Cailin La Claire, B.S.

Cailin La Claire serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a Research Associate in the Disease Investigations Molecular Diagnostics Lab. In this role, she receives and processes a variety of samples, extracts DNA and RNA, performs conventional and quantitative PCR, and writes up reports to be sent out to the veterinarians and pathologists working on cases. Her research interests include disease ecology and molecular diagnostics.

Cailin is currently working on writing up protocols and validating molecular assays for future surveillance testing and research projects.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Cailin worked as a molecular research assistant in an Infectious Diseases lab, studying human diseases and carrying out surveillance studies of Influenza and Norovirus. With an interest in diseases, and a passion for conservation, Cailin is thrilled to be a part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team.