainers, it is imperative that we develop techniques to help our learners develop the ability to be reflective. If they

learn to look within, they can develop the cognitive capacity to deal with external challenges. This workshop will use in-

struments developed by leading adult learning theorists that help learners confront their own meaning-making mecha-

nisms. Additionally, there will be focus on how to identify stages of development so that training initiatives can be de-

signed with a best-fit mindset. This workshop will be interactive and introspective.

Commercial Training Partners Talk – It’s the Soft Stuff That’s Important Caroline Thompson Wednesday, Main Ballroom

Skills and competencies that many call "soft skills" are the most important for any team or organization and often

the hardest to learn and consistently the least taught. As trainers and educators, we need to consider how we can flip

the script and bring priority to skills like leadership, empathy, effective communication and management training. Not at

the sacrifice of technical skill training but as an equal component to improving the care of people and animals we serve.


Using Behavior Based Approaches to Rethink Training Techniques in Animal Facilities Donna Goldsteen Wednesday, Main Ballroom

Over the last 3 years, AstraZeneca (MedImmune) LAR has paired with our Safety, Health, and Environment

group to implement a Behavioral Based Safety program in our animal facility. This work has made us think differently

about many other aspects of our program. When it was time for our annual LAR Disaster Plan Training, we decided to

try something new. Instead of our typical "read and sign" document...that no one read or signed, we put together an

interactive, hands on training session. We brought in an outside consultant to train our team and then successfully

trained 20 additional LAR staff members and nearly 150 investigators who use our facility. This session will give a brief

overview of the methods and training plan we used and will also introduce one of our hands-on training techniques to the

group.

Commercial Training Partners Talk – AALAS Community Exchange Pam Grabeel Wednesday, Main Ballroom

AALAS has recently developed a new resource for AALAS members to build connections in the laboratory ani-

mal science field through the AALAS Community Exchange (ACE). More powerful than the listservs that have been our

traditional method to communicate, the ACE allows you to make professional networking connections with other AALAS

members, join in discussions on pertinent topics, and share resources in one convenient place. This presentation will

share some of the tips and tools you can use to: 1) Complete your profile, 2) Personalize your experience, 3) Search

and find content in the Resource Library, 4) View the member directory, 5) Share your knowledge with others, 6) Post

and receive messages and 6) Get help with logging in.

The Chip Clip: A Calming Restraint Method for Mice Krista Thompson Wednesday, Main Ballroom

One of the most common types of animal handling training at our institution is basic mouse handling. All other

techniques are built on basic handling with laboratory mice. The most common fear for students undergoing training is

being bitten by mice. I have developed and teach a modified restraint technique called the “Chip Clip”. The restraint

does not actually involve a mechanical clip but rather your fingers act as the clip used to close a bag. This involves

more area of the body being restrained than the typical scruff technique. The two-finger scruff technique can cause as-

phyxiation by putting pressure on the trachea or chest depending on the severity of the scruff being used. The “chip clip”

evenly distributes the pressure on the animal to avoid pressure points. Besides asphyxiation, it also stresses the animal

which can have a negative impact on research. Staff that were taught this method, after struggling with normal restraint

methods, found this method easier to master. Feedback received from students indicates the mice seem calmer when

restrained in this technique than other methods utilized. When asked to see what method most students use for re-

straint, roughly 90% use a different method than this which makes this method appear novel. This method is easy to

learn and very effective. It allows students to progress in learning techniques faster than when using traditional meth-

ods.



Use of D Printing & Micro-CT Imaging to Develop a Training Device for Rat Body Condition Scoring Jennifer Booth Wednesday, Main Ballroom

Body condition scoring of animals is a subjective technique that is reliant upon individual experience and per-

sonal interpretation of the scoring system. When training individuals to palpate animals and to accurately distinguish

between the different body types on the body condition scale, learning can be hindered when there are no animals pre-

sent that represent the different scores. It is circumstances such as this where simulation devices can be useful. Simu-

lation is a technique that uses artificial situations or tools to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills that

can later be applied to the real world. The design of the devices can either enhance or diminish the learner’s experi-

ence. Therefore, much thought should be given to the development, design, and implementation of simulation devices.

In the medical field, 3D printing has been used to develop objects such as prosthetics, surgical tools, and implants. By

combining 3D printing with medical images derived from patients, patient-matched devices can also be created. Utilizing

this concept, in this presentation, I will discuss how 3D printing, micro-CT imaging, and a bit of imagination were used to

develop a simulation training device for rat body condition scoring.

Technician Training Shorts Ashley Vaughn Wednesday, Main Ballroom

Training is an essential component of ensuring institutional compliance and workplace safety. The American

Association for Laboratory Animal Science Educational Resources Committee is developing a new resource that pro-

vides training on important topics in a short, easily digestible format. Technician training shorts make group training ses-

sions more fun and worthwhile by using games to reinforce learning. This series provides an opportunity to schedule a

training session for staff to view a 10 to 15-minute recording and then use the active learning exercises provided to en-

hance the learning experience, either immediately after the presentation or later. The first technician training short is

“Lifting Safety.” This training short provides information on the challenges of performing lifting tasks and ways to mini-

mize injury by performing these tasks properly. The presentation is a video recording of the speaker as the PowerPoint

slides advance. Two types of exercises for a group activity are provided as options. One is a quiz game in a PowerPoint

file that can be used to test your staff together as a group or in teams. The other is a game called “Stock Your Shelves”

that has the objective of determining how various items with different weights and sizes should be stocked – on high,

medium, or low shelves – for optimizing ergonomics. This game has cut-outs of each item that the players move around

onto a diagram of shelves. Individuals who view the recording and participate in the exercise may apply their training

time for continuing education units for the Technician Certification Registry or Certified Manager of Animal Resources

recertification. We surveyed institutions that have used the first training short to get input for future presentations and

provide more topics for easy and efficient staff training. In this presentation, we will describe the training strategy of this

new resource, share survey results, and ask for your input on further development.



