Audrey J. Harris
Elmira,OR
Summary
Experienced professional in animal welfare and regulatory compliance, specializing in policy development and strategic planning. Focused on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaboration across departments. Expertise in training and mentoring staff to achieve compliance and improve animal care standards.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Animal Welfare Services Aide
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
02.2026 - Current
- Monitored compliance with regulatory standards in animal care facilities to uphold animal welfare.
- Coordinated interdepartmental efforts to streamline workflows and improve collaboration.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints to maintain strong relationships and ensure satisfaction.
Director
University of Oregon Terrestrial Animal Care Services
Eugene, Oregon
01.2021 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to improve animal care programs and services.
- Directed daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managed budgets and allocated resources to support high-quality animal care operations.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored staff to enhance team performance and ensure service excellence.
- Developed and implemented policies that improved animal welfare and optimized facility management.
Director Titles - Director, Interim, Associate
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
Moscow, Idaho
07.2018 - 02.2021
- Achieved full accreditation with AAALAC International in 2020 through successful application and site visit.
- Monitored and ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, safeguarding organizational integrity.
- Supervised and guided ORA staff on research compliance, enhancing overall understanding and execution of compliance standards.
- Updated policies and procedures to align with compliance requirements.
- Contributed as a standing member on ORA compliance committees and AAALAC task force, influencing policy decisions and compliance strategies.
Biosafety Officer and Deputy ORA Director
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
Moscow, Idaho
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Reviewed and approved biosafety manuals and protocols, conducting laboratory inspections to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Developed biological safety and recombinant DNA handling program to enhance compliance and safety standards.
- Assessed risk factors in proposed studies to ensure participant safety and regulatory adherence.
- Facilitated communication between researchers and regulatory bodies to streamline compliance processes.
- Delivered presentations and taught biosafety practices to university community members.
- Guided researchers on grant applications to align with research compliance objectives.
- Contributed as a standing member of both IBC and IACUC committees to uphold safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Manager – Laboratory Animal Research Facility
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
Moscow, ID
06.2010 - 07.2016
- Elevated facility standards to achieve IACUC and AAALAC compliance, ensuring continuous care for research animals.
- Oversaw training and management of classified staff and irregular workers in vivarium, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Provided timely and cost-effective services to researchers to enhance project efficiency.
- Developed annual break-even per diem rates to maintain financial sustainability of animal care services.
- Collaborated with campus veterinarian to update standard operating procedures.
- Processed invoicing for animal care costs and associated purchases.
Animal Technician II – Vivarium Manager
Washington State University Psychology Department
Pullman, Washington
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Managed breeding colonies of small research animals, ensuring accuracy of breeding records to support research objectives.
- Partnered with researchers to provide timely and cost-effective support services, enhancing overall research efficiency.
- Elevated facility to IACUC and AAALAC international standards, ensuring ongoing compliance.
- Developed and executed cleaning and sanitizing schedules to comply with established guidelines and maintain a safe research environment.
- Oversaw time slip management for employee and graduate student workers within vivarium.
Animal Specialist and Sales Clerk
Barnacle Bill’s Aquarium and Reptilia
Pullman, Washington
05.2004 - 06.2010
- Maintained daily care for mouse and rat colonies and aquarium fish to ensure health and wellbeing.
- Trained new employees on customer service protocols to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily operations of aquarium and reptile exhibits.
- Trained staff on animal care and habitat maintenance procedures.
- Developed educational programs for visitors about aquatic and reptilian species.
Technical Assistant I and Professional Worker I
Washington State University McNamara Laboratory
Pullman, Washington
11.2007 - 04.2009
- Performed data collection and input for sample preparation and processing, supporting accurate research outcomes.
- Completed GLP study training and gained practical experience in laboratory settings, reinforcing compliance and operational standards.
- Delivered daily care for research swine and cattle, ensuring their health through feeding and cleaning.
Herd Manager
Washington State University Student Swine Co-op
Pullman, Washington
08.2003 - 05.2007
- Trained and supervised team members to ensure adherence to procedural compliance and best practices.
- Maintained breeding records to uphold data integrity and support operational decision-making.
- Ordered supplies to meet operational demands and enhance workflow efficiency.
Summer College Intern
Circle Four Farms
Milford, UT
05.2005 - 08.2005
- Rotated through swine farms, gaining hands-on experience in farrowing, nursery, and finisher operations.
- Delivered timely support to farm managers, enhancing operational efficiency. to farm managers efficiently and effectively.
