Athens, Ga. – The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has elected Dr. Christopher King, director of the University of Georgia Office of Animal Care and Use and assistant vice president for research, to its board of trustees. The AALAS, a nonprofit association with over 13,000 members in the U.S. and over 35 countries, is dedicated to the humane care and use of laboratory animals. Its certification programs are internationally recognized and often required for laboratory researchers. King begins a three-year term in November.
“Dr. King is widely recognized for his ability to speak authoritatively on issues critical to the use of animal models in science,” said Dr. Christian Newcomer, AALAS president, citing King’s “professional background, experience and communication skills” as “a big boost” to the organization’s leadership.
King, also an associate professor in the department of population health in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has been instrumental in developing and improving UGA’s animal care infrastructure. Under King, the University Research Animal Resources program received full accreditation in 2008 by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. In its review, the association representative noted that the university has “one of the best land grant-based animal care and use programs in the country.”
King earned his D.V.M. from Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has been a member of AALAS for 18 years, joining in 1990 while a doctoral fellow at Yale University School of Medicine. He has served in various capacities for the AALAS Southeastern chapter, including president and board member.
“The membership of AALAS is the keystone asset of the organization,” King explained of his long involvement.”They have an incredible spirit of volunteerism, passion and commitment about what they do.”
