Mikaela Kasson
Lawton,MI
Summary
Dynamic and driven research professional with over six years of progressive experience in preclinical laboratory science, excelling in technician, supervisor, and project lead roles. Recognized for exceptional leadership and resourcefulness, fostering effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. Proven expertise in managing complex studies, implementing innovative models and SOPs, training and mentoring staff, while upholding GLP and regulatory compliance standards. Committed to continuous improvement and dedicated to cultivating collaborative, inclusive, excellence-driven work environments, prepared to make a meaningful contribution in challenging and fast-paced research settings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Leader – Surgery, Small Animal
Charles River Labs
04.2025 - Current
- - Lead and coordinate surgical and efficacy studies in small animal models
- - Oversee study execution, team collaboration, and ensure GLP and IACUC compliance
- - Recognized for excellence in study execution and cross-functional communication
Supervisor – Surgery, Large Animal
Charles River Labs
02.2021 - 04.2025
- Managed a team running complex surgical study models, as well as multiple other study models in large animal.
- Ensured adherence to SOPs, safety protocols, and animal welfare guidelines
- Received Spot Award for exceptional performance and going above and beyond in study execution and leadership
- Named Supervisor of the Quarter for team leadership and operational performance
- Facilitated training, scheduling, and oversight of multiple concurrent studies
Research Associate
Charles River Labs
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Administered substances to animals, conducted husbandry duties, and supported veterinarians
- Performed clinical observations, euthanasia, and collected specimens
- Maintained compliance with study protocols and quality standards
Patient Registration Representative
ER Trauma Center
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Registered patients and managed records and insurance data
- Demonstrated ability to multitask and remain calm in high-stress situations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and patient-facing systems
Administrative Assistant
Corporate Colors
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Handled communications, order entry, office maintenance, and vendor interaction
- Managed customer service and document distribution
Administrative Assistant
Ameriprise Financial
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Scheduled meetings, answered calls, maintained filing systems, and supported reporting
- Produced and distributed professional documentation
Education
High School Diploma -
Hackett Catholic Prep
Kalamazoo, MI 04-2015
Associate of Science - Veterinary Science
Penn Foster College
01.2026
Skills
- GLP, IACUC, and SOP Compliance
- Leadership Skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Data Entry & Recordkeeping
- Client & Vendor Communication
- Time Management & Multitasking
- Critical Thinking & Safety Protocols
- Project management
- Root-cause analysis
- Project coordination
- Process improvement
- Problem-solving
Certification
ALAT - in progress, 2025
Timeline
Project Leader – Surgery, Small Animal
Charles River Labs
04.2025 - Current
Supervisor – Surgery, Large Animal
Charles River Labs
02.2021 - 04.2025
Research Associate
Charles River Labs
01.2019 - 01.2020
Patient Registration Representative
ER Trauma Center
01.2018 - 01.2019
Administrative Assistant
Corporate Colors
01.2017 - 01.2018
Administrative Assistant
Ameriprise Financial
01.2015 - 01.2017
High School Diploma -
Hackett Catholic Prep
Associate of Science - Veterinary Science
Penn Foster College
Certifications And Awards/Recognition
- Animal Welfare Spotlight – “Operation Ferret” Contributor, 2025, Recognized for leadership and hands-on execution in a successful multi-site ferret adoption initiative.
- Spot Award, Charles River Labs, 2021
- Supervisor of the Quarter, Charles River Labs, 2022
- Study Execution Commendation, Praised by Study Director(s) for leading well-run studies
Similar Profiles
Christal StricklinChristal Stricklin
Regional Metrology Coordinator at Charles River LabsRegional Metrology Coordinator at Charles River Labs
ALICE IRENE CLARKALICE IRENE CLARK
Supervisor at Charles River LabsSupervisor at Charles River Labs
Jacob McDanielJacob McDaniel
Director of Product Design at Charles River LabsDirector of Product Design at Charles River Labs
Martha LindbladMartha Lindblad
Epic Training & Adoption Project Coordinator at Mosaic Life CareEpic Training & Adoption Project Coordinator at Mosaic Life Care
Collin SkinnerCollin Skinner
Commercial HVAC Apprentice at Kalamazoo Mechanical Inc.Commercial HVAC Apprentice at Kalamazoo Mechanical Inc.