Keaton Robards

Background

About Keaton Robards

SKILLS • Chemistry: Skilled in many chemistry lab techniques (Chromatography, distillation, purification, etc)| Skilled with complex mathematical equations | Skilled and experienced with basic chemistry lab equipment (Roto-evaporator, Spectrophotometers, Ph meters, mass spectrometer, ect)| Skilled at analysing data | Skilled in making accurate mixtures • Biology: Skilled with biology and biochemistry lab techniques (SDS page gel, western blot, pipetting, PCR, immunoprecipitation)| Skilled and experienced with biology-based lab equipment (thermocycler, centrifuge, sonicator, etc)| Skilled at analysing data from PCR and many other techniques | Labels everything |Skilled in sterile techniques • Basic Skills: Good at following SOPs quickly and thoroughly| Steady hands | Quick to research and learn about things I do not already know | Works well in a group | Able to work alone | Quick problem solver | Skilled at trouble shooting | Good with computers | Organization WORK EXPERIENCE Lead Laboratory Scientist |SHIELD IL, Illinois State University (5/10/2021) – Current Position This is a high complexity testing lab designated to testing saliva for presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This was tested via qPCR which was completed using a thermocycler coupled to a spectrophotometer (Quant Studio 7). I worked hands on with the rest of the testing staff preparing the saliva to be ran as well as analysing the data from the qPCR. Interpreting the data consisted of looking at amplification graphs comparing time to the intensity of radiation released from the probes in solution. My lead responsibilities consisted of maintaining the instruments in the lab, monitoring temperatures of all the refrigerators and freezers, assisting in writing, and implementing SOPs, preforming quality checks on interpretations made by other testing staff, and dealing with day-to-day trouble shooting. I would also work closely with the technical supervisor and general managers to ensure that all the organizational and data management needs of CLIA where met. Researcher | Illinois State University, Normal IL (8/2020) – (12/2020) I worked under Dr. Chris Weitzel’s to do research on Sulfolobus islandicus leucyl-tRNA synthetase. I worked with proteins constantly, had to be very organized, and had to make sure all samples where properly labelled. This position allowed me to hone my biochemical techniques and get hands on experience with various instruments.