About

2025

Aleah McCorry

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is pleased to recognize Ms. Aleah McCorry, Animal Care Coordinator at MacEwan University, as this year’s recipient of the CCAC Emerging Leader Award for her outstanding contributions to zebrafish welfare, ethical scientific practices, and institutional leadership.

In just a few years, Ms. McCorry has made a significant impact by driving innovation in aquatic animal care, mentoring new researchers, and fostering a culture of compassion and respect. Her leadership in establishing a large breeding colony facility focused on the Three Rs was a remarkable achievement, and she has since played a key role in the construction and launch of MacEwan University’s new aquatic research facility.

Beyond her institution, Ms. McCorry actively engages with the CCAC, serving on committees and working groups dedicated to advancing animal care standards. Her innovative solutions and commitment to upholding CCAC guidelines have made her a valued voice in the broader research community.

Ms. McCorry’s leadership, mentorship, and dedication to ethical animal care and use make her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Please join us in congratulating Ms. McCorry on this well-earned recognition.

2024

Dr. Aurore Dodelet-Devillers

Dr. Aurore Dodelet-Devillers is the senior clinical veterinarian at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI‑MUHC). From the very beginning of her time at RI‑MUHC, she has been at the forefront of new advancements to improve Three Rs practices and initiatives that enhance the ethical care and use of animals in science. Dr. Dodelet-Devillers is also an avid champion of rehoming. With her help, animals have been adopted following study completion, with each animal leaving with an adoption form, a health report from the veterinarian, and an information sheet that includes husbandry and feeding details. Her caring and generous nature is not reserved solely for animals: Dr. Dodelet-Devillers keenly recognizes the effect of compassion fatigue on animal health technicians, animal care workers, and veterinarians, and has implemented important activities that highlight the connection employees build with animals. As a CCAC volunteer, she has collaborated on guidelines documents and consistently encourages her team to participate in the public review of all draft guidelines documents, and has assisted on numerous assessment panels. She is also an active volunteer with the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science.