2019 Workshop Descriptions

Rodent Workshop: Wet Lab for Teaching Common Rodent Techniques

Stacey Barnett, Kadijah Wainwright, Cameron Fili, Katy O’Connell, Brianne Hibl, Tyler Aycock, David Hamil-

ton

Monday, 24 June 2019 1:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm

University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Coleman College of Medicine Building Room E213

(Shuttles will provide transportation from the Guesthouse at Graceland and back)

The veterinary team in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Laboratory Animal Care Unit

(LACU) are hosting a wet laboratory to engage participants in practicing research techniques in rodents.

Each participant will have the opportunity to perform a variety of rodent procedures including: tail vein injec-

tions in mice, retro-orbital injections in mice, cardiac perfusion in mice, and tracheal intubation in mice. Scripts

and videos of each procedure will be made available to participants. During these sessions, trainers and par-

ticipants will share best practices for successful performance on each procedure, troubleshooting tips and

alternative techniques based on user preference. This workshop is suitable for trainers of all levels.

Preconference, $50 fee, max 20 participants, minimum 6 participants

Using the Myers-Briggs Type Assessment to Aid Communication and Training

Diana Baumann

Tuesday, June 25 1pm-5pm Conference Center Breakout Room

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) assessment is used worldwide to allow individuals to gain

insights about themselves and to facilitate their communications with others. During this session we will iden-

tify our own type and learn how that affects our preferences for interactions and communication with others.

As trainers, understanding the differences in teaching and learning styles allows us to enhance communica-

tion, and therefore learning. Our trainee’s interests and ways of learning directly affect how he or she takes in

information which calls on us to consider different teaching approaches. The idea of accommodating all learn-

ing preferences during a training session can be daunting. It is natural to fall back on your own learning pref-

erences when teaching; however, trainers need to actively plan to meet the diverse learning needs of all par-

ticipants. By varying our teaching styles after learning about personality type, we can improve our training

success.


2019 Speaker Biographies

Stephen Baker, B.Sc. CMAR, RLATG: Director of Global Operations for Comparative Medicine at Pfizer Inc. Steve

holds a BSc from Boston College and MSc from Emmanuel College. He is also an ILAM graduate and faculty

member. He holds several certifications including CMAR, RLATG, PMP, CPC, CSC, AIM, MPELI, MPEQ-I 2.0.

He has served on AALAS CMAR committee as committee member and chair; he chairs LAMA’s continuing Edu-

cation and Training committee, participates on the LAMA Board of Directors and is past president of that organi-

zation. Steve’s passion is helping others become their best selves. When he is not working or coaching, he

loves spending time with his better half, Meg, his two sons, Cam and Will and his four-legged daughters, Clara

and Madison.

Diana Baumann, B.Sc. CMAR, RLATG: Head of Reptile & Aquatics at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research

where she has worked since 2003. To date, the AAALAC accredited facility has cared for over 65 different spe-

cies including lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates. She is a member of AALAS, IAT, LAMA,

LAWTE, ZHA, and ANZLAA, speaking regularly at local, National, and International meetings. She teaches all

three levels of the AALAS animal technician certification courses as well as courses in laboratory animal man-

agement. Diana is a Certified MBTI Practitioner. She was an ILAM graduate in 2008, serving as class presi-

dent, and obtained CMAR certification in 2010. Diana served on the Institute of Laboratory Animal Management

Committee for eight years, and now chairs the AALAS Education Resources Committee. She is an active mem-

ber of the LAMA Education committee. Diana is recipient of the 2011 Ron Orta Memorial Award, the 2015 LAW-

TE IMPACT Award, the 2016 Charles River CHARTER Medallion, and the 2018 AALAS George R. Collins Edu-

cation and Training Award.

Jennifer Booth, DVM: Clinical Veterinarian in the Department of Comparative Medicine at Penn State College of Medi-

cine. Jennifer received her veterinary degree from Michigan State University in 2011 and achieved Dip-

lomate status in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine in 2018. She is yellow belt certified in

Lean Six Sigma.

Julianne Bryan. BA, PMP, ACS, ALB: Director of Operations for the Department of Chemical Biology & Thera-

peutics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ms. Bryan is a pioneer in the application of project manage-

ment methodologies to scientific discovery environments. She stepped away from traditional scientific research

and began practicing project management for drug discovery at Scriptgen Pharmaceuticals in 1996. She holds a

Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College and is a Project Management Insti-

tute certified Project Management Professional (PMP ®

). Julie moved to Memphis from Boston in 2005, to cre-

ate and direct a Project Management Office (PMO) for drug discovery in the Department of Chemical Biology

and Therapeutics (CBT) at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She is President and a charter member of the

St. Jude Toastmasters Club, Club Coach for the Hernando Toastmasters Club, invited speaker at industry con-

ferences, and she also leads workshops in the disciplines of project management, communication, and leader-

ship. Outside of work, she can be found on the ice, playing and coaching hockey with her three boys, Zack,

Kenny, and Bryan.



Ryan Byrd, RLATG: Senior Training Coordinator for the Baylor College of Medicine for the past 5 years. He has

worked in the laboratory animal science field with a variety of species for 18 years as a technician, Animal

Health Coordinator, and Training Coordinator. Ryan has served as a veterinary technician and trainer for 13

years.

