Dean M. Daniel Givens (left) presenting Annmarie Pudlo (right), CMRL Laboratory Technician, with the August 2026 Staff Member of the Month award
Dean M. Daniel Givens (left) presenting Annmarie Pudlo (right), CMRL Laboratory Technician, with the August 2026 Staff Member of the Month award. Photo by Madison Brown for Virginia Tech.

Annmarie Pudlo

CMRL Laboratory Technician, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Nominations

Nomination 1:

Annmarie plays an integral role in supporting researchers in the Collaborative Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory (CMRL). Her attention to detail and superb organizational skills help the lab to run smoothly, as she displays an uncanny ability to provide assistance at a moment’s notice while also keeping up with her own work load.  Her wide range of knowledge, dedication to ongoing learning, and ability to adjust her teaching style to the individual learner make her an undeniable asset to the lab.  From assisting faculty to training students to completing bench work independently for collaborative studies, she approaches her work with an enthusiastic positive attitude that provides a welcoming environment for all. 

Nomination 2:

I have had the unique opportunity of working with Annmarie in the CMRL as both a PhD student as well as faculty. As a student she was very encouraging and very approachable to talk through ideas and logistics while making sure myself and the other students always practiced high lab standards of organization, aseptic technique, and all other things necessary to be a good lab mate in a collaborative space. Now working with her as research faculty I am blown away at the amount she takes on, and always with a great attitude- she never makes you feel like you are asking too much, while also making sure not to over-extend herself. Her willingness to take on large portions of projects and incredible organizational skills have meant that the projects you bring her go better and bigger than you could have thought. She truly elevates the quality and quantity of research coming out of the CMRL for so many research groups, and elevates the morale of those in the CMRL as well. 

Nomination 3:

Annmarie has been incredibly supportive, not only to me but also to the undergraduate students working on our projects. She takes the time to ensure that everyone follows proper laboratory practices, adheres to protocols, and develops good scientific habits. Her willingness to teach and mentor others has had a lasting positive impact on our team.

One of Annmarie's greatest strengths is her ability to efficiently process hundreds of samples with remarkable precision and organization. I often jokingly refer to her as "the grinder" because she keeps projects moving forward while making sure we have everything we need to accomplish our goals. Her reliability and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the laboratory.

What stands out most, however, is her attitude. Even during the busiest and most challenging times, Annmarie remains calm, positive, and solution-oriented. When unexpected problems arise as they inevitably do in a laboratory, she approaches them with composure, quickly finds solutions, and helps keep everyone focused. I often describe her as the PJ Masks character who always saves the day. Her signature phrase, "You've got this!", has become a source of encouragement for our team, giving me and others confidence in our work and reminding us that every challenge can be overcome.

Nomination 4:

Annmarie has been a technician in the CMRL for over 3 years.  In that time her expertise and responsibilities have continued to increase.  Over the last several months her efforts have increased significantly as she has dealt with a high volume of experimental data processed as well as leading training for new lab participants.  Through this she has continued to demonstrate her dedication and strong attention to detail as well as being a great teammate.  The CMRL is a highly productive space and her active and willing participation is a key element.  As such, I would like to enthusiastically nominate Annmarie Pudlo for the staff member of the month award.