Annual Awards
The TRBAALAS annually recognizes our membership through nominations from their peers. Awards are given to those individuals who impress with their knowledge, skills and abilities. Awarded individuals are dedicated to their profession, committed to their work and to providing quality animal care, and committed to professional development. Nominations for each award occur September through November, with the recipient being announced at the January Awards Meeting and Murder Mystery Dinner, and presented with their awards.
The Donna Paich Award, named after one of the founders of TRBAALAS, is offered annually to a TRBAALAS member in recognition of going "above and beyond the call of duty" for the branch.
Criteria:
- Goes above and beyond the call of duty for the branch.
- Has never received this award.
- Be a member in good standing of the Three Rivers Branch of AALAS.
2021 Donna Paich Award Recipient: Amy K., University of Pittsburgh
The Technician of the Year Award is offered annually to a TRBAALAS member who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day husbandry or veterinary technician care of laboratory animals. This award is sponsored by PMI LabDiet®. This award consists of a plaque and an honorarium from PMI LabDiet®.
Criteria:
- Be a laboratory animal husbandry technician or veterinary technician providing daily animal care to one or more species.
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and commitment towards animal welfare, citing innovative approaches to animal care.
- Demonstrated performance in completing animal care-related duties, as well as or better than the expected level of performance in the facility.
- Demonstrates pursuit of knowledge and education concerning laboratory animal welfare and care.
- Supervisory responsibilities and formal degrees are not required for nomination to this award.
- Be a member in good standing of the Three Rivers Branch AALAS.
2023 PMI LabDiet® Technician of the Year Award Recipient: Dawn H. from Healtheon, Inc.
The Manager/Supervisor of the Year Award is offered annually to a TRBAALAS member in recognition of his/her efforts and achievements in the field of laboratory animal management. This award is sponsored by Allentown, LLC. The award consists of a plaque and an honorarium from Allentown, Inc.
Criteria:
- Primary responsibilities are as a facility supervisor or manager.
- Should actively participate with lab animal technicians and/or branch affairs.
- AALAS certification preferred but not mandatory.
- Be a member in good standing of the Three Rivers Branch AALAS.
2023 Allentown, Inc. Manager of the Year Award Recipient: Jess R. from University of Pittsburgh
Named in memory of Paul H. Bramson, DVM, the Veterinarian of the Year Award is offered annually to a TRBAALAS member in recognition of their outstanding accomplishment(s) and/or significant contribution(s) to laboratory animal medicine as a veterinarian. This award is sponsored by Alternative Design, Avidity and Pharmacal. The award consists of a plaque.
Criteria:
- Be a laboratory animal veterinarian.
- Demonstrates interest in the improvement of care, quality, and environment of animals used in biological and medical research.
- Involvement in education, training, animal care, lab animal science, or improvement of care and environment of laboratory animals.
- Demonstrates involvement in TRBAALAS.
- Be a member in good standing of the Three Rivers Branch of AALAS.
2023 Three Rivers Branch AALAS Veterinarian of the Year Award Recipient: Dr. Amanda F. from University of Pittsburgh