Hillary Chase, BS, RLAT: Laboratory Technologist in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the Medical Uni-

versity of South Carolina. She has her LAT and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education with an empha-

sis in Captive Wildlife.

Amy Dryman, BS, RLATG, M.Ed.: Senior Training Coordinator for Emory University, Division of Animal Re-

sources. She has been in the LAS field since stumbling upon it in 2002 and getting hired on in 2003.

Logan France, DVM: Clinical Veterinarian and an Instructor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In May

2015, Dr. France founded Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD), and she currently serves as the BRAD

Program Director for Americans for Medical Progress.

Karen Froberg-Fejko, VMD, LATG: President and resident veterinarian at BioServ. She began her career in the

laboratory animal field in 1985 working at Squibb (now Bristol Myers Squibb) as a laboratory animal technician

and over her nine years there, was promoted to facility manager. She left Bristol Myers Squibb to attend veteri-

nary school at the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 were she graduated Summa Cum Laude. In 2004, she had

the opportunity to return to the research community to work at Bio-Serv. She works with a great team of individu-

als who provide the research community with wide variety of superior products that benefit the health and well-

being of laboratory animals.

Donna L. Goldsteen, BS, CMAR, RLATG: Ms Goldsteen is the Head of the Animal Sciences & Technologies group at

the Gaithersburg Maryland location of AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. She has more than 35 years of experi-

ence working in biomedical research starting as a research technician for a CRO and moving into supervisory,

management and leadership positions within commercial industry, the government and biotech pharmaceuti-

cals. She currently leads a staff of 20 employees at AstraZeneca and manages 20,000 sq. ft. vivarium housing

rodents. Her program supports 120 scientists developing new medicines for treatment of cancer, cardiovascular

and metabolic disease, respiratory disease and infectious diseases.

Lisa Kelly, MS, BSc, RLATG: Director of Research Integrity and Safety Support Services at the University of

Georgia. Lisa is the former president of LAWTE and is currently serving on the AALAS Foundation. Lisa

has a bachelor’s in biological science and Master’s in Educational Administration and Policy and is currently

pursuing her Ph.D. in Learning, Leadership and Organization Development. She began her career as a small

animal veterinary technician and then spent nearly 10 years as a poultry surgical research scientist for a small

biopharmaceutical company.



Bruce W. Kennedy received his bachelor ’s in zoology and master’s in avian sciences from UC Davis, and his EdD in

educational leadership from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP). His career has been a mix

of animals and people, chemistry, and training from California to Virginia and Maryland, then back. He started in

lab animal science using coturnix quail in nutritional toxicology (UCD), with dogs in protein metabolism, and rats

in carbohydrate nutrition studies (USDA), later writing GLP toxicology reports (Hazleton), preparing experimental

diets with test substances (FDA), and managing transgenic mouse facilities (NIH and Caltech). At CPP, he was

responsible for regulatory compliance, administering both the lab animal and the human subjects research com-

mittees and assisting graduate students and PIs in their research efforts. Currently, he is the IACUC administra-

tor at Chapman University (Irvine, California) and a lecturer on lab animal science at CPP. Completing his

LATG certification, he inaugurated a lab animal training course for USDA. He holds the Certified Manager of

Animal Resources and the Certified Professional IACUC Administrator certifications, and is a recipient of the

B&K Institute of Animal Technology, the AALAS George R. Collins for training and educating, and the Purina lab

animal tech awards. He has served on AALAS education, certification, and the scientific advisory committee, as

director with the California Society for Biomedical Research, as ad hoc specialist with AAALAC, as roundtable

member with ILAR, and is co-editing a book on cagewash operations. Bruce is the current treasurer of LAWTE

and past president of both LAWTE and AALAS.

Jamie Ludwig, CVT, LAT: Training Specialist at the University of Illinois in the Division of Animal Resources

department. A Vet Tech for over 18 years who has a passion for training and promoting animal welfare.

Morag Mackay, RLATG: Senior Director for the Department of Laboratory Animal Care at the La Jolla Institute

for Allergy and Immunology in San Diego, CA. She has over 33 years of experience in laboratory animal sci-

ence. She first became qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the United Kingdom where she also re-

ceived her Certificate in Education. Following her move to the US she has become certified as a Registered La-

boratory Animal Technologist and as a Surgical Research Specialist. Morag has worked with multiple laboratory

animal species throughout her career and has worked in the academic, pharmaceutical, biotech and contract

laboratory environment. She is actively involved with both local and National AALAS and currently serves as the

President for National AALAS. Morag also serves as an ad hoc consultant for AAALAC International.

Jennifer L. McMillan, BS, CMAR: Training Coordinator at Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Law-

renceville, Georgia. She has over 18 years of experience working with laboratory animals, over half of which is

in the area of Behavior Management with nonhuman primates. In 2005 she relocated to Georgia to help devel-

op and implement an Animal Training Program at the center. As the Primate Training Specialist Jen worked

closely with personnel in all departments, providing the education and tools necessary to train animals to coop-

erate for different husbandry, veterinary and research procedures using positive reinforcing training techniques

Her main interests include finding ways to incorporate training techniques into daily management in order to im-

prove animal welfare and refine scientific research procedures conducted with laboratory animals, this includes

proper training of personnel. Four years ago, she naturally fell into the Training Coordinator Position where she

continues to develop and implement education and training opportunities to all staff. Jen is a member of

AALAS, SEAALAS, LAWTE and recently became Treasurer of the NA3RsC (North American 3R’s Collabora-

tive).



Kathy Meunier, BS, CPIA, LATG: Senior IACUC Administrator at Harvard University. She received her BS in

Animal Science and is both LATG and CPIA certified. She is a past recipient of the AALAS Collins Education

and Training award.

