1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. business plans

Innovation
Investment
Implementation
2015
LAWTE Biennial Conference
Madison, Wisconsin
lawte.org
Impact
MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
It’s here! After a successful partnership with CALAS in 2013, the long awaited 2015 LAWTE
Biennial Conference is back in the States!
This is the one and only conference fully dedicated to laboratory animal welfare training. The entire
conference, including every activity and interaction, equips trainers with knowledge, skills, and tools
that can be immediately applied to current training programs. Whether you are new to training or
have been a trainer for many years, you will walk away from this conference refreshed, energized,
and ready to take your training program to the next level.
Aside from the educational benefits, the networking and building of new relationships keeps the
conference benefits going for years to come. I’ve met many trainers that have become close friends.
I always have someone to call to bounce ideas or gain perspectives.
As a trainer, you know that you are always ready and willing to help someone else. imagine a whole
conference filled with people exactly like you! If you haven’t been to a LAWTE Conference, now is
the time! If you have, you are as excited as I am to gain the newest training techniques and to meet
others who want to share the great things that they are doing to improve animal welfare and ensure
high standards of research.
The 2015 Conference Planning committee has worked very hard for the last year to make this
program the best that it can be. Lisa Kelly, Program Chair, and her team have done an amazing job.
The LAWTE leadership team’s support has helped to make it possible.
I am also happy to be partnering with the IACUC Administrator’s Best Practice Meeting. We
welcome IACUC administrators to the LAWTE Conference. This is a great opportunity to ensure
that our partnership extends long after the conference. Trainers – be sure to encourage your
IACUC Administrators to attend the conference with you!
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Sincerely,
Paula Clifford
2014-2015 LAWTE President
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MESSAGE FROM THE IABP
This year the IABP Meeting will be a Pre-Conference
Session on Wednesday, June 10th.
What is an IACUC Administrators Best Practice Meeting?
The Best Practice Meeting has become an annual tradition (since 2005) for many Administrators. It
gives every attendee the opportunity to discuss their own programmatic challenges with their
peers. The primary goals of the meeting are to foster networking, the sharing of resources, and
peer-to-peer counseling. Meeting participants are encouraged to participate in open dialogue, and
given the opportunity to provide opinions and ask specific questions. The meeting does not focus
specifically on policies and standards governing animal care and use activities, but rather proven
methods used to satisfy them.
The meetings are facilitated by co-moderators with colleagues from OLAW, the USDA and AAALAC
International present to participate in open discussions. Attendance is limited to approximately
50 individuals with roundtable seating arrangements. This structure has been proven over the
years to facilitate attendee conversation and participation.
Registration at lawte.org
$50 fee applies
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SPONSORS
Charles River
Pfizer
USDA, APHIS
AAALAC Intl.
Allentown
LabDiet
Elm Hill Labs
The Jackson Laboratory
Total MRO
additional sponsors forthcoming...
If you are interested in Sponsorship, please contact...
Stacy Pritt
Sponsorship Committee Chair
[email protected]
For more information see http://www.lawte.org/content/sponsorship
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Commercial Training Partners
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
A-Tune
Allentown
The Andersons Lab Bedding
Animal Care Training Services (ACTS)
GentleSharp
Kent Scientific
Innovivie
Tecniplast USA
Transnetyx, Inc.
If you are interested in Exhibiting, please contact...
