Chicago Branch Of The American Association For Laboratory Animal

The Chicago Branch Of The American Association For Laboratory Animal (CBAALAS) is a non-profit educational organization of professionals dedicated to promoting the humane production, care, and study of laboratory animals. It serves as a forum for exchanging information regarding laboratory animal science and is part of the larger American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The organization was officially established as a branch on September 28, 1961, with Nate Brewer serving as the first president.

CBAALAS provides a career path for individuals with varying degrees in STEM and veterinary medicine, as well as those with a high school diploma who can secure entry-level positions. The laboratory animal science industry offers competitive wages, benefits, and tuition reimbursement, along with fees and materials needed to attain AALAS certification. Examples of positions include Cage Wash Technician, Animal Care Technician, Special Services Technician, Enrichment Coordinator, and Certified Veterinary Technician.

To get involved, individuals can join or renew membership to access members-only content such as job postings, events, newsletters, and more. The organization also encourages participation through attending events, donating, sponsoring, or requesting a speaker for an event. Members can log in to check their membership status, pay balances, and view exclusive resources on their website.

The organization is located at 320 E Superior St in Chicago, Illinois, and operates as a 501(c)6 non-profit entity. While the main office address listed on their contact page is 719 West Millers Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016, they maintain a strong online presence through their website cbaalas.org. Their history dates back to 1946 when Nathan R. Brewer and Arthur R. Rosenberg began meeting to discuss mutual problems in animal facility issues.

Reviewers consistently praise the staff for being compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional, noting that they go above and beyond to ensure animal well-being. Many reviews highlight the organization's commitment to ethical practices, state-of-the-art facilities, and the high quality of their events and educational resources. The organization is recognized for its dedication to advancing scientific knowledge while ensuring humane treatment of laboratory animals.

The organization offers a variety of services including hosting events, webinars, and providing educational resources for professionals in the field. They also facilitate networking opportunities and offer speaker requests for career fairs and student events. Members can access job postings, newsletters, and other members-only content through their secure login portal.

The organization's history includes significant milestones such as the initiation of lectures on laboratory animal care in the late 1940s and the formal establishment of the branch in 1961. Meetings were historically held in various locations, including the cafeteria of the American Medical Association and the St. Regis Hotel, before moving to the University of Chicago. The group evolved from the Animal Care Panel to become part of the national AALAS organization.

Common doubts visitors might have include how to access members-only content and what specific benefits membership provides. The organization addresses these by offering clear login options for Google, Microsoft, and Apple, as well as dedicated email addresses for different inquiries such as membership, events, and webmaster tasks. The process for joining or renewing is streamlined through their membership software powered by Wild Apricot.

The organization serves professionals across the United States, with a specific focus on the Chicago area and its surrounding regions. They cater to a diverse range of individuals, from those with high school diplomas to those with advanced degrees in STEM and veterinary medicine. The organization's reach extends to national meetings and events, connecting professionals from various fields to discuss laboratory animal care and research.

A specific feature of the organization is their GetReal! Podcast series, which covers topics like the 3Rs Podcast and Lab Rat Chat. They also host Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD) and provide outreach programs such as Homes for Animal Heroes. These initiatives demonstrate their commitment to education and awareness in the field of laboratory animal science.

The organization's size and reach are reflected in its ability to host national meetings and webinars, as well as its active LinkedIn presence. The team structure includes a president who handles general inquiries, along with specialized contacts for membership, events, and webmaster tasks. The organization's history shows a growth from small monthly meetings to a structured national entity with a dedicated branch in Chicago.

The organization's commitment to excellence is reflected in their well-maintained facilities and the high standards they uphold in animal care and research. Reviewers note that the staff are experienced and professional, and the organization consistently provides valuable resources and educational events. The dedication to promoting ethical and responsible research practices is a recurring theme in both the organization's mission and the feedback from members.

On Trustburn, Chicago Branch Of The American Association For Laboratory Animal has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 20 reviews.