Caitlin Sharpes is a molecular microbiologist with extensive experience in research and teaching. Currently serving as Scientist II at Excet, Incorporated since November 2016, Caitlin supports the US Army at the DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center, focusing on canine scent detection and training aid containment research. Prior roles include Senior Research Associate at Novozymes, where responsibilities included enhancing crop biofertility and microbial formulation support, and Research Specialist at Virginia Tech, assisting in the laboratory of Dr. Bingyu Zhao. Caitlin's academic background includes a Master's degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and a Bachelor's degree in Biology, both from East Carolina University, where teaching roles included Graduate Teaching Assistant in microbiology and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant.