Abstract
“… we all are extremely fortunate to have access to such meaningful and forthcoming resources.”
For the past two years, it has been my pleasure to serve as a poster chair for the annual LabAutomation conference. In doing so, one of my responsibilities included serving as a guest editor for the past two Lab Automation issues of JALA. In other words, for the past two years, I've had up-close and personal access to the work of some of the best and brightest and up-and-coming talent in our profession.
It has been amazing to witness not only the breadth and depth of knowledge, but also the energy and enthusiasm that members of the lab automation community have and are willing to share. As members of this elite scientific niche, we all are extremely fortunate to have access to such meaningful and forthcoming resources. This special issue offers just a sampling of that available expertise.
For many of us, the ALA membership year begins with the LabAutomation conference, which keeps getting better and better and better. JALA keeps the scientific information flowing throughout the rest of the year, and the ALA Web site (http://www.labautomation.org) keeps members aware of other news, information, and a growing menu of new opportunities.
Becoming an active ALA volunteer also has allowed me to build valuable professional bridges and enjoyable personal friendships. I have become well acquainted with scores of people around the globe—people I now would not hesitate to contact for an answer to a question or a comment on an idea, and vice versa, I look forward to hearing from them, as well.
With this in mind, I offer thanks to the ALA members who volunteered their time as poster judges and manuscript reviewers, my LabAutomation Poster Co-Chairs Erik Rubin of Bristol-Myers Squibb and Tony Lemmo of BioDot for their assistance and camaraderie, and to Doug Gurevitch, Mark Russo, Nan Hallock, and the JALA Editorial Board for their trust and support. I look forward to continuing to serve ALA and the lab automation community as an appreciative volunteer.
Sincerely,