Paula Clifford
CTPer Committee Chair
[email protected]
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
For more information see http://www.lawte.org/content/exhibitors
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LAWTE OFFICERS
President
Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT
VP Operations, Animal Care Training Services
Executive Director, PA Society for Biomedical Research
Secretary
Elton J. Machholz, RLATG
Manager, Learning & Development, Charles River
Treasurer
Natasha J. Melfi, BS, RLATG, MBA/HRM
Training Specialist, Boehringer Ingelheim
Past-President
Bruce W. Kennedy, MS, RLATG, CMAR, CPIA
Compliance Associate and Lecturer, Cal Poly Pomona
President-Elect
Lisa M. Kelly, BS, RLATG
Compliance Training Coordinator, University of Georgia
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2015 Conference Committee Members
Program Chair
Lisa M. Kelly, BS, RLATG
Educational Program Committee
Melissa C. Dyson , DVM, MS, DACLAM (Chair)
Deborah Donohoe, BA, RLATG
Bill Greer, RLAT, CPIA
William Singleton, DVM, DACLAM
Publicity Committee
Summer Boyd, MS, LATG, RVT, CMAR (Chair)
Grace Aranda, LAT
Local Arrangements Committee
John Bogdanske, BA (Chair)
Lori Bindley, AAS, LATG
Jennifer Gaudio Carson, MS
Jared Hammer, BS, LATG
Melissa Hunsley, PhD, CPIA
Sarah Newman, PhD
Margaret Riley, BS
Beth Schiffman,BS, RLATG, CVT
Sponsorship Committee
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, DACAW (Chair)
Ryan Byrd, RLAT
Kim Overhulse, CMAR, RVT, CPIA
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2015 Conference Committee Members
Commercial Training Partners Committee
Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT (Chair)
Lori Bindley, AAS, LATG
Cheryl Pater, BS, RLATG, RVT, CMAR
Registration Committee
Natasha J. Melfi , BS, RLATG, MBA/HRM (Chair)
Christal Huber, MS, RLATG, CMAR
Casimira “Cassie” Ruiz, BA, RLATG
Deborah A. Wenger, BS, LATG, ISD
Awards Committee
Lisa Secrest, RLATG, CMAR (Chair)
Jefferson Childs, AS, LVT, SRS, CMAR
Jackie Newell Hunt, BS, LATG, MBA
Amy Kilpatrick, BA, RLATG, CVT
Teresa Neubauer, RLATG, CMAR
Poster Committee
Stefanie Wright-Golightly, BS, RLATG, RVT, CMAR (Chair)
Shari Hunt, BS, RLATG
Kim Froeschl, BS, RLATG, CMAR
Teresa Neubauer, RLATG, CMAR
Web Design
Jon McGill
Cheryl Pater, BS, RLATG, RVT, CMAR
Kiirsa Pokryfke, LATG, CMAR
Kimberly Scamardo
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SPECIAL THANKS TO...
Daniel Hanson, MS, MSME (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) for his amazing work in
crafting the 2015 LAWTE Biennial Conference Logo.
Betty Cartwright, CMP (AALAS Director of Meetings and Financial Services) for her
willingness to share her wisdom and advice on conference planning.
The amazing team at the University of Wisconsin Research Animal Resources Center for
their exuberance, hard work and hospitality in bringing this conference to Madison.
LAWTE Past Presidents for their dedicated leadership that has advanced this amazing
organization:
Bruce 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
2000-2001
Nicole Duffee
1997-2000
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AWARDS
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. An 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 (New for 2015): 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 THURSDAY EVENING RECEPTION
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2015 Conference Agenda
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
4:00pm-7:00pm
Registration
Gordon Center
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
7:00am-5:00pm
Registration
Gordon Center
8:00am-5:00pm
Vendor setup
Symphony Room
8:00am-5:00pm
Poster setup
Gordon Alcove
8:00am-5:00pm
IACUC Administrator’s Best Practice
Meeting
Overture Room
9:00am-12:00pm
WORKSHOP: Approaches to teaching
aseptic technique and suturing basics
in laboratory animal programs
RARC Training
Facility (Enzyme Inst)
1:00pm-5:00pm
WORKSHOP: Large animal handling
and procedure techniques
Vet Med large
animal facilities
6:00pm-10:00pm
Social Event and Networking
Madison Children’s
Museum
SOCIAL EVENT DETAILS
Join us at the Madison Children’s Museum for a night of fun and games. We have rented
space at this eclectic venue for a LAWTE only party that will sure to bring laughs and
“remember when” stories. The venue features a human size gerbil wheel, two-story
Hodgepodge Mahal climber, lots of interactive games and puzzles, an art studio with an
impressive gallery and the opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Adult play
encouraged and allowed. If frolicking isn’t your thing, the rooftop garden in the sky will
provide a great place to mingle and chat in the lush garden urban oasis. Amazing views of
the nearby capital building and Lake Mendota await. Two Adult beverages and h’orderves
provided with your $40 registration.
Tickets available on site from 5:45-6:15pm
Come be a kid again with your best pals!
