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OUR BRAD CHAMPIONS

BRAD Champions are passionate advocates who help expand Biomedical Research Awareness Day within their institutions and communities. They share ideas, create new opportunities for outreach and help others feel more confident talking about the important role animals play in biomedical research.

 

Meet some of our Champions and discover what they accomplished this year, what they’re planning next and their advice for creating a successful BRAD event.

BRAD Champion Angelique Colby

Angelique Colby

BRAD Champion since 2019

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Meeting people who are willing to stop, talk and learn about the importance of animals in research.

2026 Highlights
Angelique saw increased interest from veterinary technician students in careers in biomedical research—an encouraging sign that outreach is helping future veterinary professionals discover opportunities in the field.
What's Next?

Continuing to find new people and places where she can share the BRAD message.

BRAD Champion Lexie Smith

Lexie Smith

BRAD Champion since 2018

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Seeing colleagues have a safe space to talk proudly and passionately about what they do every day.

2026 Highlights
Lexie's 2026 outreach included monthly BRAD booths at AbbVie events, a BRAD event at Peaceable Primates, STEM activities for Pre-K students and support for other professionals bringing BRAD into their children's classrooms. She also helped Gateway Technical College and Rosalind Franklin University begin planning BRAD activities and connected CBAALAS members with AMP resources.
What's Next?

Expanding BRAD outreach through CBAALAS and helping Gateway Technical College and Rosalind Franklin University develop their own events.

BRAD Champion Marie Youst

Marie Youst

BRAD Champion since 2023

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Using BRAD as a platform to proudly educate the public about lifesaving research made possible with animals—and inspiring others the way she was inspired to enter the field.

2026 Highlights
BRAD continued to grow at the University of Minnesota. After a booth in the veterinary school lobby last year, the 2026 celebration expanded to include its first lunch lecture with the College of Veterinary Medicine's Research Animal Medicine Club. Marie also reached out to six other institutions to encourage participation.
What's Next?

Expanding BRAD across more University of Minnesota locations and helping smaller institutions build their own BRAD traditions.

BRAD Champion Robbie Champion

Robbie Champion

BRAD Champion since 2018

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Coordinating events with other institutions and being part of a broader effort to counter extremism with education and openness.

2026 Highlights
Robbie supported BRAD outreach at LAMA's annual meeting and represented BRAD with a table at the Florida Atlantic University research symposium.
What's Next?

Getting more veterinary technician schools involved in BRAD.

BRAD Champion Rachelle Stammen

Rachelle Stammen

BRAD Champion since 2018

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Helping laboratory animal professionals become more confident talking about their work. Rachelle enjoys public outreach, but especially values helping others find their own starting point for advocacy.

2026 Highlights
Rachelle's 2026 outreach reached audiences across campus and the community—from Emory's annual BRAD event, which engaged hundreds of students, faculty and staff, to presentations for pre-veterinary students and high school veterinary science programs. Activities included enrichment exhibits, interactive games, a photo booth, giveaways and hands-on learning opportunities.
What's Next?

Continuing to grow Emory's events, encouraging more surrounding institutions to participate, and strengthening relationships with area high schools and educational programs.

BRAD Champion Kristyn Fournier

Kristyn Fournier

BRAD Champion since 2020

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Community outreach and educating people about the role of veterinary technicians in animal research.

2026 Highlights
Despite a challenging environment for animal research outreach in Ontario, Kristyn recruited two institutions to host BRAD events in 2026.
What's Next?

Continuing to communicate with the public about why animals remain important in research and the processes that support humane animal care and use.

BRAD Champion Adrienne Winne

Adrienne Winn

BRAD Champion since 2020

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Networking, sharing positive information about the humane use of animals in research and replacing common misconceptions with facts and productive conversation.

2026 Highlights
Adrienne's BRAD celebration continued to grow in 2026. Participants learned about animal research and enrichment through interactive “Did You Know?” activities and games, enjoyed giveaways and a grab-and-go breakfast, and gathered for a Lunch & Learn featuring the BRAD webinar.
What's Next?

Reaching more departments across campus, growing Lunch & Learn attendance and connecting with additional colleagues and institutions.

BRAD Champion Lauren Habenicht

Lauren Habenicht

BRAD Champion since 2022

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Seeing the moment when it “clicks” for someone—connecting biomedical research to their own health experiences while helping them understand the care, expertise and commitment to animal welfare behind the science.

2026 Highlights
Lauren helped host her institution's eighth annual BRAD event, including the 2026 webinar and lunch for the animal care and research community. She also connected local and regional veterinary technician programs with BRAD and is helping expand outreach beyond campus.
What's Next?

Reaching animal lovers beyond the university and training programs, including audiences who may have misconceptions about biomedical research.

BRAD Champion Katie Bott

Katie Bott

BRAD Champion since 2023

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Sharing BRAD ideas and hearing what other institutions are doing.

2026 Highlights
Katie helped bring BRAD celebrations to four sites in 2026, with strong attendance at each. She also introduced Girl Scouts to biomedical research using BRAD coloring sheets and origami animals—an activity that was a big hit with the group.
What's Next?

Getting local colleges involved in BRAD.

BRAD Champion Kate Hoffman

Kate Hoffman

BRAD Champion since 2026

Favorite Part of Being a Champion

Hosting vocational and technical high school students for on-site education and tours—and seeing how engaged students become with simple activities like BRAD's Fact or Fiction game.

2026 Highlights
Kate incorporated BRAD into year-round public engagement, including job fairs, industry conferences, educational visits and tours. Her outreach also helped connect people interested in biomedical research careers with employers and opportunities in the field.
What's Next?

Continuing relationships with schools, career centers and community partners while promoting accessible, low- or no-cost ways to participate in BRAD.

Interested in Becoming a BRAD Champion?

BRAD Champions help grow awareness of the important role animals play in biomedical research by bringing BRAD to their institutions and communities. Champions receive resources, ideas and support to help make their outreach successful.

Ready to get involved? Learn more about the BRAD Champion program and complete our interest form.

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