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WesternU / Research and Biotechnology / Office of Animal Resources

Office of Animal Resources

OFFICE OF ANIMAL RESOURCES

The Office of Animal Resources is committed to supporting the ethical and humane care of animals used in biomedical research. We work closely with investigators and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure all animal use aligns with the highest welfare and regulatory compliance standards. Our dedicated team offers expert guidance, training, and resources to promote responsible research practices.  

We oversee four animal facilities—three located on our Pomona, California  campus and one in Lebanon, Oregon—each maintained to provide excellent care and support for research animals and the teams who work with them

  • Mission Statement: To provide excellent animal care and support to the Western University research community, the Office of Animal Resources encourages growth and development while ensuring the institution adheres to federal, state, local, and institutional regulations regarding the care and use of animals in research.

Meet the team

Portrait of Marissa Saenz

Marissa Saenz

Research and Biotechnology

Attending Veterinarian

Portrait of Rafael Perez

Rafael Perez

Office of Animal Resources

Director of Office of Animal Resources

Pomona, CA Campus

Portrait of Christian Montenegro

Christian Montenegro

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician Supervisor

Portrait of Nathan Barlow

Nathan Barlow

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician

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Jasabel Martinez

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician

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Katherine Moralez

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician

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Kevin Pelligrini

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician Assistant

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Genesis Munoz

Office of Animal Resources

Animal Care Technician Assistant

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Diane McClure

Back-up Attending Veterinarian

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Leo Holguin

Back-up Attending Veterinarian

Lebanon, OR Campus

Portrait of Ariana Cast

Ariana Cast

Office of Animal Resources

Manager of Research and Animal Care Operations

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Beckett Whittier

Office of Animal Resources

Laboratory and Animal Care Technician

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Grace Duffy

Office of Animal Resources

Laboratory and Animal Care Technician Assistant

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Heather Sidener

Back-Up Veterinarian

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Contact the Office of animal resources

The Office of Animal Resources operates across both campuses, with facilities in Pomona, CA and Lebanon, OR.

Office Hours
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday

Mailing Address
Western University of Health Sciences
Office of Animal Resources
309 East Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766-1854

The best way to reach us is by email at: