The smoke finally let up some just in time for this year’s staff and awards barbecue. Congratulations to our six individual winners, as well as the recipients of the college’s group award. Also a special shout out to those who participated in our tablecloth decorating contest, who turned simple paper table coverings into works of art.
Since 1997, the awards have recognized staff who have excelled in the performance of their duties, promoted teamwork and inspired excellence in others. Staff are nominated by their colleagues and selected by an advisory committee.
This year, six staff members received individual awards and the Clinical Instructional Services team received the college’s group award.
Individual Staff Award Recipients
- Kevin Eng, IT Support Technician, Veterinary Information Systems
- Sara Funston, Microbiologist, Avian Health and Food Safety Laboratory
- Erika Henshaw, Laboratory Quality Assurance Coordinator, WADDL
- Jennifer Horton, Research Supervisor and Equipment Manager, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health
- Marina Savenkova, Research Assistant, School of Molecular Biosciences
- Amanda Yager, Associate Director of Research Services, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health
Kevin Eng has earned a reputation across the College of Veterinary Medicine as a dependable problem-solver, a skilled collaborator, and a colleague who is always willing to help. Nominated by seven individuals from across the college, Kevin was recognized for his technical expertise, initiative, and commitment to supporting those around him.
Department lead Scott Bullers highlighted Kevin’s ability to look beyond the immediate challenge and find solutions that improve services for the CVM community. Rather than taking the easiest route, Kevin researches options, evaluates alternatives, and shares his knowledge generously with colleagues.
“Kevin combines strong technical skills with exceptional initiative and customer focus,” Bullers wrote. “He is generous with his knowledge, quick to assist others, and willing to take on responsibilities wherever needed.”
That same dedication is evident to colleagues throughout the college. Stacey Poler, director of DVM admissions, said Kevin is someone her team can always count on, describing him as “a friendly face in the hallway” who follows projects through to completion with a positive attitude. Whether troubleshooting an issue or helping a colleague, Kevin’s professionalism and willingness to serve have made him a valued member of the CVM community.
Sara Funston’s dedication to learning, technical excellence, and supporting her colleagues has made a lasting impression at the Avian Health and Food Safety Laboratory in Puyallup. Nominated by the entire lab, Sara was recognized for her commitment to quality, proactive approach to problem-solving, and willingness to always take on new challenges.
Having served as both a laboratory technician and microbiologist, Sara has consistently demonstrated the ability to adapt and contribute across multiple areas of the laboratory. Colleagues noted that she takes on responsibilities beyond her primary role while maintaining a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
Sara’s colleague Nicole Jensen said Sara continually pushes herself to better understand the work she performs, including recognizing trends in data and identifying when results may not align with expectations. “She brings solutions to the table whenever there may be problems and remains proactive in all that she does,” Nicole wrote.
Cheryl Williams highlighted Sara’s versatility and reliability, noting that she is able to step into responsibilities ranging from technician-level tasks to assisting with supervisor-level duties when needed. Her commitment to quality testing, thorough documentation, and the success of those around her has made her an invaluable member of the Avian Health and Food Safety Laboratory team.
Erika Henshaw plays a critical role in helping the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) maintain the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and accreditation. Nominated by her peers Nicole Dumas, Jennifer Babcock, and Korakrit Poonsuk, Erika was recognized for her exceptional attention to detail, responsiveness, and ability to support colleagues across the laboratory.
As WADDL’s Quality Assurance Coordinator, Erika helps maintain more than 200 quality documents and works with teams across laboratory sections to ensure processes meet accreditation requirements. Her colleagues noted that she is often the first person to respond when questions arise and consistently provides thoughtful, accurate guidance that helps others succeed.
“She is our first line of defense against our accreditation auditors,” Nicole wrote. “She is thorough in her responses and always accurate. Her role as Quality Assurance Coordinator is critical for our accredited laboratory, and she has a deep understanding of how every lab section within WADDL functions and how to keep them aligned with accreditation requirements.”
Beyond her technical expertise, Erika’s colleagues praised the patience, kindness, and positivity she brings to her work. Whether training staff, assisting with audits, or traveling to support WADDL’s Puyallup branch on the early flight, she has a unique ability to make a demanding area of laboratory operations approachable and even enjoyable. “Having someone who can make quality control fun and enjoyable is incredibly rare,” Nicole wrote.
For nearly a decade, Jennifer Horton has been a vital member of the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, providing the technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving that allow research teams to succeed. Nominated by Steph Seifert, Jenn was recognized for her decades of laboratory experience, unwavering reliability, and ability to make the impossible happen.
