Research Scientist
Biosciences and Biotechnology Division
Email: kane11 [at] llnl.gov (kane11[at]llnl[dot]gov)
Phone: +19254227897
Education
Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
M.S. in Soil Science/Agronomy, Ohio State University
B.S. in Soil Science/Agronomy, University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Research
Dr. Staci Kane is an environmental microbiologist who has been at LLNL since 1998. She has B.S. (UW-Madison) and M.S. degrees (Ohio State Univ.) in Soil Science/Agronomy and a Ph.D. in Microbiology (UT-Knoxville). Staci has worked on environmental monitoring of specific microbial populations and their activities for over 20 years, applying real-time PCR and other molecular-based analysis methods, as well as chemical analysis methods to environmental samples. Projects have included studying TCE (solvent) and MTBE (gasoline additive) biodegradation, denitrification, re-oxidation of bioreduced uranium, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in groundwater. Staci has supported biothreat monitoring activities through the BioWatch program including directing laboratory analysis work, establishing QA/QC practices/procedures, conducting surrogate release field studies, developing sample analysis protocols, and evaluating new assays, collectors, and analysis platforms. In partnership with EPA, her team has developed and applied rapid viability PCR-based methods to environmental samples, including both DNA- and RNA-based approaches and high throughput (semi-automated) sample processing for biothreat agent characterization and remediation. Other efforts have included development and evaluation of novel wide-area decontamination methods for B. anthracis spores
Selected publications
Kane, S., S. Shah, S. Létant, G. Murphy, T. Alfaro, J. Avila, E. Salazar, M. Mullins, and T. Nichols. 2013. Operational evaluation of the Rapid Viability PCR method for post-decontamination clearance sampling. J. Bioterr. Biodef. S3: 016.
Létant, S., G. Murphy, T. Alfaro, J. Avila, S. Kane, T. Bunt, E. Raber, and S. Shah. 2011. Rapid viability polymerase chain reaction method for detection of virulent Bacillus anthracis from environmental samples. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 77, 65706578.
Létant, S., S. Kane, G. Murphy, T. Alfaro, L. Hodges, L. Rose and E. Raber. 2010a. Most-probable-number rapid viability PCR method to detect viable spores of Bacillus anthracis in swab sample. J. Microbiol. Methods 81, 200202.
Létant, S., G. Murphy, T. Alfaro, J. Avila, E. Vitalis, M. Lam, S. Kane, T. Bunt, and S. Shah. 2010b. Development and verification of Rapid Viability Polymerase Chain Reaction (RV-PCR) protocols for Bacillus anthracis For application to air filters, water and surface samples. EPA Final Report. EPA/600/r-10/156.
Kane, S., S. Létant, G. Murphy, T. Alfaro, P. Krauter, R. Mahnke, T. C. Legler and E. Raber. 2009. Rapid, high-throughput, culture-based PCR methods to analyze samples for viable spores of Bacillus anthracis and its surrogates. J. Microbiol. Methods 76, 278284.