- Assisted in daily farm operations and animal care tasks.
- Supported team with equipment maintenance and cleaning activities.
- Conducted research on livestock nutrition and feeding practices.
Service Worker I
Washington State University Swine Center
Pullman, Washington
05.2003 - 01.2005
- Executed duties in farrow-to-finish facility, including feeding, heat checking, and artificial insemination to maintain animal health and productivity.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation in animal housing areas.
- Assisted with feeding and caring for livestock daily.
- Monitored animal health and reported any issues to supervisors.
Veterinary and Kennel Assistant
Pioneer Veterinary Clinic
Moses Lake, Washington
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Provided comprehensive animal care, including surgical preparation and medication administration, ensuring optimal health and recovery for patients.
- Assisted in daily care of animals, ensuring cleanliness and comfort.
- Monitored animal behavior for signs of distress or illness.
- Maintained accurate records of animal health and treatments.
Education
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Washington State University
Pullman, WA01-2007
Graduate
Institute of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Memphis, TN05-2014
Certified Manager Certification
Institute of Certified Professional Managers
07-2016
Registered Laboratory Animal Technlogist
American Association For Laboratory Animal Science
Memphis, TN04-2011
Skills
- Animal welfare standards
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy development
- Animal care management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Interdepartmental collaboration
- Training and mentoring
- Resource management
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Risk assessment
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Presenter or Co-Presenter, NCURA Region IV & IIV Annual Meeting, 05/19
- Presenter, Northern Rocky Mountain Branch AALAS Annual Meeting, 05/17
- Institute for Certified Professional Managers Scholarship Recipient, 08/15 - 05/16
- Laboratory Animal Management Association Institute for Laboratory Animal Management Scholarship Recipient, 05/14
- Graduate of the University of Idaho Leadership Academy 4th Cohort, 08/12 - 05/13
- AALAS 2012 Technician Branch Representative of the Year Award Recipient, 05/12
- Panelist Presenter, 63rd AALAS National Meeting, 05/12
- Washington State University President’s Employee Excellence Award Recipient, 05/10
Training
- Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R), IRB Administrator Boot camp 101 & 201 Training Completion, 09/19
- Office of Research Integrity, Research Integrity Officer Boot Camp Training Completion, 03/19
- Lion Technology Inc., Shipping Infectious Substances and Dry Ice Course Completion, 06/17
- IACUC 101 Series, IACUC 101 & 201 Training Completion, 06/17
Professional Organizations
- National Association of Safety Professionals, 06/18, Present
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 10/08, Present
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science: Northern Rocky Mountain Branch, 05/10, Present
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science: Northern Rocky Mountain Branch Board of Directors, University of Idaho Representative, 07/10, 12/19
- American Biological Safety Association, 08/16, 12/16
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science: Northern Rocky Mountain Branch AALAS, Technician Branch Representative or Secretary Treasurer, 01/11, 12/16
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Committee on Technician Awareness and Development, District 8 Representative, 10/11, 12/14
Timeline
Interim Animal Welfare Services Aide
University of Oregon
02.2026 - Current
Director
University of Oregon Terrestrial Animal Care Services
01.2021 - Current
Director Titles - Director, Interim, Associate
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
07.2018 - 02.2021
Biosafety Officer and Deputy ORA Director
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
07.2016 - 06.2018
Manager – Laboratory Animal Research Facility
University of Idaho Office of Research Assurances
06.2010 - 07.2016
Animal Technician II – Vivarium Manager
Washington State University Psychology Department
09.2008 - 06.2010
Technical Assistant I and Professional Worker I
Washington State University McNamara Laboratory
11.2007 - 04.2009
Summer College Intern
Circle Four Farms
05.2005 - 08.2005
Animal Specialist and Sales Clerk
Barnacle Bill’s Aquarium and Reptilia
05.2004 - 06.2010
Herd Manager
Washington State University Student Swine Co-op
08.2003 - 05.2007
Service Worker I
Washington State University Swine Center
05.2003 - 01.2005
Veterinary and Kennel Assistant
Pioneer Veterinary Clinic
01.2000 - 01.2003
Master of Science - Environmental Science
University of Idaho
Bachelor of Science - Animal Science
Washington State University
Certified Manager Certification
Institute of Certified Professional Managers
Graduate
Institute of Laboratory Animal Medicine
Registered Laboratory Animal Technlogist
American Association For Laboratory Animal Science