Texas Tech University

About the TTU IACUC

 

The IACUC serves as the review body for animals used by Texas Tech University (TTU) faculty, staff and students. TTU Policy requires that the use of all live vertebrate animals for research, instruction, demonstration, production, or maintenance purposes by TTU faculty, whether the animals are located in facilities at TTU or elsewhere, be approved by the IACUC in advance of their usage.

Members of the committee will be appointed by the Institutional Official. Each will serve a one-year term and can serve multiple terms. Membership terms are September 1 to August 31.

The committee develops and reviews all operating procedures relating to animal care and use at Texas Tech University. For specific approved operating procedures please contact the IACUC coordinator

The chairperson of the Committee shall be appointed by the Institutional Official and will serve the same term as other members. The chair can reappointed for multiple terms.

Meetings convene each month. Contact the IACUC Coordinator for meeting times and for assistance with any animal use on campus.

 

Meet the IACUC Staff

 

BRITTANY BACKUS (IACUC DIRECTOR)

Brittany 

(806) 834-5280

IACUC@ttu.edu

 

 

Dr. Brittany Backus, born in Hawaii and raised at Ft. Hood, Texas. She received her BA in Biochemistry at Texas Tech University in 2007. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Dr. Backus began working in an animal welfare research laboratory as a Research Aide, where she found a new passion for research and pigs. Brittany received her M.S. in 2010, and her Ph.D in 2013, with a focus on animal welfare and behavior and comparative medicine.Brittany began her position as the PAM Administrator in the fall of 2013. She is married to Justin and together they 2 children, which makes for a full house along with their dog "Cash".
 

BIANCA SASSER (IACUC COORDINATOR)

Bianca

(806) 834-8196

IACUC@ttu.edu

Bianca Sasser was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. She is a proud Texas Tech graduate twice over. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2013 and her M.A. in Sociology in 2015. Her thesis research centered around attitudes toward interracial dating and marriage. After graduation, she joined Operations Division Planning & Administration as a Space Planning Analyst. Most of her time was spent managing the Raider Rooms on campus. She later became a part of the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering department as an Academic Administrative Coordinator. She worked specifically with graduate students in the program. Bianca is also an avid reader and enjoys true crime podcasts. She has one dog, a  chihuahua-dachshund mix named “Rusty”.

 

Training

Cayuse Training

 

Animal Care & Use