Currently serving as a research supervisor studying bat-virus interactions, Jenn also supports the Global Health-Guatemala program, helps manage shared laboratory equipment across the Allen School, and assists faculty with establishing and maintaining research spaces. Across each responsibility, she brings the same attention to detail, efficiency, and commitment to excellence.
“Jenn approaches each responsibility with attention to detail and consistently delivers as our ‘miracle worker,’” Steph wrote. “Her technical expertise, efficiency, professionalism, and unwavering reliability have made her indispensable to both our research programs and the broader Allen School and CVM community.”
Colleagues also highlighted Jenn’s ability to maximize resources and find creative solutions to complex challenges. Through careful purchasing, equipment maintenance, and years of laboratory experience, she has helped save resources while improving the reliability of research infrastructure. Her expertise and meticulous approach have made her a trusted mentor, collaborator, and essential member of the research community.
Marina Savenkova’s combination of technical expertise, dedication, and generosity has made her an invaluable member of the Washington State University research community for more than three decades. Nominated by Sascha Duttke, Marina was recognized for her exceptional laboratory skills, commitment to supporting fellow researchers, and the quiet leadership she brings to every project and person she works with.
Over the past four years, Marina has generated more than 2,750 genomics libraries using a highly specialized sequencing method, helping support seven publications from the Duttke lab.
“Marina is quite simply the most technically accomplished research technician I have worked with,” Sascha wrote. “Her output is not merely high in volume; it is high in quality, and it has directly enabled seven publications from my lab to date.”
Marina’s impact extends far beyond a single lab. She has shared her expertise with 11 other research groups across WSU and beyond, while mentoring students and helping establish the college’s nascent transcriptomics service center.
“What sets Marina apart is the combination of world-class technical skill with a quiet, humble, consistent generosity toward everyone around her,” Sascha wrote.
Amanda Yager has strengthened research support across the College of Veterinary Medicine through her expertise, leadership, and commitment to helping others succeed. Nominated by her department peers, Amanda was recognized for her outstanding work as Associate Director of Research Services, where she combines extensive knowledge of grants administration with a dedication to mentorship and team development.
With a deep understanding of federal regulations, proposal development, award management, and compliance, Amanda helps ensure research activities are conducted with accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail. Her colleagues noted that she consistently approaches complex challenges with professionalism while creating an environment where others feel supported and empowered to grow.
“What sets Amanda apart is that she leads by example,” Adrianna Gee wrote. “Her actions consistently reinforce the culture she strives to create, one built on accountability, continuous improvement, mutual respect, and support. Under her leadership, employees are encouraged not only to meet expectations but to reach their full potential.”
Beyond managing complex research processes, Amanda is recognized for the time she invests in developing those around her. Her colleagues credit her with building confidence, creating opportunities for growth, and strengthening the overall effectiveness of her team through her guidance, encouragement, and commitment to servant leadership.
Group Staff Award Recipient
Clinical Instructional Services
The Clinical Instructional Services (CIS) team — Nicole Valdez, Sierra Tibbits, Hannah Reggear, and John Lawrence — plays an essential role in preparing Washington State University veterinary students for their future careers. Nominated by Drs. Tasha Bradley, Cassidy Cordon, Lexi Botting, and Julie Cary, the team was recognized for their exceptional commitment to student learning, collaboration, and the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that make clinical education possible.
Supporting more than 30 DVM courses, the CIS team manages complex instructional experiences involving equipment, supplies, teaching animals, cadaveric specimens, simulation training, and laboratory preparation. Their work ensures students and faculty have the resources they need to learn safely and effectively. Colleagues noted that the team’s attention to detail, organization, and adaptability allow even the most complicated educational experiences to run seamlessly.
“Few people know what goes into the thousands of student contact hours focused on veterinary students developing their key clinical skills,” their nominators wrote. “Behind the scenes there is a small, devoted team ensuring the experience is as seamless for learners and educators as possible.”
Beyond their technical expertise, the CIS team is recognized for the care and mentorship they provide to students. During clinical skills labs, simulation experiences, and surgical instruction, they create an environment where students feel supported, confident, and comfortable learning from challenges. Their colleagues describe them as trusted partners who consistently go above and beyond to strengthen veterinary education.
“The true measure of the CIS team’s excellence lies not only in what they accomplish, but in how seamlessly they make an extraordinarily complex operation appear effortless,” their nominators wrote.