Ethan Kunkel

Background

About Ethan Kunkel

With over three years of experience in plant biotechnology, I am a passionate and skilled research associate who strives to advance sustainable and innovative solutions for the agricultural sector. My field of expertise is vector cloning and DNA design, which I have applied to create desired edits in plasmid DNA for production and discovery projects. I have been most recently working at Benson Hill, a leading company that leverages the natural genetic diversity of plants to improve crop performance and quality. I am motivated by the company's mission to unlock the full potential of the plant genome and create a healthier and more resilient food system. I value collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning, and I have brought diverse perspectives and experiences to the team from my previous roles and academic background. As a research associate II at Benson Hill, I had been responsible for designing, cloning, and prepping DNA for over 500 vectors annually, as well as working with external vendors to order and track DNA synthesis. I also recommend improvements and optimization to protocols to lower expenses, increase throughput, and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, I maintained inventory for the team, ordered supplies as needed, and trained new team members on vector cloning, molecular biology techniques, and data processes. I use my skills in molecular biology and genetics to work with various cloning methods, such as Type IIs Golden Gate and Gibson Assembly, and to ensure quality control and compliance with standards. I enjoy working within teams and across departments to support the company's goals and vision.