I thought I would share a good news story.  Our very own, recent PhD graduate in Biological Sciences, Dr. Melanie Denommé Stauder has just been awarded the Canadian Council of Animal Care’s Emerging Leader Award for 2026.  

This is an award for individuals with less than 10 years of experience in the field of ethical animal care and use, who have demonstrated exceptional growth in their levels of leadership, responsibility, sphere of impact, and contribution to both the ethical care and use of animals in science and to the CCAC.

Perhaps jumping the gun on announcing this, but there will be more official news from the CCAC later this year.

Melanie arrived to an empty lab during lock-down, raised an army of lizard and the standard of care in our lab, published impactful papers on reptile behaviour and welfare, and emerges a leader!