CASEY J. DOYLE

Currently working as the lab supervisor of the science sector, overseeing the two science departments, isolations and production. Responsible for guaranteeing that these departments isolate algae strains on a timely manner and that production can effectively cultivate the algae for shipment to farms by a specific turn around time. Also creates the annul algae schedule and updates as needed by operators in Washington, California, Arizona and Texas to make sure farming sites have a consistent supply of algae in storage. Other responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, leading safety in the lab, updating and creating SOPs, inventory control and leading experiments for algae innovation.

• Lead compliance microbiology testing for biomedical products for AZHDS, detecting Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Aspergillus spp. and other microbes in products across the state to ensure AZHDS requirements are met for distribution of said products. Also train all current microbiologists in PCR, plating and R&D procedures and edit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for microbiology practices in the lab to be in compliance with state and ISO criteria. Part of the R&D aspect of this job was creating my own RT-PCR protocol for the detection of heap leaf virus on plant samples and by doing so, created a cheaper and easier assay to Medicinal Genomics’ HLVd assay. Also in this position, purchasing supplies from Bio-Rad Labs is a major part of maintaining the upkeep of the microbiology department and creating the contracts in which we purchase PCR kits and rent the thermocyclers for PCR testing. Currently working at this position. On the side, I also am cross trained in heavy metals analysis using the Agilent inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) protocol for arsenic, mercury, lead and cadmium trace metals.

• Sole phlebotomist working in a naturopathic physician clinic, drawing blood samples per medical lab testing requirements and organizing patient intaking and insurance. Prepping patient blood and urine samples for various routes of delivery to SonoraQuest, Access and LabCorp laboratories was a necessary for this role and providing care for patients before, during and after blood draws was also an extensive part of this job.

• Conducted research to detect the presence of COVID-19 virions in wastewater samples and ran cell culture and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) experiments to quantify various microbes in water treatment plants. These organisms include Neisseria spp., Ascaris spp., Hepatitis A, coxsackievirus, Campylobacter spp. and more medically and environmentally relevant microbes. More exact responsibilities relied on using centricons and advanced filtration to purify water samples and even as far as prepping plaque assays for the quantification of bacteriophages.