Sue

I have been involved in the lab animal science field for 13 years, and have an additional 7 years of experience as a veterinary technician in private practices. I am currently the supervisor of the dog colony at the Animal Care Center for The Iams Company, a division of Procter & Gamble. Prior to taking this position, I worked as a principal researcher in the Safety Pharmacology section of Drug Safety after moving to Cincinnati, OH in 1997. In addition, I worked for 7 years as a supervisor in Veterinary Services for Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals in Norwich, NY.

In college, I had a negative opinion of animal research, mostly based on a lack of knowledge about the field. With a lot of prodding from other techs in the field, I took a chance and interviewed for my first position in lab animal science. I found nothing like what I had imagined. Now, through internships/preceptorships, I try to give other students exposure to a field that the public seems to know so little about.

In this field, you never stop learning. I received my AAS in Veterinary Science Technology from SUNY Delhi, my BS in Natural Science from the University of Cincinnati, and have also become certified as a Licensed Veterinary Technician (NYS), a Laboratory Animal Technologist (AALAS), and a Surgical Research Specialist (Academy of Surgical Research). I credit my first supervisor in the field of with requiring AALAS certification. Her motivation to provide the best for our animals while they were with us has always stuck with me. When I was in college, I was “never going to work in research,” so I did not complete all the courses needed to pass the LATG certification. I took several week-long courses (Maple Woods Community College, Delhi Technologist Review, and ILAM) to ensure my success in the field. Now, I plan to continue my education by pursing CMAR certification, the management certification offered by AALAS. I hope I never lose the interest to learn and continually improve the field for the sake of the animals in our care.