The TRACS Supervisor Team receives this quarter's Safety Star award

The Safety Star for this quarter is awarded to the TRACS Supervisors team — Juan Cabrera, Rachel La Valley, Kelly Sison, Jessie Hammack, Allister Reyes, Matt Stone, Charlotte Cuevas, and Maria Montano — from the Office of Research, Teaching and Research Animal Care Services (TRACS), for their outstanding commitment to workplace safety and leadership. 

Over the past year, TRACS experienced the loss of a key team member, requiring a significant shift in departmental safety oversight. In response, these supervisors stepped up to take on additional responsibilities beyond their already demanding roles, ensuring the department remained in compliance with campus Environmental Health and Safety regulations and policies.

Their willingness to step up during a challenging time and take on additional safety responsibilities has been critical in maintaining a safe and compliant environment for our team"  — Peter J. Vertz, TRACS Director of Operations

The supervisors demonstrated proactive leadership by implementing safety nets for staff where needed and ensuring training remained up to date in the Learning Management System. They also worked closely with Environmental Health and Safety and third-party safety specialists, including Grainger Safety Services, to evaluate work site safety, ergonomics, and overall program effectiveness.

These efforts resulted in meaningful improvements across the department, including better management of emergency shower areas to keep them clear and unobstructed, updates to first aid kits, and enhanced best practices for emergency spill response.

In addition to leading the department’s safety program, the supervisors continue to oversee facilities, support staff, care for animals used in teaching and research, and assist the many researchers who rely on TRACS services.

Their dedication and teamwork have played a critical role in maintaining a safe working environment.