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Bludworth, Traylor honored with national laboratory management awards

By Roman Petrowski, McGovern Communications
Two women stand outdoors beside the San Antonio River Walk holding award plaques during the Laboratory Management Association Annual Meeting. The woman on the left wears a black floral top and black pants, while the woman on the right wears a navy blazer and black pants. Trees, water, and a stone bridge are visible in the background.

Cneshia Traylor (left) and Jacqueline Bludworth (right) earned honors at the 2026 Laboratory Animal Management Association Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

Two UTHealth Houston laboratory animal care professionals earned national honors for leadership in research support and management, a first for the university.

Jacqueline Bludworth and Cneshia Traylor, from Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care, were honored at the 2026 Laboratory Animal Management Association Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

The annual meeting brings together leaders in research operations and management from across the country to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate with industry partners. Widely regarded as one of the profession’s premier gatherings, the meeting highlights innovation, leadership, and operational excellence across the field.

The awards mark the first time UTHealth Houston has received management honors for laboratory animal medicine and care. Receiving both awards in the same year highlights the depth of expertise across the institution and reinforces UTHealth Houston’s commitment to excellence in research support, stewardship, and professional leadership.

Jacqueline Bludworth – Cammie Symonowicz Ambassador Award

Jacqueline Bludworth, animal resource husbandry manager, received the Cammie Symonowicz Ambassador Award recognizing outstanding contributions to the organization and advancement of the profession. The award honors members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to professional growth within the field.

In addition to her 21 years of service at UTHealth Houston, Bludworth serves on the Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care Program Committee, where she helps organize the annual meeting and supports on-site sessions and activities. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and strengthening the professional community.

“I’m honored to be recognized at the national level by Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care. Over my 21 years with UTHealth Houston, I’ve been grateful for the experiences that shaped me and proud to contribute to Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care’s work advancing excellence in laboratory animal management,” Bludworth said. “Whether through committee service, mentoring, or sharing practical management strategies with peers, this award reflects the passion I have for supporting our field and the community that continues to inspire me.”

Cneshia Traylor – U. Kristina Stephens Award

Cneshia Traylor, animal resource husbandry manager, earned the U. Kristina Stephens Award, which recognizes exceptional and sustained service to Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care and its membership.

Traylor contributes through her work on both the program committee and education committee, where she shapes educational programming and professional development opportunities for members nationwide. Her leadership and dedication have made her a respected voice within the profession.

“This recognition from Laboratory Animal Medicine and Care reflects 21 years of dedication to service, professional development, and advancing laboratory animal management,” Traylor said. “I’m honored to represent UTHealth Houston and to continue contributing to the growth and strength of our field.”