 |
|
 |
|
Indianapolis, IN | November 9–13, 2008 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
AREA Program Feedback
Dear AREA Program, We are in a debt of gratitude to you and your program for the informative and exciting presentation on the world of laboratory animal science. In particular we appreciate your warm hospitality, the expertise of our guides, and the overall professionalism and educational focus of the convention. As high-school students we were flattered with the care and energy devoted to each and everyone of us. It was and inspiration just to speak to members of the convention and the AREA Program that are at the head of such an imperative and intense field. We were not regarded with icy mistrust or condescension, as is the usual treatment of the modern teenager, but rather encouraged and treated as potential leaders and members of the animal research community. All our needs including and souvenirs (of course) were well addressed, and no one felt a bit uncomfortable in the convention’s environment. Such merit moves me to encourage other Biology and pre-Medicine students to attend. We owe special thanks to our guides from the “Mice” Team (our codename). They navigated us through the scavenger hunt across the convention floor and, most importantly, helped to put in context the products, services, and technology on display. For instance, after we had visited one laboratory animal special airlines booth our guide told us how helpful it was to have an institution for shipping animals used in a nationwide study involving multiple universities. All of this aided in comprehending the vast impact of laboratory animal science in business and education. The overall education we left the convention with was impressive. Our presenters were fabulous speakers and highlighted the major points of interest in the field. In particular the main explanatory lecture on the field and its importance were most helpful. Here the speaker showed that everybody in the room, or most nearly, had or knew someone who had benefited from laboratory animal science research. It forms the basis for the safe use of many of our domestic hygiene chemicals such as the ingredients of shampoo. Perhaps more fascinating is the role it played in the development of the first heart surgeries and ways of treating diseases like diabetes. Also spectacular were the “Pro-Test” speakers from the United Kingdom who showed us the proponent side of the animal research debate. It’s one thing to read an article on the subject, but an entirely richer one to have met with and discussed these issues with the men and women on the edge of the field. I would say the AREA Program is a definite success and commend the great efforts of those who take the time and effort to put it together. Once again, the environment was excellent for students, the guides we can’t thank enough, and the education we received on the subject of laboratory animal science will be a lasting and memorable experience. The best of luck to the AREA Program. Thank You! Nicholas B. Dear American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, I really enjoyed visiting with the high school (area program) group to really see what is occurring in the testing areas as far as animals are concerned and to gain a better knowledge of whether it is right or not. Up until this experience, I had been a “fence sitter” on the issue of whether or not animals should be used in the testing of developing cures for troublesome diseases such as cancer. Looking back on the experience, I really gained a new attitude towards the use of animals in testing labs. My favorite part of the enlightening experience was listening to Laurie Pycroft, the English student who stood up to the protestors in Oxford, England who were protesting against an animal testing facility at Oxford College. To me, this would require great amounts of courage, and the age in which they performed these defenses was appalling to me when I discovered that I was only one year younger than one of them (16). Not only was this amazing, but when I discovered that he designed his own campaign scheme, I was very impressed. Apart from this, I also greatly enjoyed visiting the various booths containing animal testing products. These booths helped me to see that these animals that are being used for testing are being treated with top products and facilities to keep them alive and give them a luxurious life while they have it. I think that people who disagree with animal testing believe that it is an animal cruelty to use animals for testing because they don’t understand how well these animals are being treated while being used. Some of my favorite booths include: The VetEquip, Inc. booth, Ancare booth, and the Research Diets, Inc. booth. I enjoyed the VetEquip Inc. booth because of the interesting process of using induction chambers to induce anesthesia in the most stress free way possible. Once the animal is unconscious, the scientists are able to operate on the animal to discover new cures. Ancare is a company that provides bedding made of pulped cotton fiber for mice or rats (if they are being tested). The interesting element of this product is how it absorbs urine or excess amounts of water within the pulped cotton fibers, making the environment more suitable for the animal. Research Diets, Inc. is a company that has created a machine that can monitor the feeding activity of 32 rats or mice at one time! Overall, this was a great experience for me, and I gained a better understanding of animal testing. The main idea that has influenced my beliefs is the fact that not as many animals are killed as portrayed by protestors. In addition to this, these animals have died for a good cause, and advancements will have been made on a cure from that death. I am excited to see in years to come the advancements that will come from the discoveries of animal testing. Once again, I would like to thank the organizers of this program, and would suggest that it continue operating. Sincerely, Michael K. Dear AALAS, Thank you for you generous hospitality on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at the AALAS conference for catering to the Bountiful High School students. We had a very good experience and everyone was very knowledgeable and willing to share their information. The welcome meeting was nice, because it gave me an idea of what we were to expect for the rest of the day, as I was previously unaware. On our tour of the exhibit, our guide, Shawn Dooley was very helpful. I was also impressed by the fact that everyone at the convention seemed very interested in informing and educating us, instead of just showing us around. For instance, the Waste Reduction by Waste Reduction booth taught me about tissue digestion by alkaline hydrolysis and I thought that was very interesting. The waste reduction tanks would disintegrate the cadavers and leave just bones which would disintegrate and could be used as fertilizer for soil! Learning about “AREA” was very interesting and I was happy to know that such programs were established. This conference opened my eyes to what animal research really is and I will be happy to pass along the good word. Sincerely, Jordan L. Dear AALAS, I would just like to thank you for inviting Bountiful High School to your animal research conference on Tuesday, October 17, 2006. I found it very amusing and informative. I learned about all of the different jobs you can have in animal research. I learned how important it is to have animal research. It saves human’s and other animal’s lives. I really like how you guys keep the animals happy and clean. You give them a really clean environment. It was fascinating to learn about how you feed them and train them. It was a very good experience. Thank you for all that you did for us. The bags you gave us to remember were very nice. I will never forget this experience. Sincerely Taylor B. As both a biology student and as a lover of animals, I wish to express my gratitude for the opportunity of attending the 2006 AALAS conference. The AREA program provided extremely helpful insights into the world of animal laboratory science that I had never considered. Up until the conference, I was at constant war with myself; my scientific, biologically-interested side struggling with my passionate love for animals: my moral side. I had tried to become more informed about the use of animals in laboratories, but my resources in the matter were extremely limited and I did not posses the knowledge to distinguish a group’s bias. When my biology class received you invitation, therefore, I was both intrigued and reluctant. You presented the opportunity to learn, yet I did not want to be blindly led to accept any argument that might conceal the truth. My class arrived early and was able to get prime seats near the front for the lecture. I was immediately impressed. Everyone was more than happy to answer questions, and I didn’t get the sense that they were trying to avoid a subject as many professionals do. I was further encouraged by the enormity of money the presenting companies spent on animal welfare and education. All in all, both people and presentation were well done and helpful. Again, thank you for this opportunity. AALAS is an impressive organization and so vital to the continued spread of unbiased, useful information. You have done well, and successfully resolved the internal conflicts of at least one young student: me. Sincerely, A couple months ago my fellow Bountiful High classmates and I attended your conference concerning animal testing in science. Firstly I want to thank you for inviting us. We were able to learn a great deal by attending, which was your intent I’m sure. With my gratification in mind, I have a few specific things to point out from the meeting. Don’t fret, it is mostly positive feedback. Let us start off with things I found a little lacking so we can get that over with like quickly pulling off a Band-Aid. When I departed for my travel home there was one major thing I was disappointed about. We were at a convention all about the earth’s animals were we not? So where were all those creatures? I walked around expecting to see at least one living rodent. I understand that this may be costly if you were to get specially bred cats or a herd of ‘lil pigs but the cost wouldn’t be very large for a few run of the mill rats or rabbits. I also wish we had had more time to spend at each booth. Maybe next year you could assign fewer questions so we could get quality time at each station. But the good greatly outweighed the bad. I left with a new amount of knowledge concerning animals in science. I didn’t know prior to the meeting how useful animals really are. I was amazed when all the diseases and conditions that were beaten because of animals testing were listed off. I also felt good about the testing. I was able to learn how affectionately lab animals are treated and their comfort secured. That made me feel even better about the end results. I also enjoyed the leader of our Turkey group. I suspect that all the other adults were just as energetic and exciting. Again, thank you! Andrea D. I am a senior at Lehi High School and had the opportunity to visit the American Animal field trip I've learned many things by going on this trip that I never really knew about animal testing and the benefits from that. Most society's from on animal testing, but the things I've learned make me more aware of animal testing. There would be so many things we wouldn't know now without testing it thorough animal research. I' had a fun time with learning and getting all the free stuff. Thank you for letting me come. I really enjoyed it. Lauren C. Thank you so much for letting us come to the AALAS convention. It was really fun. I learned so much that I had never even thought of. I really enjoyed walking around the show room and just learning. I learned so much about animal care, testing and how it benefits me. Thank you so much for letting us come and introducing me to what animal testing is and isn't about. Kelsey V. Thanks for that experience. I never knew there were so many animal research centers. It was pretty enthralling. I learned a lot. Thanks, Thanks so much. I am glad you organized it if for nothing else so I could take a break from school one day. This day of course was a blast. I learned that animal research testing is a lot bigger deal than I ever gave it credit for. I never realized so many people could be against such great a work as saving lives. I also never knew there was so much market in that field, there is more opportunity then I could have dreamed. So, once again, a great big “Thank You” for opening my eyes. The one and Only Austin L. Thank you so much for letting us come to learn about animal research. I had a great time and learned a whole lot. Thanks Thank you for allowing us to take part in learning more about Animal Research. I learned a lot about what goes on with the animals when they are being experimented on. I learned about the equipment used to take care of the animals and I learned about the