Program Agenda (in alphabetical order by the last name of the presenter)

The 4 R's of Research? - Melissa Alvarez, RLATg, LVT

This is a presentation that will show training materials for technicians that utilize the "Replace" R of the 3 R's. The 4 R's in the title is not a typo. It is a power point that will show different training models such as intubation heads, IV catheter practice pads, skin suture pads, and the koken rat and rabbit models. Some of these models will also be there in person for people to view and touch. This is mainly geared at large animal technicians to learn the techniques of intubation, IV catheter placement, and suturing before attempting this on a live animal.

Bringing personal importance to ATP testing and employee engagement – Hillary Chase, Bachelor of Science, RLAT

An ATP testing program can be made fun through team competition, education, and out of the box training ideas. Engaged employees are said to be higher performers. Can accurate ATP scores give us insight on employee engagement?

Working with employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder – Jason Cowan-Brown

The 10-15 minute presentation will cover tips regarding training and working with employees with ASD.

Happy Animals equals Good Science—a personal reflection on the importance of advancing science through good animal welfare. - Karen Froberg-Fejko, LATg, VMD; Karena Thek, MBA, CMAR

Why we are passionate about what we do. Karen and Karena will speak candidly about life experiences that have contributed to their devotion to the lab animal community and their dedication to advancing animal welfare.

Digital SOP App: Transforming Vivarium SOP Training Through Mobile Technology – Martin Gallardo

The Digital SOP App is a mobile application aimed to digitize training and compliance in vivarium operations by transforming traditional paper-based review processes. The platform enhances training effectiveness through interactive competency assessments, real-time progress tracking, and comprehensive compliance monitoring. The system features role-based access control, automated quiz assignments with an 80% passing threshold, and customizable renewal frequencies. Management can monitor staff proficiency through detailed analytics, while the platform maintains a centralized repository of current SOPs with automated version control. A powerful search function enables staff to instantly locate and access specific procedures from anywhere in the facility. Implementation has demonstrated significant improvements in training verification, with enhanced accountability through automated notifications, detailed performance metrics, and streamlined regulatory documentation. This digital transformation strengthens staff competency verification while maintaining rigorous standards in animal care operations. Key outcomes: Interactive competency assessment and verification Role-specific training paths with automated assignment Real-time monitoring of staff training completion and certification status Centralized SOP management with version control User-friendly mobile interface with instant SOP search capabilities Streamlined workflow allowing completion of training during routine tasks

Beyond Training: Identifying What Really Drives Performance – Amanada Kizer, MBA, M.Ed, Ed.D, SHRM-SCP, LATG

Why do training initiatives fail to fix performance problems? Because we often focus on fixing people instead of fixing the system. This session explores the six areas of influence—environmental and individual factors that shape employee performance—and reveals the disconnect between managers and employees when diagnosing performance gaps. We’ll challenge assumptions about training as the go-to solution and demonstrate how a results-based approach can uncover the real root causes of performance issues. Attendees will leave with a diagnostic framework to guide analysis, prioritize interventions, and create sustainable results. Whether you're a learning professional or leader, this session may change how you approach performance challenges

From Concept to Completion: Best Practices in Course Development - Amanada Kizer, MBA, M.Ed, Ed.D, SHRM-SCP, LATG

Creating courses that drive real results starts with a clear vision of success and the tools to bring that vision to life. This session offers practical strategies to streamline the course development process and overcome common challenges. Learn how to focus on the outcomes your course should achieve, collaborate effectively with subject matter experts, and guide reviewers to provide actionable feedback. Discover how separating content creation from visual design can save time and improve the overall quality of your work. Through relatable examples and actionable advice, this presentation will empower you to build engaging, impactful learning experiences that meet both learner and organizational needs. Whether you're refining your approach or starting from scratch, this session will provide insights to help you confidently take your next course from concept to completion.

Creating a Training Record using Google Sheets – Diana Medina, BS, LVT, RLATg, VTS-LAM

This workshop outlines creating a user-friendly training record system using Google Sheets. By leveraging Google Sheets' customizable features, users can streamline record-keeping, track training progress, and ensure that personnel meet institutional and regulatory requirements. The training covers essential components such as setting up structured drop-down menus for standardized entries, implementing conditional formatting to flag incomplete or expired training, and integrating procedures and SOP quick links. This approach offers a cost-effective, customizable solution for managing training records in compliance with IACUC, OLAW, AAALAC, and other regulatory bodies.