100 N. Hamilton Street
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2015 Conference Agenda
Thursday, 11 June 2015
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
6:30am-7:30am
Vendor setup
Symphony Room
6:30am-7:30am
Poster setup
Gordon Alcove
6:30am-9:00am
Registration
Gordon Center
7:30am-8:30am
Breakfast
Symphony Room
8:30am-8:45am
Welcome from the President
Symphony Room
Paula Clifford, MLA, RLATG, CVT
LAWTE 2014-2015 President / CTPer Chair
8:45am-9:00am
Welcome to Madison
Symphony Room
John Bogdanske, BA
2015 Local Arrangements Chair
9:00am-10:00am
“Sharing Public Interests: Compassion
Symphony Room
Science and Animal Research Excellence”
Allyson Bennett, PhD
Dept of Psychology, Univ of Wisconsin
10:00am-10:30am
Break and Poster Review
Gordon Alcove
10:30am-11:30am
Commercial Training Partner Talks
Moderator: Paula Clifford, CTPer Chair
Symphony Room
10:30am-10:45am
TBA
10:45am-11:00am
TBA
11:00am-11:15am
TBA
11:15am-11:30am
TBA
11:30am-12:15pm
Poster Judging
Gordon Alcove
11:30am-12:45pm
Lunch and Mingle with Vendors
Symphony Room
1:00pm-5:00pm
WORKSHOP: Unanesthetized jugular
blood collection in rats; single-handed
restraint / Hands on Gentle Sharp
MD-1 lab
Vet Med
1:00pm-5:00pm
WORKSHOP: Evaluating the effectiveness Gordon downstairs
of training: A Best Practice Workshop
12
2015 Conference Agenda
Thursday, 11 June 2015 (continued)
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
1:00pm-5:00pm
TRACK 1: Implementation and Impact
Moderator:
1:00pm-1:45pm
Creation, tracking, filing and maintenance
of DLAM staff training records
Gene Rukavina, RLATG, RVT
The use of technology to drive harmonization
of a global laboratory animal production company
Dennis Carroll, MS, LAT
Harmonizing classroom and online training when
both are present
Kimberly Peterson, RLATG, RVT, CPIA
Development and use of a training database
as a tool
Dianna Baumann, BS, RLATG, PGCE, CMAR
Managing a training program at an academic institution
using various training and documentation methods
Kiirsa Pokryfke, CMAR, LATG
1:45pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-3:15pm
3:30pm-4:15pm
4:15pm-5:00pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
TRACK 2: Investment and Innovation
Moderator:
1:00pm-1:45pm
Getting to know Knowles, the father of
andragogy or adult learning
Bruce Kennedy, MS, RLTAG, CMAR, CPIA
Do I really need to write a lesson plan?
Christal Huber, MS, LATG, CMAR
Training the English language learner:
Tools to incorporate into your training
LaTesa Hughes, DVM, MS, RLAT
USDA Animal Care updates and training
Cathy Hovancsak, DVM
AAALAC Intl perspectives on training
Christian Newcomer, VMD, MS, DACLAM
1:45pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-3:15pm
3:30pm-4:15pm
4:15pm-5:00pm
Overture A
Overture B
3:15pm-3:30pm
Break
Gordon Center
6:00pm-8:00-pm
Reception and Awards Presentation
Pyle Center
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2015 LAWTE Reception and Awards Banquet
University of Wisconsin Pyle Center
on beautiful Lake Mendota
Thursday 11 June 2015
6-8pm
Welcome
Natasha J. Melfi, BS, RLATG, MBA/HRM
2015 Registration Chair
Poster Awards
Stefanie Wright-Golightly, BS, RLATG, RVT, CMAR
2015 Posters Chair
Awards
Lisa Secrest, LATG, CMAR
2015 Awards Chair
Mix and mingle and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Mendota…
*one drink ticket available with each registration...additional drinks cash bar only
**transportation will be provided from both conference hotels
14
2015 Conference Agenda
Friday, 12 June 2015
TIME
ACTIVITY
LOCATION
7:30am-8:30am
Breakfast
Symphony Room
8:30am-8:45am
Good Morning LAWTE
Symphony Room
Melissa Dyson, DVM, MS, DACLAM
2015 Educational Program Chair
8:45am-9:15am
LAWTE Through the Years
Symphony Room
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, DACAW
2015 Sponsorship Chair
9:15am-10:15am
“Creating a Culture of Compliance”
Symphony Room
Ron Banks, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, DACAW
Director, OAWA, Duke University
10:15am-10:30am
Break
Gordon Alcove
10:30am-11:30am
Commercial Training Partner Talks
Moderator: Paula Clifford, CTPer Chair
Symphony Room
10:30am-10:45am
TBA
10:45am-11:00am
TBA
11:00am-11:15am
TBA
11:15am-11:30am
TBA
11:30am-12:45pm
Lunch and Mingle with Vendors
Symphony Room
1:00pm-3:00pm
WORKSHOP: Compliance and Culture
change
Gordon downstairs
15
2015 Conference Agenda
Friday, 12 June 2015 (continued)
TIME
ACTIVITY
1:00pm-5:00pm
TRACK 1: Implementation and Impact
Moderator:
1:00pm-1:45pm
Consistent hands on training for users of all
research animal species
Sarah Newman,PhD
Small group exercises for compliance training
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, DACAW
Interprofessional collaboration and the
development of relationships: bridging the
gap between trainers and researchers
Tiffany L. Whitcomb,DVM, DACLAM
1:45pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-3:15pm
1:00pm-5:00pm
TRACK 2: Investing and Innovation
Moderator:
1:00pm-1:45pm
Capitalizing on teachable moments
Judy Murray, BS
Incorporating community outreach into
a training program
Jennifer Gaudio Carson, MS
Setting a humane endpoint for training
rodents
Jeremiah Dunlap, LATG
1:45pm-2:30pm
2:30pm-3:15pm
LOCATION
Overture A
Overture B
3:15pm-3:30pm
Break
Gordon
3:30pm-4:15pm
“AALAS, LAWTE and Training”
Symphony Room
Cindy Buckmaster, PhD
2015 AALAS President, former LAWTE President
Director, Baylor College of Medicine
4:15pm-4:45pm
Raffle
Symphony Room
Jon McGill
2015 Webmaster
4:45pm-5:00pm
Closing Remarks from the Program Chair
Symphony Room
Lisa Kelly, BS, RLTAG
2015 Program Chair
See you in 2017!
