Davis, Smoak recognized for support of animal welfare

Clemson University’s Maggie Davis ‘20 and Cindy Smoak ’12 earned national recognition for their dedication to the welfare of laboratory animals.

Davis, an animal care technician in the Division of Research, received the 2025 Rookie Award from the Laboratory Animal Welfare and Training Exchange (LAWTE). The honor recognizes early-career professionals for their efforts to train and educate researchers in laboratory animal science to help maintain the highest standards in the ethical and responsible treatment of animals.

“I am so honored to have received this award,” Davis said. “I want to thank the technicians and veterinarians who work at Godley-Snell Research Center for all their support and guidance. I love working with the researchers and students to continue to hold Clemson University’s lab animal research program to the highest standards.”

Smoak, assistant clinical facility manager, received LAWTE’s Top Development Award, which recognizes professionals for their development of training curriculum, online learning programs and other training tools in the field of laboratory animal science. Smoak specifically was recognized for her mentorship of Clemson UPIC interns.

“I was deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of Clemson University,” Smoak said. “It’s a privilege to introduce and train our students in laboratory animal welfare while fostering ethical responsibility and compassion. Each student brings their own unique strengths and perspectives to our program.”

Davis and Smoak were presented their awards at LAWTE’s biannual conference in Raleigh, N.C., on June 3. LAWTE is a global organization which aims to enhance animal welfare through the support of quality training programs and the development of training professionals in the laboratory animal science community.

“These national level awards are a great honor for our program, and we are proud of their accomplishments,” said Matt Breed, Clemson’s attending veterinarian and director of the Office of Animal Resources and Godley-Snell Research Center.

Clemson is accredited by AAALAC, an international nonprofit organization that confirms a university’s commitment to high-quality, responsible animal science.