The use of animals for research or teaching is a privilege. All PIs and users must fulfill all obligations prior to working in the animal research facility at Missouri S&T. These obligations include:

• Completion of relevant EHS training: Required modules include general laboratory safety, introduction to biosafety, and bloodborne pathogens. Additional training may be required if working with BSL-2 materials or other hazardous materials. If BSL-2 training is required, please contact Michelle Bresnahan, EHS director, mem@mst.edu to receive access. More information can be found on the EHS website here: https://ehs.mst.edu/trainingindex/
• Completion of relevant CITI modules (if applicable): The module Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is required for all users working on government-funded protocols. Additional optional modules related to animal research can be selected if desired. CITI login located here: https://www.citiprogram.org.
• Completion of a written exam: This written exam covers the content of the Missouri S&T Animal Care and Use Manual. The animal care and use manual includes but is not limited to: rules and regulations, animal husbandry, anesthesia, surgery, and safety. Contact the current IACUC chair to request to take the exam.
• Completion of a hands-on workshop: After passing the written exam, the new user should contact Anna Chernatynskaya, chernatynskayaa@mst.edu, to schedule a hands-on training at the animal facility. This workshop is approximately 2 hours long and will introduce the animal facility, proper handling techniques, surgical techniques (when applicable) and general animal laboratory safety.
• Completion of eCompliance modules by following the link https://ecompliance.missouri.edu. Select the compliance module, "Occupational Health & Safety Program." Please complete:
  • Confidential Health Questionnaire Form
  • OHSP Training
  • Hazard Evaluation Form
• Submission of a current tetanus vaccination record (DTaP vaccine or Tdap/ Td booster shot for adults every 10 years) to the current IACUC chair, Dr. Grant Kolar, grant.kolar@mst.edu.
• Agreement to ARF policies: A copy of the ARF rules and policies will be provided to new users upon completion of the hands-on workshop. This agreement must be reviewed, signed, and submitted back to ARF personnel.

After successful completion of all qualifications, the new users may be granted access to the animal research facility.

To check Animal Use and Care Manual, access the ARF forms page using your university credentials and download them.

ARF Forms Login

How to obtain keycard access to the ARF

Upon completion of both the written and hands-on training, the new user may apply for keycard access with the permission of the facility director (Anna Chernatynskaya).  The director will request access through physical facilities and will contact the user after access is granted. *This process can take 5-7 business days. 

Access Policies

1. Access to the campus ARF is limited to personnel that are included in an approved animal use protocol and have completed all relevant training listed above.
2. Access to the ARF is strictly controlled by the ARF office.
3. All personnel entering the ARF must wear the appropriate PPE designated in each colony and the barrier room upon entering the facility.
4. The entrance to the ARF should remain locked at all times.

All animal research requires an approved IACUC protocol before receiving access to the animal research facility or beginning work. The IACUC form template and the amendment form can be found in the ARF Forms section or by clicking here and logging in with your university account.

ARF Forms Login

After filling out the template, please send a copy to Anna Chernatynskaya, chernatynskayaa@mst.edu, to review and discuss any additional research needs before submitting to the IACUC chair, Dr. Grant Kolar, grant.kolar@mst.edu. Once IACUC approval has be received, follow the guidelines listed above to receive access to the animal research facility.

The Missouri S&T Animal Research Facility currently holds a registration number with the USDA. Please reach out to Katie Tooley tooleyk@mst.edu for the USDA number. This facility adheres to all regulations of PHS policy on the care and use of laboratory animals.  PHS/OLAW Letter of Assurance number D16-00250 (A3396-01)

*NIH Proposals that involve vertebrate animals should use the Worksheet for Review of the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS). This worksheet should be referenced to assure that necessary information is included in proposals. 

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare- Vertebrate Animals Section