16
Conference Center Map
(Gordon Event and Dining Center)
Gordon Alcove
Conference Meeting spaces will primarily be on the 2nd floor of Gordon.
Directions will be provided to the IABP Meeting space on Gordon Floor 1.
17
18
(Hotels, Conference Center, Social Event and Reception Venues)
Madison Map
19
(Conference Center (Gordon), Surgical Training Facility (Enzyme)
Madison Map
20
(Surgical Training Facility (Enzyme) and College of Vet Med)
Workshop Venues
Madison Map
2015 Keynote Speaker Presentations
Sharing Public Interests: Compassion, Science and Animal Research Excellence
Allyson Bennett, PhD
Assistant Professor for the Psychology Department of the University of Wisconsin
Thursday, 11 June 2015 9:00am-10:00am
Symphony Room
Dr Bennett will discuss her research on the environments and experiences of laboratory animals, how
her work provides empirical evidence to inform evolving standards for animal welfare and about how
she communicates with and educates others on her discoveries in order to positively affect animal
welfare.
Creating a culture of compliance
Ron Banks, DVM, DACLAM, DACVPM, DACAW
Director of the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance at Duke University
Friday, 12 June 2015 9:15am-10:15am
Symphony Room
Dr Banks will present “Creating a culture of compliance” and discuss the research animal coordinator
training program that helped to change the compliance culture at Duke University
AALAS, LAWTE and Training
Cindy Buckmaster, PhD
Director of the Center for Comparative Medicine at Baylor School of Medicine
AALAS President and former LAWTE President
Friday, 12 June 2015 3:30pm-4:15pm
Symphony Room
(ABSTRACT NOT AVAILABLE YET)
21
2015 Workshop Descriptions
Approaches to teaching aseptic technique and suturing basics in laboratory animal programs
John Bogdanske, Jennifer Gaudio Carson, Sarah Newman, Beth Schiffman, Margaret Riley, & Jared
Hammer (UW RARC Training Coordinators)
Wednesday, 10 June 2015 9:00am-12:00pm
RARC Training Facility (Enzyme Center)
The University of Wisconsin Trainers are hosting an interactive workshop, which allows attendees to
experience the aseptic technique and suturing sections of their campus Laboratory Animal Surgery
course. This workshop is geared toward lab animal trainers looking for efficient and effective methods
to present hands-on material to a wide audience, as well as any individuals seeking first-time
instruction or refresher training in these methods.
Preconference, $50 fee, max 16 participants, minimum 6 participants
Large animal handling and procedure techniques
Michael Maroney, Kathryn M. Nelson, Catherine “Terry” Jobis, Teresa Hirsch (UW RARC Large
Animal Veterinary Staff), David Rieman (CALS)
Wednesday 10, June 2015 1:00pm-5:00pm
UW School of Veterinary Medicine large animal facilities
The University of Wisconsin Research Animal Resources Center is hosting a hands-on large animal
workshop and tour of several large animal facilities located on the UW-Madison campus. The
workshop will be lead by the RARC’s large animal veterinarians and staff, with focus on the proper
implementation of health assessments and common procedures in sheep, cattle and horses. Handson procedures are planned to include health checks, handling and restraint, vaccination administration,
blood draws, bandaging, and sheep hoof trims. This interactive workshop is geared toward lab animal
trainers looking to improve their own skills and knowledge with these species.