procedures taken to do it. Thank you again for what you do. Sincerely, I thoroughly enjoyed the AALAS convention at the Salt Palace a few weeks ago. I learned a great deal from all of those different companies involved in you work. I never would have imagined just how many businesses were involved with Animal Testing had I not taken the AREA tour. Before the tour, I admit I was a bit skeptical about the benefits of animal testing not only in my life, but the lives of millions. These days I can see the positive influence of humane biomedical research everywhere, and I'm so grateful that my shampoo was tested before I bought it! Thank you so much for allowing my class to experience the convention. It was a fun learning experience I will never forget! Thanks, I'm so glad that you and AALAS gave me such a wonderful opportunity to learn more about animal testing. Because of it, I am now planning on going to college to become a biomedist!! I learned so much, Thank you for spending so much time and energy to make if such a wonderful experience. Sincerely, Thank you so much for letting us come and see the exhibits and learn all about animal research. I now understand that is isn't mindless use (misuse) of animals to satisfy random experiments. It is planned and thought out and animals are only used when absolutely necessary. I have a great respect for that work and research now and now appreciate what it really is and is used for. I thank you again for the great experience. Aubrey P. I had a wonderful time going to the AALAS Conference. I learned how much you care for the animals that you test. It was very interesting to see how big the conference was and how many people were involved. I never know how many things came together to do animal research. I was surprised by all the different booths and what each one did for Animal Research. Thank you for letting us come to your conference. It was very informational. I understand how important animal research is to medical research. Sincerely, I had a very beneficial educational experience at the AALAS. I was very pleased with the information that was supplied. It was great to see what animal research is really about, and what really goes on in the lab. It’s nice to know that the animals are comfortable and loved. Thank You, I very much enjoyed the seminar. I learned a lot from the discussion and also the exhibits. Just a few things that I learned: there are a ton of employees in this field of science. I never knew that I could find a job in this field that easily. Thanks again for letting us come! Thank you very much for what you did. I enjoyed my trip to the convention very much. I learned a lot about animals testing. I used to be a very strong animal rights activist. Now though I am very in favor of animals rights. Andy A. Thank you for giving our class the opportunity to come to the Salt Palace to learn about animal experience. I have heard of all types of protesters and people that freak out because of experience done to animals, but I never really sided either way, and thought it was realized that it really is important for our health, as well as animals health. I am grateful for the research you guys have done. Quinten B. Thank you so much for letting our class come to the AALAS exposition. It was a great experience. I was able to learn about all of the different people and companies that care about the welfare and safety of laboratory animals. It was great to see that there are so many people that care about animal care that I learned about. Thank you again for everything. Jeff P. Dear AALAS, I would like to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you gave me and my fellow classmates by allowing us to attend you’re A.R.E.A Program at the Salt Palace Convention Center. You opened my eyes to the world of medical possibilities available thanks to lab animal research. Prior to attending your program, I had no idea of the dire need for lab animal research and of it’s great affect on the advances made in the medical world. I had always thought, due to movies and the press, that animal research was cruel towards the animals used .But on the contrary, I learned that most lab animals receive better care than a standard house pet. I also thought that the animals used were just randomly found out on the street, or stolen away from a loving home. But I found out that lab animals are bred for their job and receive great affection from all who work with them. Who knew that you could special order so many different breeds of mice! I saw many companies at your convention and realized there was a whole world of jobs that I had never even pondered existing. I am so thankful to be given the chance to see how many people work in this industry and how each one, rather it be supplying the mice, their cages, or their food, help lab animal researchers take one step closer to finding a cure to some diseases, or a new medical procedure. Each and every person working in this field affects the lives and well being of some many humans. I am glad to be given a chance to see how import animal research is. Thank you so much for opening my eyes, next time I know some one having open heart surgery, or I need antibiotics, I will remember that is was probably animal research that made this procedure or cure reliable and well known. Also I am thankful you opened my eyes to a whole field of jobs I have never even thought of! Thanks so much for everything. Yours truly, Lily H. Dear AALAS, I greatly enjoyed the conference recently and would like to thank you for sponsoring us students to attend. I know that at least with the students I was with, the conference was a good day, and worth missing school for. I had a lot of fun at the conference. The lunch that was provided was good, and I was impressed with the kindness and hospitality of the workers. It was fun having Doctors and Scientists speak to us who really understood and enjoyed what they were talking about, and cared about us knowing what Lab Animal Science is all about. The down side that I saw to the conference is that it felt like one big advertisement. It proved educational in that we learned the truth about lab animal science, but it was mostly just promotional opportunities for companies. Either way, it was educational, and I think it was very beneficial to us students as potential scientists, and even members of society. Thank you again for all the work that you put into making this conference possible. Joshua J. |
|
© 2008: American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
|