KYLEE SUTTON-GASTON
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Research Lab Supervisor at Creighton University specializing in DNA/RNA extraction and inventory management. Demonstrated success in mentoring students and improving lab efficiency. Proficient in equipment maintenance and safety compliance, promoting a collaborative atmosphere that enhances research outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Lab Supervisor
Creighton University
Omaha, NE
10.2020 - 07.2025
- Managed daily operations of research lab activities and staff scheduling.
- Coordinated research projects to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and protocols.
- Oversaw inventory management and procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment.
- Trained and mentored new employees on lab safety and research techniques.
- Monitored lab equipment maintenance and calibration schedule to ensure optimal performance and safety.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations related to hazardous materials handling in the lab.
- Defined priorities, delegated tasks and planned workflow for laboratory personnel.
- Facilitated communication among researchers, faculty, and external partners to enhance collaboration and project alignment.
- Organized lab meetings to discuss project progress and address challenges.
- Conducted regular inspections of laboratory facilities to ensure proper maintenance is being performed.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from external parties regarding laboratory services.
- Ordered necessary supplies and equipment for use in experiments conducted in the lab.
- Maintained comprehensive records of research activities, results, and data analysis to support accurate reporting and future reference.
- Inputted experimental findings into computer system for tracking. from analysis of experimental results into computer for storage.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing documents and updating databases.
- Supervised cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment to prevent errors and breakdowns.
- Progressed from research technician to laboratory supervisor over three years, gaining extensive experience in lab operations.
- Selected and prepared specimens and media for cell cultures.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
08.2018 - 07.2020
- Developed and implemented research methodologies to enhance study rigor and reliability.
- Assisted with the design of experiments, study protocols, and data collection methods.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform and support ongoing research projects.
- Mentored undergraduate students in research techniques and best practices.
- Interpreted results from experiments or surveys and identified potential implications for further study or applications in practice.
- Drafted manuscripts for publication in academic journals, effectively communicating research findings to the academic community.
- Published experimental and research findings in scientific publications and journals.
- Attended professional conferences to present research findings and network with peers in the field.
- Conferred with scientists, engineers and regulators to plan or review projects or provide technical assistance.
Research Laboratory Technician
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
05.2018 - 07.2018
- Conducted experiments analyzing biological samples, contributing to research findings.
- Collected, logged, and tracked sample information to ensure accurate data for experiments.
- Interpreted test results and determined need for retesting.
- Maintained accurate records of research data and results.
- Assisted in preparing and organizing materials for experiments and studies.
- Engaged in team meetings to share project updates to discuss current project status updates.
- Maintained cleanliness of lab space and equipment, ensuring safety and compliance with protocols.
Undergraduate Research Student
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Designed experiments and collected data for studies to support research objectives.
- Analyzed experimental data to extract insights and contribute to research conclusions.
- Maintained accurate records of research findings and procedures.
- Collaborated with students and faculty on research projects to enhance project outcomes.
- Recorded all experimental observations accurately in a lab notebook following established protocols.
- Learned multiple lab techniques and employed specific options based on requirements of projects and testing goals.
- Communicated regularly with faculty supervisors regarding progress on assigned tasks.
- Provided technical support during experimental procedures and data analysis tasks.
Education
Master of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE05.2018
Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- DNA/RNA extraction
- Quantitative PCR
- Immunofluorescence
- Microscopy
- Animal/mouse handling
- Training
- Inventory management
- Time management
- Lab equipment maintenance
- Cell culture
Publications
- Co-authored several research posters for conferences over the 5 years in Dr. Peter Steyger's lab.
- Eaton, C., Sutton, K., Mote, B. E., Burkey, T. E., Borza, T., Loy, J. D., Ciobanu, D. C. (2022). 2 5'Untranslated Region-Based Detection of Genetically Diverse APPV Strains in US Midwest. Journal of Animal Science, 100(Supplement_2). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac064.007
- Sutton, K. M., Eaton, C. W., Borza, T., Burkey, T. E., Mote, B. E., Loy, J. D., & Ciobanu, D. C. (2022). Genetic diversity and detection of atypical porcine pestivirus infections. Journal of Animal Science, 100(1), skab360. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab360
- Sutton, K. (2020). "Metagenomic, Viral and Host Genetic Analyses of Congenital Tremor in Pigs". (Master Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln). DigitalCommons, https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/bioscidiss/112/
- Walker, L. R., Jobman, E. E., Sutton, K. M., Wittler, J., Johnson, R. K., & Ciobanu, D. C. (2019). Genome-wide association analysis for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus susceptibility traits in two genetic populations of pigs1. Journal of animal science, 97(8), 3253–3261. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz184
- Sutton, K. M., Lahmers, K. K., Harris, S. P., Wijesena, H. R., Mote, B. E., Kachman, S. D., Borza, T., & Ciobanu, D. C. (2019). Detection of atypical porcine pestivirus genome in newborn piglets affected by congenital tremor and high preweaning mortality. Journal of animal science, 97(10), 4093–4100. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz267
- Walker, L. R., Tosky, E. R., Sutton, K. M., Griess, R., Abebe, M. D., Barnes, S. Y., Cunnigham, T., Kachman, S. D., Nielsen, M. K., & Ciobanu, D. C. (2017). A 16.7 kb deletion in Sipa1l3 is associated with juvenile cataract in mice. Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society, 28(11-12), 515–519. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00335-017-9720-9
Timeline
Research Lab Supervisor
Creighton University
10.2020 - 07.2025
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
08.2018 - 07.2020
Research Laboratory Technician
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
05.2018 - 07.2018
Undergraduate Research Student
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
08.2016 - 05.2018
Master of Science - Biological Sciences
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor of Science - Forensic Science
University of Nebraska-Lincoln