Preconference, $50 fee, max 20 participants, minimum 6 participants
Hands-on GentleSharp
- Reduce distress, improve blood sampling
hosted in conjunction the“Unanesthetized Jugular Vein Blood Collection in Rats”
GentleSharp uses electronically controlled backward and forward axial motion to reduce the force
required to penetrate tissue during needle puncture, thereby minimizing distress and improving blood
sampling success with research animals. This hands-on workshop will provide the attendee with an
opportunity to demonstrate and gain hands-on experience with GentleSharp. Specifically the attendee
will have the opportunity to: (1) Practice the GentleSharp blood sampling technique for tail vein, tail
artery, saphenous vein, and submandibular vein bleeding (2) Learn how to use GentleSharp to quickly
train novice researchers to become more proficient blood collectors. (3) Learn how to train researchers
to use GentleSharp as a more humane alternative to retro-orbital bleeding, tail snipping, tail knicking,
and lancet submandibular vein bleeding. (4) Learn how GentleSharp has been used to facilitate
micro-serial sampling to reduce the total number of rodents used in research.
22
2015 Workshop Descriptions
Unanesthetized jugular blood collection in rats: single handed restraint
Lori Bindley, Stacey Schumacher, Doreen Kohlert (Covance Drug Development)
Thursday, 11 June 2015 1:00pm-5:00pm
School of Veterinary Medicine, Room MD-1
The current industry standard for collecting blood from the rat jugular vein requires a specific restraint
board and 2 technical staff to positon the animal appropriately. However, there are risks associated
with this technique. On smaller animals the stress of restraint as well as the alignment of body/head/
neck can cause injury or death. Though the rat jugular collection has been refined to produce very low
percentages of injury or death, the development of the Single Person Restraint for rat jugular collection
yields consistent results and can be used with younger animals without the stress effect seen using
the restraint board. Though the workshop will primarily focus on the one-handed jugular restraint and
collection, other species appropriate bleeding techniques will be demonstrated and practiced as time
allows. A demonstration of the GentleSharp Blood Sampling System will also be included, with an
opportunity for attendees to perform common bleeding techniques using this system. The workshop
is appropriate for individuals who are comfortable handing rats or mice. Familiarity with common blood
collection techniques and techniques associated with a syringe/needle would be helpful.
Conference Workshop, $50 fee, max 20 participants, minimum 6 participants
(Held in conjunction with Hands-On GentleSharp
Workshop)
Evaluating the effectiveness of training: A Best Practice Workshop
Bill Greer, Associate Director ORP Penn State University
Thursday, 11 June 2015 1:00-5:00pm
Gordon downstairs
This "best practice" style workshop is directed towards trainers and IACUC administrators. The
audience will be engaged to develop best practices for evaluating the effectiveness of training with
the facilitator.
Workshop sponsored by IABP, no fee, max 20 participants, minimum 6 participants
Compliance and culture change
Ron Banks, Director of the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance, Duke University
Friday, 12 June 2015 1:00-3:00pm
Gordon downstairs
Attendees will workshop the concepts and ideas for creating a curriculum for training that helps
encourage a culture of change at their institutions.
Workshop sponsored by IABP, no fee, max 20 participants, minimum 6 participants
23
2015 Session Abstracts
AAALAC International perspectives on training
Christian Newcomer, VMD, MS, DACLAM (Executive Director, AAALAC International)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room B
The executive director of AAALAC international will be discussing AAALAC perspectives on training.
Capitalizing on teachable moments
Judy Murray (Sr. Manager of Animal Care and Welfare Training, Charles River Laboratories)
Friday, Track 2, Overture Room B
There are teachable moments that happen every day in our facilities that are relevant to the newest
as well as the most seasoned employee. But how do you capture these and share them with a larger
audience as a training tool? We have developed three mechanisms that both capture teachable
moments and provide a vehicle to share these across departments, facilities, and languages. See
how PowerPoint posters highlight technical or procedural improvements and areas for increased
vigilance. These posters are easily translated and images can be changed to ensure relevance for
different species or work environments. Ever had a great idea that you wanted to share? Learn
about our mechanism to capture great ideas and share these online and in print. What about the
3Rs? Refinements are arguably the most common way we implement the 3Rs on a daily basis; how
do you capture these refinements to share them with others? See how we have encouraged sharing
of refinements, reductions and replacements, capturing these in a searchable format that provides
descriptions of the “R” with contact information to learn more. All of these teachable moments are
training tools that are applicable across employee type, species, work type, and language.