Daphne Molnar, EdD, MBA, CPIA, CMAR, RLATG: Senior. Learning Consultant at Vanderbilt University Medical

Center. Dr. Molnar is an experienced Sr. Learning Consultant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Human

Resource Learning and Development department. She received her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) focused in Ed-

ucation: Learning Organizations and Strategic Change from Lipscomb University. Dr. Molnar is passionate

about leadership, learning, and is customer-service obsessed! She is a seasoned educator with a talent for cre-

ating engaging learning opportunities geared toward adult-learners from varied backgrounds and demographics.

She has created, presented, and led numerous workshops across the US and internationally on various topics.

She describes herself as being naturally curious, likes to ask a lot of questions with the goal to understand. Dr.

Molnar is a lifelong learner, committed to learning organizations and the people who serve and support those

institutions. She is a past recipient of the AALAS Collins Education and Training award.

Jamie Naden, PhD: Jamie joined Envigo as a scientist after completing her PhD in Biomedical Science with an

emphasis in Immunology form the University Of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2015. She was well-

published during her time at the University Of South Carolina with twenty-eight peer-reviewed publications in

multiple areas including breast cancer, colon cancer, chronic fatigue, obesity, inflammation, the role of macro-

phages, etc. During her tenure at Envigo, she has played a key role in increasing Envigo RMS’s scientific pres-

ence by presenting at meetings such as American Association of Cancer Research, European Association of

Cancer Research, Experimental Biology, multiple District AALAS meetings as well as National AALAS. She

works directly with customers for model preconditioning projects. She also plans and conducts internal research

studies to provide data on existing and developing models to provide data to customers as well as improve the

welfare of animals at Envigo. She also serves as technical support for animal models for Envigo customers,

customer service, sales, marketing and quality.

Madison Nichols, BS, LVMT: Licensed Veterinary technician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Deanne Pawlisch, MS, CPP, CVT: Ms. Pawlisch is an Instructional Design/Program Specialist at Harper College

in Chicago, Illinois. She has worked in a variety of practice settings as a credentialed veterinary technician. She

has been a volunteer veterinary technician for the SPCA in Suva, Fiji as well as a technician supervisor for a

twenty-four-hour emergency clinic. Using only a leash and a towel, she once single-handedly defended a police

officer from a gang of feral cats. Deanne pilots a Tonopen with unflagging speed and performs ten-minute snap

tests in nine minutes. She writes award winning patient histories while translating doctors' hieroglyphics into dis-

charge instructions. On weekends, to let off steam, she participates in full-contact bird grooming. In 2008

Deanne became an instructor for the NAVTA approved Veterinary Assistant program at Harper College and in

2011 she was elected to the board of the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Foundation. Deanne holds a

BS in Anthropology from Loyola University and a MS in Instructional Design from Western Illinois University.

Currently Deanne is a trainer with Complete Veterinary Team Services, where she helps practices build the staff

of their dreams. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her furry family.



Kristina Presbitero, BS, LVMT: Licensed Veterinary technician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Aubrey Routledge, BS, LAT: Veterinary technician at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Kenneth Salleng, DVM, DACLAM, CPIA: Associate Professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Sal-

leng received his DVM from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He completed a residency in Laboratory Ani-

mal Medicine and Pathology at Wake Forest University and then went on to work at East Carolina University

where he served as the Chief of the Veterinary Pathology laboratory, Attending Veterinarian and Interim Director

of the Office of Comparative Medicine. In 2006, he moved to Nashville, TN to work at Vanderbilt University

Medical Center. He has held multiple roles during his time at the Medical Center. These include Clinical Veteri-

narian, Associate Director of Clinical Medicine for the Division of Comparative Medicine and the Director of the

Office of Animal Welfare Assurance. Dr. Salleng has always strived to provide researchers with the best train-

ing possible. He has been involved with numerous training program changes and committees over his years of

service.

Leah J. Schmidt, B.S. RLATG: Senior Research Training Specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, where she

provides species-specific hands-on training for the research staff. When she’s not providing hands-on training,

she spends her time with online course development. She received her B.S. in Laboratory Animal Management

from the University of Maryland, College Park. Shortly after graduating, she began working as an Animal Care

Technician at the NIH, and eventually worked her way through the ranks to Senior Technician. Leah is an ac-

tive member of AALAS and is the current Past Chair of the AALAS Committee on Technician Awareness and

Development, as well as an active member of the Delaware Valley Branch of AALAS. She has been a LAWTE

member for nearly 10 years!

Kathie N. Thomas, AS, RLATG, RVT: Ms. Thomas has worked with zebrafish at Stowers Institute for Medical Re-

search since 2013. This is her first official year as trainer. Kathie received her Veterinary Technology

degree in 2013.

Caroline Thompson, MA: Ms. Thompson has worked in the animal care field for over 15 years and currently

works as a consultant for ACTS. She holds a BA in Social/Behavioral Science and a MA in Nonprofit Manage-

ment. She is a certified nutritional coach and a RYT-200 Yoga Alliance certified Yoga Instructor.

Krista Thompson, CVT, LAT: Ms. Thompson is the Training Specialist for the Department of Comparative Medi-

cine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She oversees the training of lab staff for the institution.

Monica Torres, MA, CMAR, RLATG, SRT: Monica is the Training Manager at Baylor College of Medicine. She

has over 18 years of experience in laboratory animal medicine. She holds CMAR certification through AALAS

and SRT certification through the Academy of Surgical Research. She also has a Masters in Adult Education.



