Kiley Epperson

Background

About Kiley Epperson

I am a Biological Scientist I for the Honey Bee Diagnostics Laboratory at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Division of Plant Industries. At the HBDL, I am responsible for various laboratory experiments for honey bee pests, diseases, and pathogens for Florida’s apiary inspectors and the public. I have experience with both DNA and RNA extraction, PCR assays, qPCR, specifically with viral assays, culturing of bacteria and fungi, and experience with compound and stereo microscopes. In additional to my molecular experience, I use traditional diagnostic techniques such as nosema spore counts and varroa washes. In 2023, I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida, where I obtained a degree in Applied Biology with an Anthropology minor. While at the university, I received a wealth of experience and knowledge like, interning at a postharvest science laboratory. There I learned how to effectively use my studies in a lab setting. I studied plant peptides and their genetic and physical effects on Arabidopsis species. I have previous experience as an administrative assistant and as an undergraduate teaching assistant for the Microbiology and Cell Sciences Laboratory while at UF. Outside of experience, I also participated in extracurriculars like the Tau Sigma National Honor Society and Alpha Zeta, which I was the social media chair and fundraising chair for respectively. In addition, I was a volunteer at the C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory. Before UF I obtained by Associate of Arts at the College of Central Florida. While there, I was apart of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and in the Community of Scholars. I am interested in genetics, biological anthropology, molecular biology, and learning new things!