24
2015 Session Abstracts
Consistent hands on training for users of all research animal species
Sarah Newman, PhD (Training Coordinator, RARC Univ of Wisconsin)
Friday, Track 1, Overture Room A
Rats and mice represent approximately 95% of all animal species used in research. For this reason,
many institutions concentrate their training efforts on personnel working with rodents, and this has
traditionally held true for the University of Wisconsin as well. Training new personnel that work with
rats and mice controls the consistency and quality of hands-on training for the vast majority of animal
researchers on campus. However, the UW-Madison Trainers sought to broaden the scope of our
training program to include consistent hands-on training for personnel working with every species. By
enlisting the help of the veterinary staff in addition to trainers, the UW now provides equivalent
support to researchers working with non-rodent species. Each individual is assigned to a speciesspecific training plan that includes online modules and hands-on training with a trainer, veterinarian or
an approved designee. These sessions are focused on building the individual’s competency skills in
handling, restraint and basic techniques to the same level of proficiency required of rat and mouse
users. Often, a senior designee in a laboratory or animal facility is initially supervised by a trainer or
veterinarian as she provides training to new lab members and, if approved, is henceforth authorized
to provide training for personnel working with that species. This streamlines the process and
establishes consistency and quality of training across all species in our research program. Our
extensive involvement in the training of all personnel working with animals allows for consistent
documentation and improved oversight. This lecture will address the development and
implementation of this training plan, as well as the challenges of providing species-specific training for
all research animal personnel at a large institution.
Creation, tracking, filing, and maintenance of DLAM staff training records
Gene Rukavina, RVT, RLATG (Training Coordinator, David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA)
Thursday Track 1, Overture Room A
With the increased focus on training requirements in laboratory animal medicine, it is important not
only to have a properly trained staff, but to have a process in place that allows for the creation,
tracking, filing, and maintenance of staff training records. This presentation will focus on UCLA_
DLAM's approach to staff training, including: tracking training status; generation of training records;
filing of training records (both paper and online formats) and maintenance of training records (both
paper and online formats).
25
2015 Session Abstracts
Development and use of a training database as a tool
Dianna Baumann, B.Sc (Hons), RLATG, PGCE, CMAR (Head of Reptile and Aquatic Facilities, Stowers
Institute for Medical Research)
Thursday, Track 1, Overture Room A
The goal was to produce a record-keeping software to document training sessions and subsequent
assessments. Ease of use was a strong consideration, along with flexibility to accommodate
multiple training scenarios. Training topics were reviewed and core competencies identified in each
area. Frequencies and urgency of training and assessments were determined and entered into the
database. To assist with training compliance, reports for pending as well as completed training can
be produced. The presentation will cover some of the decisions made during design and
implementation of the software, and how the database has helped us to manage our training
program.
Do I really need to write a lesson plan?
Christal Huber, MS, RLATG, CMAR (Training Coordinator, Sinclair Research Center LLC)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room B
Education can be a sea of theories involving learning, instruction, and development. Often the novice instructor can become overwhelmed by the magnitude of topics, and it is difficult to even figure
out where to begin. This session will introduce trainers to the basics of developing an effective
training session in order to facilitate learning. Using “the often overlooked” road map to this process,
the lesson plan. By applying basic principles of Bloom’s taxonomy, participants will be guided
through the process of developing objectives, discovering presentation media, providing application
of concepts learned, summarizing events, and evaluating comprehension. Everyone will leave the
session with an outline of a lesson plan that they have developed during this learning process.
Getting to know Knowles, the father of andragogy or adult learning
Bruce Kennedy, MS, RLATG, CMAR, CPIA (Compliance Associate and Lecturer; Cal Poly Pomona,
Office of Research)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room B
Pedagogy is how we as kids typically learned in school from our teachers. It was content-centered
with an emphasis on fact retention. And that works well for many aspects of training in lab animal
science. However, as trainers of adults we should become more acquainted with the concept
of focusing on the student. And for adults, that means being problem-centered, taking care of what
presents itself “in” the moment. As an example, consider the tech who is working with mice, so
minimize non-human primate content. The son of a veterinarian, Malcolm Knowles, introduced this
thinking about adult learning to education in the ‘60s. This presentation will recognize him and
address the application of andragogy to LAWTE trainers.
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2015 Session Abstracts
Harmonizing classroom and online training when both are present
Kimberly Peterson, RLATG, RVT, CPIA (IACUC Liaison, Univ of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)
Thursday, Track 1, Overture Room A
Successful communication is vital to all human interactions, and for trainers it is essential.
Successful communication occurs when all parties understand the topic in the same way. In the
laboratory animal community, personnel (from cage wash to Principal Investigators) are composed
of people from diverse backgrounds and the differences in language, education and culture can
hinder successful training. Therefore, when training an English Language Learner (ELL) additional
tools may be required to ensure that vital success. In this presentation, several tools found to be
instrumental in training ELLs will be demonstrated and shared. Participants will have an opportunity
to practice the implementation of these various tools during the session. They will also have a
chance to put themselves in the shoes of their trainees through an interactive exercise.