J. Preston Van Hooser, BS: Review Scientist and Compliance Manager in the Office of Animal Welfare at the

University of Washington. For the past sixteen years, Preston has worked in this role to protect the in-

tegrity and excellence of vertebrate animal research and teaching at the UW and in more recent years, with re-

gards to the subject matter being presented, has overseen the successful development and implementation of

the UWs Compassion Fatigue Program: Dare 2 Care (D2C). Van Hooser currently serves as Chair of the D2C

committee and has presented on the subject matter at local and national conferences. Preston earned his BS in

Zoology from the College of Idaho, Caldwell, ID. He serves on several boards, including the Northwest Associa-

tion for Biomedical Research (NWABR), is a member of several professional organizations including AALAS

and PRIM&R, and is President & CEO of InVision BioResources.

Ashlee Vaughn, Ph.D.: Dr. Vaughn is an Educational Resources Editor at AALAS. She received her Ph.D. in Bi-

ology from the University of Memphis. She has been on staff at AALAS since 2012.

Heather Waldis, BS. RLATG: Ms. Waldis is a Training Specialist with Charles River Laboratories. Her work fo-

cuses on instructional design, curriculum, technical training, and developing e-learning for didactic and technical

training.

Tiffany Whitcomb, DVM: Dr. Whitcomb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine at

the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. She currently serves as the Director of the Laboratory

Animal Medicine Training Program, Associate Director of the Animal Resources Program, and Co-director of the

Problem Based Learning Curriculum for the College of Medicine. Tiffany earned her BS in Molecular Genetics

and DVM degrees at the Ohio State University and completed her residency training in Laboratory Animal Medi-

cine at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory

Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and has completed a graduate certificate in Adult Education in the Health and Medi-

cal Professions at Penn State Harrisburg. During her tenure at Penn State College of Medicine, she has devel-

oped a novel hands-on training program, co-developed a Students as Educators course for 4th year medical stu-

dents, and has recently led the first systematic curriculum review in the history of the Laboratory Animal Medi-

cine residency program. Her research interests include hidden curricula in health sciences education, curriculum

refinement, professional identity formation, and impacts of the quality of the teacher-learner relationship on

learning.


2019 Presenters List

Baker, Stephen Director Global Operations for Comparative Medicine Pfizer Inc. [email protected] Baumann, Diana Head Reptile & Aquatics Stowers Institute for Medical Research [email protected] Booth, Jennifer Clinical Veterinarian Department of Comparative Medicine Penn State College of Medicine [email protected] Bryan, Julianne Director of Operations Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital [email protected] Byrd, Ryan Senior Training Coordinator Baylor College of Medicine [email protected] Chase, Hillary Laboratory Technologist Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Medical University of South Carolina [email protected] Dryman, Amy Senior Training Coordinator Division of Animal Resources Emory University [email protected] France, Logan Clinical Veterinarian/Instructor Vanderbilt University Medical Center [email protected] Froberg-Fejko, Karen President/Resident Veterinarian BioServ, Inc. [email protected]

Goldsteen, Donna L. Goldsteen Head Animal Sciences & Technologies Group AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals [email protected] Kelly, Lisa Director Research Integrity and Safety Support Services University of Georgia [email protected] Kennedy, Bruce IACUC Administrator Office of Research Chapman University [email protected] Ludwig, Jamie Training Specialist Division of Animal Resources University of Illinois [email protected] MacKay, Morag Senior Director Department of Laboratory Animal Care La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology [email protected] McMillan, Jennifer L. Training Coordinator Yerkes National Primate Research Center [email protected] Meunier, Kathy Senior IACUC Administrator Harvard University [email protected] Molnar, Daphne Senior. Learning Consultant Vanderbilt University Medical Center Learning & Development/Human Resources [email protected] Naden, Jamie Scientist Envigo [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]
















2019 Presenters List

Nichols, Madison Veterinary Technician Vanderbilt University Medical Center [email protected] Pawlisch, Deanne Instructional Design/Program Specialist Harper College [email protected] Presbitero, Kristina Veterinary Technician Vanderbilt University Medical Center [email protected] Routledge, Aubrey Veterinary technician Vanderbilt University Medical Center [email protected] Salleng, Kenneth Associate Professor Professor Comparative Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center [email protected] Schmidt, Leah J. Senior Research Training Specialist University of Pennsylvania [email protected] Thomas, Kathie N. Thomas Trainer Stowers Institute for Medical Research [email protected]

Thompson, Caroline Consultant ACTS [email protected] Thompson, Krista Training Specialist Department of Comparative Medicine Mayo Clinic [email protected] Torres, Monica Training Manager Baylor College of Medicine [email protected] Van Hooser, J. Preston Review Scientist and Compliance Manager Office of Animal Welfare University of Washington [email protected] Vaughn, Ashlee Educational Resources Editor AALAS [email protected] Waldis, Heather Training Specialist Charles River Laboratories [email protected] Whitcomb, Tiffany Associate Professor Department of Comparative Medicine PA State University College of Medicine [email protected]
















2019 Poster Descriptions

Poster Title: The Use of a Laminated Step-by-Step Pictorial Rodent Necropsy Guide within a Rodent Necropsy Training Session Author: Lori Davis, CVT, Penn State College of Medicine l [email protected] Necropsy technique training supports the 3 R’s by promoting appropriate tissue collection and preservation,

thus providing higher quality data. To address this need a rodent necropsy training session was designed and launched

at Penn State College of Medicine in early 2012. The initial class consisted of a presentation followed by hands-on dis-

section. In the summer of 2018, the lead trainer recognized that students and instructors were having difficulty remem-

bering the steps for dissecting tissues as they transitioned from the lecture to the practical portion. Therefore, a teaching

intervention was co-developed by the lead trainer and course director to eliminate the presentation and enhance visual

literacy, a method that teaches students to process and apply information conveyed in diagrams and images. Classes

were divided into smaller groups and each group received step-by-step verbal instructions by a trainer along with a lam-

inated, full color, necropsy guide that illustrated each step of the necropsy. The necropsy guide was designed by the

lead trainer, the course director, and a veterinary pathologist to provide students with visual guidance in identifying ana-

tomic landmarks and performing key dissection skills. Overall student satisfaction tabulated in the form of a survey did

not show a significant decrease following removal of the instructional presentation and implementing the laminated

guide (n=33 pre and 17 post; Mann-Whitney t-test, p=0.54). In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel use of a laminated

necropsy guide to support visual literacy in a mouse dissection session.

