NA3RsC CFResiliency Webinar 5 Meaning Making In Laboratory Animal Science

In 2022, the North American 3Rs Collaborative ran a pilot study to help institutions create their own compassion fatigue resiliency programs. As part of that project, we hosted a series of 5 webinars on key topics to promote resiliency. These recordings were later made available to all institutions to view to support their resiliency.

This webinar is titled NA3Rsc CF Resiliency Webinar 5 Meaning Making in Laboratory Animal Science

The Laboratory Animal Science profession is filled with many amazing people, many amazing INDIVIDUALS, who each face the challenges of our profession differently. So much of the discussion of laboratory animal science assumes a collective identity. We are certainly part of a strong network of caring professionals. However, each of us also holds a unique perspective, an individualized mechanism for making meaning of our work and our world. How we create a “culture of care” and how we deal with challenges such as compassion fatigue, largely depends on the personal, internal, capacities that we have developed. Therefore, it is incumbent upon institutions to consider a culture of care toolbox that supports the situatedness of the individual and the unique way that they encounter this profession. This webinar will explore the role of internal meaning-making in laboratory animal science. The webinar will challenge the one-size-fits-all mindset, instead encouraging institutions to approach employee well-being with flexibility and variety.

Presented by: Lisa M. Kelly
Lisa Kelly has over 20 years of experience in lab animal science. She began her career as a poultry surgeon with a small biopharma company, eventually moving to laboratory management. Lisa ultimately realized her passion for training and returned to her alma mater, the University of Georgia in 2010 as the Training Coordinator for Animal Care and Use. Lisa’s job has evolved. As the Director of Research Support Services, she now provides training in all research compliance areas. She also directs the University’s Research Occupational Health and Safety Program. As someone who has experienced both the challenges and the honor of working with lab animals, Lisa is passionate about issues related to the emotional well-being of lab animal personnel. Lisa completed her master’s degree and is now pursing her Ph.D., focusing her research on this complex paradox. Lisa believes that adult education scholarship may offer unique perspectives on how we can provide support to individuals and to the wider lab animal science community. Lisa is active in national AALAS, having served on multiple committees and currently serving as the incoming chair for the AALAS Foundation. Lisa is also a past-president for the Laboratory Animal Welfare Training Exchange and is currently serving on the AVMA’s working group on the Psychological Impacts of Euthanasia and Depopulation.