The Palms to Pines Branch AALAS congratulates Maya Monges-Aviles, recipient of the 2010 Palms to Pines Branch AALAS Training Scholarship.

The mission of the PTP-AALAS Scholarship Program is to provide an opportunity for scholarship recipients to further their knowledge and experience in the Laboratory Animal Care field by providing funds to attend a professional meeting or similar training opportunity.

The Palms to Pines Branch AALAS Training Scholarship program funds up to $700 toward the attendance to a professional meeting or training meeting within the field of laboratory animal science and care (e.g. District 8 meeting, National AALAS, IACUC 101 training, LAWTE, etc.).

Dr. Steven Wickler

Dr. Steven J. Wickler, who served as a professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, passed away peacefully at home on May 26 from a brain tumor. He was 55.

"Wick touched so many people," said President Michael Ortiz. "His energy and spirit are the things that I will most remember about this extraordinary person. Betty and I are so saddened by his passing, but feel privileged to have become his friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nicole and his family during this very difficult time."

Dr. Bob Robinson, DVM

Dr. Robert Robinson, DVM, one of the "Founding Fathers" of Palms to Pines Branch AALAS, passed away July 28, 2006, after a brief illness. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret, his son, Doug and daughter-in-law, Erika, of Clements, CA, his son, Don and daughter-in-law, Carmen, of Lebanon, OR, his daughter, Joanne and son-in-law, Sean, of Huntington Beach, CA. He leaves behind six wonderful grandchildren, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

 There is a celebration sponsored by AALAS to recognize laboratory animal technicians for their essential contributions as members of the research team.   "International Laboratory Animal Technician week" this year will be from January 30 to February 3, 2005.

Dr. Charles J.C. Kean, one of the "founding fathers" of Palms to Pines Branch AALAS, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2004, at LLUMC. He was the Director of Animal Care and Campus Veterinarian at Loma Linda University, and Veterinary Medical Officer at VA Loma Linda Health Care System for about 20 years.