Poster Title: An Instructional Design Approach to Developing and Implementing a Techni-cian Training Program Author: Kelsey Lin, Training and Compliance Specialist, AbbVie Inc [email protected] The training program at AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois,

has undergone a complete refresh in the past 3 years. Training of AbbVie’s Comparative Medicine staff is driven by the

Research and Training Services Group (RTS), who structures and coordinates onboarding of new hires and cross-

training of existing staff. This group has been built around the idea of having a Center of Excellence for Training. AbbVie

has an animal care, animal health and cage wash staff of approximately 40 individuals at the headquarter campus,

which for many years had an attrition rate close to zero. Due to hiring staff that are moving on to research jobs in other

areas of the company, the attrition rate is 7-8% per year. This has led many changes in the way business has been

done in the Department of Comparative Medicine. Training technical staff has a specific subset of challenges, particu-

larly in the field of laboratory animal care. High attrition and turn-over rates combined with a need for rapid yet effective

cross-training rotations in different areas and species requires well thought out training plans. For success in addressing

these challenges, AbbVie’s training program has been rebuilt to have a flexible structure, with written training docu-

ments, computer-based training (CBT), and many opportunities for in-person learning. Knowledge checks and proficien-

cy exams are also now critical in the program to provide consistency and retention of knowledge. Internally developed

training tools have been essential for avoiding standard operating procedure (SOP) drift and ensuring consistency in a

regulated program regardless of who is executing the training. AbbVie’s Dept of Comparative Medicine oversees the

care of Beagle dogs, macaques, rats, mice, mini-pigs, zebrafish and rabbits, so the facilities are regulated not only by

the USDA but the department also operates under the GLPs (FDA). Training tools include Job Aids, SOPs, CBT cours-

es, Instructor Led Trainings (ILTs) and optional “Training Talks” and “Guide Sessions”. Proficiency determinations in-

clude in person assessment of skills as well as oral exams on scenario-based questions.



Poster Title: Public Outreach Training Module Author: Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT, Executive Director, Americans for Medical Progress [email protected] The scientists and animal care teams who work with animals in research should have the skills to proudly talk

with others about what they do. Unfortunately, many have a difficult time discussing their work, even with friends and

family members, because of public misrepresentations and misconceptions. Providing basic and necessary communi-

cations skills will not only empower these professionals to effectively speak about their roles in science, but it will also

create an army of advocates for all research that advances human and animal health. That is a key element of an

overall strategy to help the public better understand and appreciate the necessity for humane animal research.This

poster will describe a training module developed by Americans for Medical Progress and a focus group of LAWTE

members to provide simple steps to help every person working with animals in a research setting to effectively and

comfortably speak about what they do. It will provide the information needed for those interested in implementing this

type of training within their own institutional animal care and use programs.

Poster Title: Harmonizing Technical Training Assessment for Discovery Oncology Work Authors: Beth Lotocki, MLAS, MT (ASCP), LATG, Training Specialist, Insourcing Solutions, Charles River [email protected]

How does a large diverse organization with a collaborative team of employees provide consistent and reliable

data when working across multidisciplinary sites? Training has increased efficiencies in work flow, increasing the self-

worth and empowering the employee for future advancement and assuring the consistent application of The Guide

standards in promoting the 3R’s by decreasing or replacing the number of animals placed on studies. The challenge for

Charles River, a company with many global locations, was to use a set of metrics to improve employee performance

and to establish a standardized assessment process for competency and proficiency. Our competency model of Tech-

nical Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (TASK) was developed to meet this challenge. This documentation was

used as a method to track and communicate with employees at our CRL Discovery Oncology site as they moved

through the process of standardizing subcutaneous cell line injections for tumorgenicity assays. Staff members were

quickly identified with the appropriate skill sets so to be strategically aligned to study needs or requirements. Based

upon training and TASK documentation, this site was able showcase new talent training and development that tied to

downstream performance metrics. This ultimately was able to capture positive impacts on the business by decreasing

the variability in the data by obtaining reliable and reproducible data as well as the recognition of two of the 3’R by re-

duction of repeat animal studies and refinement of techniques to reduce stress in the animal model.



Poster Title: Compassion in Science: The Dare to Care Journey

Authors: Kathy Andrich LAT*, Kim Stocking*, Preston Van Hooser*, Rita Bellanca^ and Sally Thompson -Iritani^

*Office of Animal Welfare and ^Washington National Primate Research Center

University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

[email protected]

Our institution started a journey almost 3 years ago to support laboratory animal professionals that may be

struggling with compassion fatigue. Compassion Fatigue (CF) has been characterized as a combination of physical,

emotional and psychological depletion associated with working and caring for animals and their well-being in a research

environment. This poster will review the definition, signs and symptoms of CF and share our journey of how we have

evolved and refined our program over the past few years. What have we accomplished? Where have we been?

