Nicole Krieger Libal ‘97, a senior research assistant in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (APOM) laboratories, was recently honored as “Technician of the Year” by the Oregon branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (OAALAS). The annual award recognizes a technician from Oregon for “leadership, showing initiative, having good problem-solving skills, being a reliable and hard worker, going above and beyond his or her duties, being mature, trusted and well-liked as well as being a good team player.”

 

As a senior research assistant in APOM for over three years, Nicole (pictured at left in her senior yearbook) manages the department’s mouse breeding colonies and provides surgical and technical support for ongoing pre-clinical research. Investigators regularly comment on her “professionalism, productivity, communication and [her] sensitivity to their research needs.” Her research and work have resulted in system changes that have improved efficiency and information and protocols for grants. According to her nomination form, “Nicole learns and applies technical skills while subsequently improving animal care and research outcomes.”

 

Nicole was also awarded the Dan Wilkins Travel Award at the annual OAALAS banquet on Jan. 22. The travel award covers expenses for her to attend the District 8 AALAS meeting in Arizona this May.

 

Prior to coming to APOM, Libal worked at the OHSU-Oregon National Primate Research Center as a laboratory animal research technician II. She has a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in animal sciences.

 

OAALAS is one of nearly 50 regional and branch groups of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). AALAS is the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Since 1950, the organization has been dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals.

Posted by Kira Kvamme in Alumni News