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Empowering Your Educational Journey

District 8 - AALAS

Business Discussion

Our Mission

District 8 AALAS unites laboratory animal research professionals across Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. As an independent branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, we create a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in animal care and research.

Our mission centers on:

  • Delivering specialized educational resources

  • Facilitating professional connections through team activities

  • Sharing vital industry updates and events

  • Supporting best practices in laboratory animal care

We foster an environment where compassion meets science, encouraging continuous learning and collaboration among our members. Through our regional focus, we address the unique challenges faced by laboratory animal professionals in the Western United States.

District 8 AALAS
Ron Orta Humanitarian Award

Ron Orta.jpg
The Ron Orta Humanitarian Award honors the memory of a beloved friend and colleague in the lab animal community.  The award was created after Ron’s sudden death in November of 2007 from acute respiratory disease. Ron was a sales representative with Allentown for many years of his distinguished career in laboratory animal science. He was revered for his outgoing nature, big heart, and inclusive demeanor. The District 8 Council, in conjunction with Allentown Inc., created the award to honor Ron’s compassion, dedication, humility, and friendship.

The application deadline is February 15, 2026. The award will be presented at the 2026 District 8 Meeting in San Francisco, California.

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Please contact Penny Noel for the nomination form:

pnoel@ocm.utah.edu

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