Where are we going? What challenges have we overcome? What has surprised us? What are our success stories?

What are our future plans? We are also very excited to tell stories about the people and institutions that we have met

along the way and how we have been able to network and share ideas with others. Finally, we will share our future di-

rections about how a program moves from Compassion Fatigue to a more holistic approach of Compassion in Science

and how it can enhance the work environment, improve morale and provide tools for supporting the important work we

do when interacting with research animals.

Poster Title: Using a Quality Assurance (QA) Hideaway Program to Evaluate Training

Authors: Leadra Williford LAT, AAS, Casey Inman, University of Tennessee Health Science Center led

[email protected]

Being able to evaluate the efficiency of technicians throughout the department. As well as, to see where we

may need to structure our training for certain procedures and policies. Start a QA program in which we place plastic

mice in cages or QA cards throughout the facilities for the technicians to find and report as they would normally for a

sick animal, animal caught in a live trap, or following the instructions on the card. A “play money” reward system was

also created and technicians would receive “cash” prizes for finding the QA Hideaway item. The sooner a QA mouse or

card was found after being placed, the greater the prize. Technicians can then “purchase” real prizes using their play

money. When the program started, 46% of technicians found their QA mice/cards within 24 hours. Within 48 hours,

92% of technicians reported their QA hideaway. By 96 hours, 100% of QA hideaways had been reported. With these

findings we are able identify technicians that need retraining on some procedures and policies. The QA Hideaway Pro-

gram is a fun and effective way to monitor technician performance and training needs, while providing a positive reward

system at the same time. Our goal is to increase reporting results so that >90% of Hideaways are reported within 24

hours.



Poster Title: Independent Work and Critical Thinking: Effective Approaches of Training Hus-bandry Technicians for Proficiency and Consistency

Authors: Larissa Dobbeleare, BS, RLATG; Michael D Taylor, Ph.D., CPIA; Scott Bury, Ph.D., CPIA

[email protected]

Prior husbandry staff training at our institution centered on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) followed by shad-

owing and demonstration of daily tasks. While this training program worked well for validating knowledge of internal

SOPs and made sure that all relevant SOPs had been covered, the program was not an effective way to assess wheth-

er or not new staff were ready for independent work and the critical thinking skills required for novel experiences

throughout their regular workday. We have developed a more effective approach to this problem. To challenge animal

husbandry staff and enhance the critical thinking skills needed to address various scenarios in the work environment,

different situations relating to animal health and welfare are presented to new staff. Some of the topics addressed in

this program are animal health needs, research noncompliance and communication scenarios, animal welfare issues,

and addressing biosecurity and biocontainment within the facility.Animals belonging to the department’s training proto-

col are housed separately from all other colonies. This room has been designated as our Training Room and is the first

animal room assigned to new husbandry staff members. A training scenario cage (with no live animals) is set up exactly

like the other cages in the room including cage cards, enrichment and census data and is loaded with a specific scenar-

io. When this cage is found, the new staff member is asked to take action and provide the correct documentation for the

scenario including, if necessary, emailed templates that are provided. Data collected from the training scenario is re-

ported to Husbandry Supervisors and Facility Management staff. Discussion or retraining may occur depending on the

outcome of the situation or the timeliness of the discovery and reporting of the training scenario. Since the Training

Room Program began, a Training Reinforcement Program has also been developed which extends the placement of a

training cage to any animal room and includes all new and veteran husbandry staff within the department using the

same criteria which ensures that no matter the length of time with the institution, all staff are proficient and consistent.

Launching this type of training program has created an effective way to assess when new staff are ready for independ-

ent work and can use critical thinking skills to assess and address novel situations in their daily workflow. As no live

animals are used as part of the training cage, it also provides an opportunity for educating new staff members with no

animal welfare risks and thereby reducing animal welfare issues in the future.

We are also in the process of reviewing our data to identify personnel who may need additional training and as a tool

for evaluating advancement opportunities within our department.



Poster Title: Creation and Implementation of a Comprehensive Training Guidebook for Ani-mal Care Technicians

Authors: Leslie Pittsley 1

BS, LVT, LATG, CAR Training Coordinator *, Kelly Jimenez

1, Kim Walacavage

1,

Berna-

dette Lake 1 ,Mark Mauntel

1 , Michelle Cooper

1 , F. Claire Hankenson

1,2, Campus Animal Resources

1, College of

Veterinary Medicine 2, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.

[email protected]

At our institution, animal care technicians are hired into entry-level temporary positions with a union-based pro-

bationary period prior to the potential for permanent employment and career progression. This has resulted historically

in a low-level of staff turnover for those that do not complete the probationary phase and an influx of new animal care

technicians on a regular basis. Varying attempts at training efforts have been undertaken within our department, from

dedicated trainers to group sessions and standard operating procedure reviews. However, daily details and situational

nuances for how to address all animal husbandry situations were rarely fully captured in these training attempts. Ideally,

we wished to identify a consistent mode for delivery of training material to new employees, as well as a way to roll out

updated expectations and husbandry materials to seasoned employees. In an effort to close the training gaps and en-

sure that all employees received the same information, we created and implemented an Animal Care Training

Guide. The training guide topics were determined by our group of Operations Supervisors, along with the Training Co-

ordinator and Operations Manager. The training topics were divided into three Modules, with ~60 unique areas de-

scribed in detail. To best determine the efficacy of comprehension and retention by staff of Guide topics, a pre-

assessment survey was designed. This survey consisted of 50 questions that covered items within each Module of the

Animal Care Training Guide. The pre-assessment survey was delivered in a convened session with the animal care

technicians, and once completed, husbandry staff members were given individual copies of the Animal Care Training

Guide bound in a 3-ring-binder to facilitate access to information in the housing facilities. The Training Guides will

serve as the main study material to be covered over the coming weeks by the Operations Supervisors with their respec-

tive husbandry staff members; new material can be easily added into the 3-ring binders. The intent will be to design a

final questionnaire to assess the overall effectiveness of the Animal Care Training Guide as part of the department’s

comprehensive training program.


