Manager of the Year Award

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 This award recognizes a vendor representative who has demonstrated exceptional service, professionalism, and dedication to supporting the LAS community.

• Award Eligibility: 
  • Nominee must be employed by an active vendor member of MNYBAALAS.
  • Vendor membership must be in good standing at the time of nomination.
• Selection Criteria:
  • Provides consistent, high-quality service to research institutions.
  • Demonstrates knowledge, integrity, and professionalism in vendor–client interactions with institutions
  • Actively supports the mission of MNYBAALAS (e.g., through participation in events, sponsorships, or educational contributions).
  • Goes above and beyond in assisting the laboratory animal science community, such as troubleshooting, training, or offering technical expertise.
  • Demonstrates long-term commitment to building positive relationships with research facilities.

 Award Eligibility:

• Open to active MNYBAALAS members with at least five years of experience in lab animal education and training.
• A significant portion of job responsibilities must involve training and education.
• Minimum Registered LATg and/or other advanced credentials.
• Engage in outreach and certification development activities at MNYBAALAS events or other relevant forums.

Award Focus:
This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to education and training in laboratory animal science. Recipients demonstrate leadership, innovation, and dedication in developing and delivering educational programs that enhance knowledge, technical skills, and professional growth in the field.

Selection Criteria:

• Development of Educational Materials: Created innovative and effective materials (manuals, guides, e-learning tools) that promote technical proficiency and critical thinking.
• Engagement and Mentorship: Inspired and motivated trainees, fostering problem-solving and hands-on proficiency, while mentoring the next generation of professionals.
• Leadership in Training Programs: Designed, led, or coordinated impactful workshops, seminars, conferences, or online platforms that expanded professional development opportunities.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Demonstrated personal dedication to ongoing education through active participation in professional organizations, certifications, and staying current with advances in the field.
• Institutional and Professional Impact: Significantly improved their institution’s training program and contributed broadly to the professional community through outreach, advocacy, or published work.
• Excellence in Teaching: Consistently delivered high-quality training marked by enthusiasm, professionalism, and a commitment to advancing standards of animal care and research. training. 

Award Eligibility:

• Open to any full-time veterinarian employed at an MNYBAALAS member institution.
• MNYBAALAS meeting attendance preferred
• AALAS certifications preferred

Award Focus:
This award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and long-term commitment to the field of laboratory animal science. It recognizes those whose contributions have made a lasting impact through sustained service, leadership, and advocacy for laboratory animal welfare.

Selection Criteria:

• Longstanding Service and Sustained Impact: Dedicated 15+ years to the profession, with a consistent, positive influence on their institution, department, or the broader community.
• Leadership & Institutional Contributions: Guided their institution toward excellence in animal care, compliance, and welfare, while contributing to committees, policy development, training, or outreach.
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Supported the growth of colleagues by mentoring and fostering a culture of excellence, ensuring knowledge and values are passed to future generations.
• Resilience & Dedication: Shown perseverance and dedication by sustaining excellence despite challenges in the profession (e.g., regulatory changes, institutional shifts, evolving welfare standards).
• Institutional and Community Contributions: Contributed to their institution’s success or the broader lab animal community by actively participating in committees, policy development, training programs, or outreach initiatives.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Consistently demonstrated professionalism, ethical conduct, and integrity, serving as a role model within the field.
• Recognition by Peers: Widely respected by colleagues and peers as a role model, embodying the values and mission of laboratory animal science. 

Award Focus:

This award honors an individual who embodies the true spirit of dedication in laboratory animal care — someone whose daily actions reflect reliability, compassion, and integrity. Regardless of title or tenure, this person shows up for their team, faces challenges with grace, and consistently does what’s right for the animals and the people who care for them.

The Everyday Hero is the colleague everyone can count on — a quiet force of care, consistency, and heart who reminds us what excellence looks like every day. A minimum of 3 years in the field needed for this award. 

Selection Criteria: 

• Dependability: Always present and ready to help, especially during times of need such as staffing shortages, emergencies, or weather-related disruptions.
• Team Spirit: Supports and uplifts colleagues, fostering a positive, cooperative environment where everyone feels valued.
• Integrity & Compassion: Acts with honesty, kindness, and a strong moral compass, ensuring the welfare of animals is always the top priority.
• Positive Attitude: Approaches work with a smile and a calm, steady presence that reassures others and strengthens team morale.
• Commitment to Excellence: Demonstrates pride in their work and contributes daily to the success and stability of their program