JOSEPH (Joe) L. KEPIRO

PO BOX 14242
Durham, NC 27709
USA
Email: joe.kepiro@yahoo.com
Phone:+1 (919) 943 1543

CAREER PROFILE

Regulatory Affairs scientist with plant molecular genetics background. Successful in building relationships with government authorities. Possesses e-Authentication with demonstrated ability of applying for, and acquiring, ePermits from USDA-APHIS. Passion for identifying areas for improvement and decreasing paperwork and increasing efficiency. Capable of devising novel approaches and implementing new strategies that streamline procedures to achieve excellent results. A demonstrated change agent, adept at training all individuals of an organization to ensure deliverables are produced on time and within budget. Proven ability to think strategically and implement tactically to achieve success within the constraints of available resources.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

- Goal Oriented
- Organizational Skills
- Innovative / Resourceful
- Communication Skills
- Team Player
- Problem Solving Skills
- USDA Experience
- FDA Experience
- EPA Experience

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BAYER CROPSCIENCE LP; Research Triangle Park NC 2008
Registration Manager, USA

• Led a team preparing a dossier submission to the EPA for registration of transgenic cotton containing Bt proteins Cry1Ab, Cry2Ae, and a product containing both proteins ("TwinLink").

• Prepared and submitted EUP (experimental use permit) applications to the EPA for 3 transgenic Bt cotton products which were subsequently published in the Federal Register (Cry1Ab, Cry2Ae and TwinLink). 

• Filed ePermit applications with USDA-APHIS for importation of seeds, plants and plant material. 

• Consulted with the FDA concerning commercialization of canola containing transgenic events.

• Organized a team of senior scientist that reviewed the Environmental Assessment (EA) published by the USDA-BRS in response to Bayer CropScience's petition for deregulation of Glyphosate tolerant cotton. Prepared counter arguments to potential negative public comments. 

• Traveled internationally to consult with other regulatory personnel.

• Contributed ideas and concepts to an international team setting the database structure for BIOShare, a worldwide internal Bayer CropScience database.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - ARS, Beaumont, TX 2003 – 2008
Molecular Geneticist Post-doc:
Project: QTL Mapping of Milling Yield in Southern U.S. Rice.

Designed and tested the protocols of a prototype study for molecular genetic analysis of milling yield in rice that was used in the USDA-ARS RICECAP PROJECT. Tested the study design by phenotyping an F11 population of ~270 plants. Generated molecular marker data (AFLP and SSR). Mapped molecular markers (locations and positions). Mapped QTL positions. Created stepwise regression models of traits involved with rice milling yield. Initiated the purchase, testing and implementation of image analysis hardware and software that increased the degree of detail to which rice kernels could be phenotyped. Wrote protocols that allowed generation of uniform data throughout the rice breeding community while screening kernel characteristics related to milling yield.

Developed a protocol that reduced labor need to evaluate milling yield by ~50%

Identified a QTL markers, one that explained ~ 25% of the variance in Brown Rice Recovery

Used forward regression to analyze Head Rice Recovery (HRR) and identified 3 traits that explained 46.5% of the variance in HRR.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Riverside, CA 1997-2003
Graduate Student Researcher:
Project: Molecular Genetic Analysis of Nucellar Embryony in Citrus

Phenotyped multiple BC populations. Tested and improved protocols for multi-plexed PCR enabling medium-high throughput marker generation and screening. Constructed a genetic map from ~ 700 AFLP markers. Cloned markers into E. coli. Sequenced inserts using a Li-Cor 4200 sequencer. Screened a BAC Library using 32P labeled probes. Extracted RNA, purified mRNA. Generated dscDNA. Performed expression Analysis by cDNA-AFLP.