2019 Poster Descriptions Poster Title: The Use of Novel Epiglottic Manipulation Device for Swine Endotracheal Intuba-tion

Authors: Marnie Silverstein-Metzler, DVM, PhD; Julie Vineyard, BS, RVT, LATG; Leah Shiver, BS, LATG; Morgan Drains, BS; Deanna Manning, BS, MA, LATG; Carol Anne Parks, BS, RVT; Stephanie Rideout-Danner, BA, RVT, [email protected]

Endotracheal intubation in swine is technically difficult as a result of the pig’s oral anatomy and presence of

excess tissue in the oropharyngeal region. Typically, a clear view of the laryngeal-tracheal pathway is obstructed by

the thick base of the tongue and entrapment of the epiglottis by the soft palate. Obtaining proficiency in intubation is

challenging for technicians, including those experienced in intubating other large animal species. Standard intubation

techniques involve using the laryngoscope blade to position the epiglottis such that the vocal cords can be visualized

with is complicated by the pig’s long oropharynx and can result in laryngeal trauma and technician frustration, impa-

tience, and loss of confidence. In order to reduce intubation times, decrease the number of attempts needed for suc-

cessful intubation, and improve technical acquisition we used a 25 cm epoxy tool with a 150-degree angle to easily,

quickly and safely manipulate the epiglottis and provide an unobstructed view of the glottis and vocal folds. Compared

to using a laryngoscope blade we found that use of this device reduces intubation time by close to 50% (40.85 ± 3.34

seconds with device vs 92.71 ± 284.04 seconds without device). Staff members training on swine intubation also re-

ported greater comfort when using the device versus traditional methods for manipulating the epiglottis. We believe

that our device results in faster intubation times, less attempts needed for successful intubation, and increased comfort

with more rapidly acquired proficiency for those acquiring swine intubation skills.

Poster Title: Animal Room Procedures Class Revamped!

Authors: Sarah Nowlan BS, SRT, RLATG; Megan Kellepourey, BA, Kiirsa Pokryfke, MS, CMAR, RLATG; Melissa Dyson, DVM, MS, DACLAM; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI [email protected]

The animal program provides a training workshop entitled “Animal Room Procedures Part 2” that reinforces the

expected practices for working in a rodent housing room. As part of a regular evaluation of class offerings, the training

team determined that this class had several design flaws in its original form including a lengthy PowerPoint handout for

students that included too much jargon, too many different class topics, few active learning opportunities, and ample

openings for various instructors to teach the material differently. In theory, by addressing and correcting these weak-

nesses, learner retention would increase and class engagement would be boosted, and consistency amongst instruc-

tors would be improved. The workshop was dissected by the training team, and utilizing historical data collected from

students who had previously taken the class in its original form, three key topics emerged becoming the basis for devel-

opment of the new class. The overall goal of the class and learning objectives were established initially by the team

followed by development of 2-3 student learning activities for each of the three topics. The development of the learning

activities solved the design flaws noted above. For example, the dense PowerPoint lecture was exchanged for the ac-

tivities that were received as engaging and enjoyable; plus, the learning activities allowed a shift in emphasis from train-

er-centric content delivery to student-centric active learning. Class evaluation surveys were provided to students at the

end of each class with largely positive results indicating that students both enjoyed participating in the activities and left

the class with a clearer understanding of the three key topics. Online post-tests sent out 1-2 months from date of at-

tending the class also showed that student retention of the information had improved. Moving forward, this class will

continually be analyzed to determine its effectiveness, with the intention to redesign areas of the class that remain

problematic. Lastly, the successful aspects of this class redesign process can be applied for other classes.


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Thank You from the Program Chair!

Thank you so much for attending the 2019 LAWTE biennial conference in Memphis,

Tennessee. We hope that the location and community of educators felt like home dur-

ing your visit.

I am especially grateful for the hard work and thoughtful preparations of the local ar-

rangements committee. The amazing volunteers at The University of Tennessee

Health Science Center, St. Jude’s and AALAS Headquarters really took hospitality to

the next level.

This conference would not have been possible without the dedication and commit-

ment of the Committee Chairs who compromise the program committee. These lead-

ers within our organization brought their energy and creativity to each stage of the

preparation over the last 18 months. They and their committee members are the

heart and soul of this labor of love and it has been a privilege to see their work come

to fruition.

LAWTE is a thriving organization because of the support of its amazing members. We

are lucky to be a body of people who support each other and our communities by

sharing knowledge in support of animal welfare. We welcome all members to stay

connected to your LAWTE family and consider ways that you can feel even more a

part of this organization: spread the word at our booth at AALAS, volunteer on a com-

mittee, lead a committee, or become part of the leadership team. Find out how you

can be a part of the “action” for our next program in 2021!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Whitcomb 2019 LAWTE Program Chair LAWTE President-Elect

60

Be sure to complete the 2019 LAWTE Biennial Conference Evaluation which will

be emailed to you soon. Your feedback is important to begin planning for the

next conference.

See you in

2021!

Documents

LAWTE Program 2019 final.pdf · Poster Presentations 52-57 Thank You from the ... Paula Clifford 2013-2015 Bruce W Kennedy 2011-2013 Cindy Buckmaster ... The American Association