Implementation of these tools will make you a more competent trainer and help you to empathize
with ELL trainees. This will lead to a successful training for both parties.
Incorporating community outreach into a training program
Jennifer Gaudio Carson, MS (Training Coordinator, RARC Univ of Wisconsin)
Friday, Track 2, Overture Room B
Increasing activity from animal rights organizations and misleading information in the public media
demands more effective community outreach for biomedical research. As a prominent institution with
a substantial research program, the University of Wisconsin takes its responsibility to promote the
benefits of biomedical research seriously. The trainers at UW Madison’s Research Animal
Resources Center (RARC) have been participating in outreach efforts through various outlets, such
as visiting local high schools, participating in science fairs, lecturing to adult learning clubs, and
offering field trips on campus for visiting students. Our main goal is to increase the understanding
and transparency of the research animal program at UW Madison. Major discussion points include:
the importance of animal models, the stringent regulations and requirements for working with
research animals, the welfare and health considerations for the animals, and the benefits of animal
research to people, animals and society. These discussions are tailored to suit the age of the
audience and structure of the event. We incorporate hands on activities whenever possible, such as
suturing methods, virtual dissections and techniques with model animals. We believe that as a
training unit, we are uniquely qualified to present this material. This talk will focus on the various
approaches and activities we have found to be successful during outreach programs, as well as the
methods we have used to incorporate a community outreach vision into our training program.
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2015 Session Abstracts
Interprofessional collaboration and the development of relationships: bridging the gap between trainers and researchers
Tiffany L. Whitcomb, DVM, DACLAM (Associate Director Penn State Hershey Animal Resources; Director,
Lab Animal Medicine Training, Assistant Prof of Comp Med Penn State Hershey)
Friday, Track 2, Overture Room A
There is evidence that nearly half of the inconsistencies in effectiveness of teaching are related to
the quality of the student-teacher relationship. The tension that may exist as a result of perceived
differences between animal welfare goals and research goals places the trainer-researcher
relationship at particular risk; yet little attention has been given to the impact of the teacher-student
relationship on adult education within the context of laboratory animal science. Here we report the
findings of a mixed-method study that sought to explore relationships between trainers and
researchers participating in a hands-on training program at an academic institution. Electronic
surveys (pre-class survey n=45, post-class survey n=35) and semi-structured interviews (n=10) were
used to examine the perceptions of researchers of their relationships with trainers as result of
participating in a two hour rodent handling class. Pedagogical features of the in situ training
experience that contributed to collaborative relationships were also analyzed. Quantitative results
showed that students were significantly more likely to contact trainers for assistance after the
training session. Analysis of transcripts of interviews using constant comparative method revealed
two themes relevant to understanding the development of relationships during the training sessions:
a) Pre-training obstacles to relationships between trainers and researchers (physical and social
separation of workspaces, training staff as regulatory enforcers), and b) Factors essential to
fostering collegial relationships during training (creating comfortable social environments, teacher
accessibility and spending time getting to know one another). This study is the first to report on the
significance of the trainer-student relationship on promoting interprofessional collaboration
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2015 Session Abstracts
Managing a training program at an academic institution using various training and
documentation methods
Kiirsa Pokryfke, LATG, CMAR (Training Core Manager in Lab Animal Medicine at Univ of Michigan)
Thursday, Track 1, Overture Room A
Animal care training program requirements and standards can vary between animal care staff and
research staff at a large, academic institution. Concepts of this seminar are aimed at facilitating an
effective, manageable training program at an academic institution. Requirements and standards can
be managed effectively through the use of various training methods, consistent standards, and
documentation methods. This seminar will discuss how to manage various IACUC and departmental
training requirements and standards for animal research or animal care staff. Training methods and
tools can effectively deliver information to various audiences. These methods may include a
combination of lectures, workshops, hands-on demonstrations and technique practice with live
animals or inanimate objects. How these methods are used will be described in detail using current
training data. Providing consistent, accurate documentation for the animal users can be managed
by using a learning management system or other database(s) that provide easy to run compliance
reports. These reports provide accurate training summaries that may be used by individuals or
IACUCs. This seminar is designed for all job roles that administer training to animal care or research
staff at academic institutions.
Setting a humane endpoint for training rodents
Jeremiah Dunlap, LATG (Assistant Manager of Quality Training, Ctr for Comp Med, Northwestern Univ.)
