Facilities around the world celebrated International Laboratory Animal Technician Week February 1–7, 2009. Thanks to all those who took the time to offer special recognition to those hardworking individuals at your institution. This year’s theme was “Technicians Are the Key to Success."

Tech Week Celebrations

The Burnham Institute
For 5 years now, The Burnham Institute for Medical Research has participated in recognizing the advancement of scientific research through the contributions of animal technicians. This year’s theme, “Technicians are the Key to Success,” provided the perfect opportunity to recognize the efforts of our animal technicians and the important role they play in the advancement of scientific research.

BIMR staff settling in for a presentation.

A week or so before the event, we posted the AALAS Tech Week posters on the doors to our animal facilities. We notified some of our industry vendors, who sent us many gift cards and items for our raffle at the end of the week. This year we asked our technicians to participate by selecting a poster from the AALAS National Meeting in Indy to present to the department. The posters selected were relevant to their job responsibilities here at Burnham. The presentation was to be relaxed and fun, and we left the presentation format up to the presenter. Nine technicians rose to the challenge and began working on their task. For most technicians, this was their first experience presenting in front of a group.

To our delight, many of the techs went all out and dressed for the occasion in professional attire. We enjoyed their personal introductions and how they got started working with lab animals. Several techs created their own PowerPoint presentation. Some did more research and expanded on the poster topic. During the presentations, the staff enjoyed refreshments sponsored by the research labs. This was a fun way to learn more about our staff and educate ourselves.

Ricardo Herrera, voted Best Presenter for ”How to Make Yourself a Valuable Technician”

At the end of the week, we asked the staff to vote on the best presenter, and the vote went to Ricardo Herrera, who chose the topic “How to Make Yourself a Valuable Technician.” For his efforts and initiative, Ricardo received a $25 Visa gift card and movie tickets. The added recognition the techs received from their researchers, peers, and management made this a positive experience for all. The technicians have since decided to form a “Breakfast Club” that will meet once each month to review and discuss relevant industry articles.

As an added highlight, the supervisors prepared a slide show of pictures of the techs at work. The images were displayed on a kiosk located at our front desk in the administration area, visible to anyone who enters the main facility. We also listened to a presentation on the new Stem Cell Core facility. A tour of this facility and the new Zebrafish facility will happen later in the month.

Employee luncheon.

On Friday, we ended the week-long celebration with a catered Italian lunch and raffle. Thanks to our generous vendors and other departments within the institute, each staff member received a raffle prize and a goodie bag. The director presented each employee with a “Technicians are the Key to Success” certificate of recognition and a special recognition letter from the CEO of Burnham.

As in years past, our Tech Week ended with the presentation of the Animal Resources Department Technician of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to Michael Florio, a technician in our transgenic mouse breeding facility. Michael was honored for his selflessness and enthusiasm for his job and his contributions and dedication that make him an invaluable asset to our department. Michael received a framed certificate, $100 in Visa gift cards, a day off with pay, and a Burnham sweatshirt.

Tony Melgoza, Mary O’Rourke-Braxtan, Michael Florio (BIMR Employee of the Year), Kenny Venegas.

We eagerly look forward to next year’s celebration to recognize our animal care staff for their compassionate and essential contributions to the care of laboratory animals and the advancement of scientific research. We would like to thank the following individuals, vendors, and labs for their support: Barry Greenberg, Chemex; Jodie Barb, Newco; Davina Heller, Harlan; Jeff McGlothlin, Lab Products; Robert and Dee Drye, Lithgow; Russell Braxtan, Lynx/ClorDiSys; Mike Dvorak, Tecniplast; Kenna Harris, Taconic; Mark Edwards, Washers, Inc.; Adam Seddiqui, VWR; Burnham Labs: Rickert, Millan, Ruoslahti, Freeze, Ronai, Oshima, Stallcup, Pellecchia, Levine, Itkin-Ansari, Courtneidge, Ranscht, Jean Pyo Lee, HR, and the Animal Resources management team.

SEAALAS
One facility in this branch celebrated with a different event for each day of the week.

Monday, February 2, 2009: Lab Animal Bingo. Participants received a card with a different laboratory animal on it, some common, and some not so commonly used in animal research. Whoever got BINGO first received a prize. Lunch was provided by POS and Lab Products, Inc.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009: Breakfast sponsored by Charles River Labs and Technician Recognition.Techs were recognized by PIs and management staff for their hard work and contribution to research. There were also awards and cake!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009: Lab Animal Trivia. Participants were split into teams and competed by answering questions related to lab animal science, CDC, and ARB. The winning team received prizes.