Identified markers linked to apomixis (nucellar embryony) using bulked segregate analysis

Cloned AFLP markers linked to major and minor QTLs of nucellar embryony

Sequenced up-regulated and unique transcripts in plants with nucellar embryony at 10 DAA

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, Central Point, OR
1995 – 1997
Agronomy Research Technician II

Prepared, planted, and irrigated plots, applied fertilizer and pesticides, collected samples, recorded data and performed harvests of various alternative and traditional row crops. Operated farm equipment including tractors with implements, harvesters, trenchers, and sprayers. Designed and set up experiments and trials. Held an Oregon State Pesticide Applicator's and Consultant's license. Conducted herbicide trials to establish agronomic practices for new and alternative crops. Utilized seed separating equipment.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Ph.D. Plant Genetics (Minors: Plant Breeding and Plant Cell & Developmental Biology)
University of California, Riverside, CA

BS Botany/Plant Biology
University of Washington, Seattle, WA

AA (Non-matriculated)
Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Molecular Techniques:
* DNA and RNA extraction and purification
* Molecular Markers: PCR, SSRs and Genomic AFLP, RT-PCR, cDNA-AFLP (EST's)
* Sequencing, Cloning and BAC Library Screening
* Bulked Segregant Analysis (for efficient identification of markers linked to traits)

Software:
* Microsoft Word Office suite including Word, Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint and Access
* Genetic Analysis software including Li-Cor Saga, JoinMap, MapQTL, and Windows QTL Cartographer
* StatView Statistical Analysis, JMP and SAS analyst
* Image Analysis software including Adobe Photo Shop and WinSeedle

Awards and Other Honors:
* USDA-ARS "Superior Performance Award 2005 Rating Period" and Spot Award for development and implementation of protocols expanding the research capabilities of the Rice Research Unit.
* United States Marine Corp Certificate of Commendation and Meritorious Unit citation
* Future Farmers of America: Placed first at the Eastern Washington Crops judging contest.

Professional Organizations:
* International Society for Plant Molecular Biology (ISPMB)
* American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)
* American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)
* International Society of Citriculture (ISC)

Academic Committees:
* Student Government Representative for the Botany Dept., Campus Research Integrated Safety Committee and Curriculum Committee for the Botany and Plant Sciences Dept.

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Publications:

Kepiro, J.L., Roose, M.L., AFLP Markers Closely Linked to a Major Gene Essential for Nucellar Embryony (Apomixis) in Citrus maxima x Poncirus trifoliata Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 USA (Submitted to Journal of Tree Genetics and Genomes, being reviewed).

Kepiro, J.L., McClung, A.M., Chen, M.H., Yeater, K.M., and Fjellstrom, R.G., Mapping QTLs for Milling Yield and Grain Characteristics in a Tropical japonica Long Grain Cross (Accepted for publication).

Kepiro, J.L., Roose, M.L., QTL analysis of Nucellar Embryony in Poncirus trifoliata Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 USA (prepared for journal submission).

Kepiro, J.L., Fjellstrom, R.G., McClung, A.M., and Yeater, K. M., Forward Regression Modeling of Milling Yield Components and Their Relationship to Grain Quality and Agronomic Traits in Long Grain japonica Rice (prepared for journal submission).

Newsletter article: "AFLP Markers Linked with Long Grain Milling Yield ", Research Update in RiceCAP News University of Arkansas, April 2007 Volume 3 Issue 7 pp 4-6.

Newsletter article: "Molecular Markers for Milling Yield", in Texas Rice newsletter, Texas A&M University, August 2006, Vol. VI, No. 6.

Kepiro, J.L., Roose M.L., Nucellar Embryony. In: Khan I (ed) Citrus Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology. CABI Publishing, a division of CAB International (the "Publishers") of Nosworthy Way, Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8DE, UK.

Public Seminars:

The 31st Technical Working Group, Feb 26- March 1, 2006; The Woodlands, TX: Seminar title: Molecular Markers for Milling Yield in Southern U.S. Long Grain Rice.

Plant and Animal Genome XI, 2003; San Diego CA: Seminar W161: Molecular Genetic Analysis of Nucellar Embryony (Apomixis) in Citrus maxima x Poncirus trifoliata using AFLP

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