Friday, Track 2, Overture Room B
For any species being used for training there are general questions that must be answered: How
frequently can an individual animal be used and at what point should it be euthanized? How do the
different techniques available for training influence frequency of use and endpoint? How, in turn,
does this influence the training program’s ability to sustain its animal colonies, and does the volume
of use affect the source(s) of its training animals? This presentation will discuss examples of
humane endpoints actually used by different research programs (acquired via a survey on the
LAWTE listserv), as well as Northwestern University’s standards. This information will then be used
to help highlight the multiple, key considerations associated with generating humane endpoints for
rodents (and other species): Frequency of use, the potential for pain and/or stress based on the
technique performed, the animal’s age and health (physical and mental). This presentation will also
address the potential logistic impact of establishing humane endpoints, assuming that training
rodents are euthanized more frequently than they were previously (e.g., an increase to colony
numbers and resultant increase in housing space, larger rodent colony to manage, cost of ordering
rodents). The focus will be on setting humane endpoints for non-USDA covered rodents, but the
importance for humane endpoints for all training species will be a key takeaway for attendees.
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2015 Session Abstracts
Small group exercises for compliance training
Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, DACAW (IACUC Director, Univ of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)
Friday, Track 1, Overture Room A
Training focused on regulations, such as the FDA’s Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and biosafety
requirements, can often lack engagement with the audience and become repetitive. This session will
focus on the use of competitions and cases studies within a small group setting to increase audience
engagement, interactivity, and comprehension of the regulations as well as the regulations relate to
compliance oversight and day-to-day operations. Such sessions also had the benefit of fostering
collaborative relationships between colleagues, increasing English language learner participation, and
promoting information retention. In addition to reviewing the logistics of designing and implementing
such training exercises, description of the sessions and training documentation to meeting
expectations of oversight bodies will also be discussed.
Training the English language learner: Tools to incorporate into your training
LaTesa Hughes, DVM, MS, RLAT (Clinical Vet / Staff Scientist, AHCS/NINDS/NIH)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room B
Successful communication is vital to all human interactions, and for trainers it is essential. Successful
communication occurs when all parties understand the topic in the same way. In the laboratory animal
community, personnel (from cage wash to Principal Investigators) are composed of people from
diverse backgrounds and the differences in language, education and culture can hinder successful
training. Therefore, when training an English Language Learner (ELL) additional tools may be required
to ensure that vital success. In this presentation, several tools found to be instrumental in training
ELLs will be demonstrated and shared. Participants will have an opportunity to practice the
implementation of these various tools during the session. They will also have a chance to put
themselves in the shoes of their trainees through an interactive exercise. Implementation of these tools
will make you a more competent trainer and help you to empathize with ELL trainees. This will lead to
a successful training for both parties.
USDA Animal Care updates and training
Cathy Hovancsak, DVM (Supervisory Animal Care Specialist, USDA/APHIS)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room B
USDA will be providing Animal Care Updates and information about USDA perspectives on training
and related compliance issues.
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2015 Session Abstracts
The use of technology to drive harmonization of a global laboratory animal production
company
Dennis Carroll, MS, LAT (Global Training Manager, Harlan Laboratories Inc.)
Thursday, Track 2, Overture Room A
As the world continues to evolve, so must the laboratory animal science field and its associated
technologies. Spanning across multiple continents, Harlan Laboratories provides employment and
opportunities for both native English speakers, as well as for those speaking Burmese, Italian, French,
Spanish, German, and Dutch, among other languages. In order to provide adequate training to these
diverse populations, we have developed an electronic template to deliver simplistic, visually-based
work instructions that allow for easy use and document management, directive step-by-step
instructions, and allow for rapid translation through the use of limited text. These work instructions are
designed to be delivered via iPad tablets, creating an immersive user-centered interface, allowing the
trainee to observe proper practices including examples of how to do the task well and what specific
actions to avoid. These instructions include definitions, safety precautions – for the user and for the
animal – and identify how to complete associated documentation correctly. By using this delivery
method, trainees are able to access information rapidly, as needed, and at the point of use. Once initial
hands-on training occurs with a trainer, these electronic instructions allow the trainee to: Observe and
review techniques without requiring the use of additional animals (3R’s); Understand the desired
learning outcomes of the task; Prepare for competency assessments associated with the training;
Review material on an ongoing basis to prevent comprehension drift over time. This system allows for
centralized deployment of updated work instructions, ensuring that only updated versions are available
and that they reach throughout the organization. Availability of these instructions also allows for
internal and external auditing to cross-reference that we are performing tasks in the manner that we
have described.
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Please join us
LAWTE Biennial Conference
Madison, Wisconsin
June 10-12, 2015
More information at
lawte.org/content/2015-biennial-lawte-conference
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