Thursday, February 5, 2009: Priority One Services’ Lawrenceville Fish Fry. In addition to enjoying the delicious fish, technicians were able to see the various animals and studies housed in Lawrenceville.

Friday, February 6, 2009: Ice Cream Social. We wrapped up the Technician Appreciation Week with an ice cream social at each of the CDC Atlanta CDC campuses. Technicians enjoyed a bowl of ice cream with their co-workers before going home for the weekend.

Another facility in this branch hosted a similar celebration:
Monday February 2, 2009: Chili Cook-Off. Participants' chili was judged by all of the ARB. The winner received a prize

Tuesday February 3, 2009: Lab Animal Trivia.Participants were split into teams and competed by answering questions related to lab animal science, CDC, and ARB. The winning team received prizes.

Wednesday February 4, 2009: Techs were recognized by PIs and management staff for their hard work and contribution to research, and awards were given out.

Thursday February 5, 2009: Zoo Atlanta trip. Technicians visited the zoo and got behind-the-scenes demonstrations on how Zoo Atlanta cares for and trains their animals. Techs were able to learn about animal husbandry from a zoo’s view.

Friday February 6, 2009: Movie and lunch.

Tech Week Items and Celebration Ideas

The Committee on Technician Awareness and Development (CTAD) has chosen the following items of recognition, which can be purchased through the AALAS bookstore. Please note that as of December 1, 2008, a minimum shipping charge applies to allorders, including free items.

NOTE: The calendar strip, flashlight keychain, Tech Week button, retractable card holder, and Sharpie lanyard are out of stock.

"Technicians Are the Key to Success" poster (11"x17")
Display the eye-catching posters throughout your facility and in public areas to promote the 2009 Tech Week event.

Price: FREE

Download free PDF


“Technicians Are the Key to Success” Photo Magnetic Clip
These magnetic clips are perfect for anywhere in your facility. Able to stick to a locker, desk, and any metal surface, you can clip on any important memos or messages nearby any work station. Get one for every technician on staff; they are the key to success! Quantities limited. (Color: red)

Price: $2 member / $3 nonmember

Updated for 2009! “Suggestions for Recognition of Technicians” document
Want to do something really special for your techs during Tech Week this time? Check out this list of ideas! Updated every year with suggestions from AALAS members around the world, this tool is perfect for sparking ideas of how to celebrate the event at your facility. Don’t plan your event without it!

Other 2009 Tech Week Downloads
Tech Week Certificate
2009 Tech Week Logo

If you need the logo in a format not offered here, please email webmaster@aalas.org.

Other Recognition Items

Technician Certification and Technician Certification Registry pins
Show your technicians that you appreciate their dedication and willingness to expand their knowledge in laboratory animal science—order certification and registry pins for your certified technicians. Certification pins are 7/8” x 7/8”. Registry pins are 3/4” x 3/8”.

Certification Pins—Price: $5
Registry Pins—Price: $12

“AALAS in a Flash” Flashcards
“AALAS in a Flash” is intended for those preparing for the ALAT, LAT, and LATG certification examinations and for those who want a great review of material not recently studied. The game provides questions and answers in a fun and easy-to-use flash card format, and is designed to reinforce the material learned from the training manuals. Questions cover each chapter of the manuals, with a total of 700 questions. Its format allows it to be used as a break-room game, a class exercise, or while commuting by bus or train. It’s fun and educational!

Price: $15 member/$22 nonmember

Cool celebration ideas!
“BAIT”—Branch Activities, Information, and Tips
A cool web page of tidbits for AALAS technicians and branch members. Includes presentations, articles, activities, and guidelines on personal and professional development, animal care and facilities, public outreach training, and branch meeting resources.

“Reach Out!” Public Outreach Materials
AALAS’ Reach Out! materials are perfect for planning a company-wide or community-based public outreach event during the 2008 Tech Week event. These downloadable materials offer motivation and encouragement for technicians interested in learning “how” to reach out to the public about the need for animals in biomedical research and provide the tools and resources needed to conduct successful public outreach sessions within their communities.

Other outreach materials:
AALAS Camp (4.25 mb)
 Public Outreach Downloads