Research Animal Coordinator Certification Training Program – Rachel Morgan, MAS, RLAT, CPIA

The Duke Animal Care & Use Program offers a Research Animal Coordinator (RAC) certification training program. Individuals who participate in this program receive detailed information concerning animal care & use at Duke. Those who achieve certification may be designated by the Principal Investigator to serve as the laboratory coordinator for all animal activities and provide in-lab guidance. In addition to assisting with protocol development and processing, the RAC will be trained to provide internal compliance assistance and hands-on procedure skills to laboratory members. The goal of this talk will be to review the layout and curriculum of this program as well as benefits that we see in our program

Mentee to Mentor - Showcasing Levels of Mentorship – Janet Steele, BS, CMAR, RLATG, ILAM: 1.0 credit hours

To provide a brief overview of mentoring and highlight various forms of mentorship, including one-on-one, group, departmental mentoring and professional real-life mentoring examples. Each panelist will share their experiences as a mentee and/or mentor within our field of study. Panelists: Janet Steele - Assistant Operations Director, Division of Comparative Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill Kali Taylor - Gnotobiotic Research Support Technician, NGRRC UNC Chapel Hill Rebecca Sanchez-Hodge - Research Associate, McAllister Heart Institute, UNC Chapel Hill Emily Weston - Manager Office of Animal Welfare and Compliance, BD Technologies Janet: Intro (5 mins) One-on-One Student Mentoring (10 mins) Kali: Participation in Group Mentoring (10 mins) Rebecca: Departmental Mentoring: FMHI Summer Program (10 mins) Emily: Professional Mentoring (10 mins) Q&A (15 mins)

Refined Mouse Handling: How a local network of facilities helps to Adopt Refined Handling as well as Barriers & Solutions for Succes – Erin Straley and Andrew Popadich, BS, LATG, CMAR

Refined mouse handling, also known as non-aversive handling or low stress handling, has been gaining momentum in the United States. Picking up mice with a tunnel or cupped hands is a worldwide 3Rs Refinement for animal research. This practice has scientific and anecdotal support through testimoni-als, which motivates many facilities to adopt it. The NCAB (National Capital Area Branch) has developed a network in our region to increase the adoption of this method. This network allows us to share knowledge and encouragement as each facility progresses through different stages of implementing this practice. A multi-facility hands-on workshop as well as virtual trainings have been successful in pro-moting the adoption of this practice. This session is meant to share about the journey of our adoption of refined handling and the success of a regional network to inspire local facilities to begin their jour-ney of adopting refined handling at their facility. Additionally, this session is meant to inspire other facil-ities to join this movement that improves animal welfare. Presenters: Erin Straley MS, CMAR, RLATG, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS), Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST),Director, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA Andrew Popadich BS, CMAR, RLATG, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences (CPSS), Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST),Senior Trainer, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA

Closing the training gap: documenting peer-to-peer training of research staff – Nick Van De Velde, PhD, CPIA

Training research staff in animal handling and manipulation is both a regulatory requirement and a welfare imperative. However, informal training between peers in laboratories is a both common and poorly documented method for researchers to learn animal techniques. The IACUC Office at St Jude, in collaboration with our Animal Resources Center and Information Services, has developed an app which makes capturing this peer-to-peer training quick and easy, with multiple points of validation to ensure proficiency and the opportunity for post-approval monitoring. Utilizing this app, we can generate documentation for the lab personnel and the IACUC office, so training records are complete and accurate.

Refined Mouse Handling with the 3Rs Collaborative: Resources for Implementation and Practical Use – Lauren Young, MSc

Traditionally, research mice are picked up by the tail to move them for examination, cage changes, and a variety of standard laboratory procedures. However, strong multimodal evidence from multiple labs indicates that it is instead advantageous to pick mice up with tunnels or cupped hands (e.g., “refined mouse handling” (RMH)) prior to these procedures. The growing body of scientific literature supports the claim that refined mouse handling improves animal welfare, scientific quality, and ease of handling. Furthermore, it is fully compatible with procedures such as cage change, injection, oral gavage, and anesthesia. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the online resources and training strategies the 3Rs Collaborative Refinement initiative has developed to increase the implementation of refined mouse handling across the USA. Our online resources include a Refined Handling Hub, composed of 11 subpages that address different aspects of RMH performance and implementation. Resource subpages include an overview of the technique, a ‘how to’ guide with video tutorials for tunnel handling and cupping, and an operations page outlining different tunnels and biosecurity tips. An additional page is dedicated to effective steps to implementing refined methods widespread across an institution. Two pages outline in detail the current published evidence that supports the use of RMH and past presentations we have conducted on the topic. A final webpage specifically addresses common misconceptions about RMH, including the time it takes, biosecurity, injuries to mice and handlers and institutional buy-in. The 3Rs Collaborative has implemented three additional types of training for refined mouse handling. First, we partnered with the NC3Rs to develop a free, online, RMH e-Learning course to overview our resources and training in one place. Second, we developed a mentorship program where experts mentor individuals with individualized guidance and support. Finally, we host yearly workshops to provide proper hands-on training for both tunnel handling and cupping. Increased implementation of refined handling can be accomplished with collaborative efforts across the field, and we hope our resources and training contribute towards this goal.