Faculty and Staff
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Molecular and Genomics Core Facility Staff
The UMMC Molecular and Genomics Core Facility (MGCF) is under the direction of Michael R. Garrett, PhD, MBA (Director) and D. Ashley Robinson, PhD (Associate Director) and employs 4 FTE experienced staff in performing a variety of genomic methodologies. Consultation and genomic services are offered to all UMMC investigators as well as other institutions of higher learning across the state of Mississippi and beyond.
MGCF Lab Operations | Clinical and Translational Services
Jake R. Johnston, MS, MB(ASCP)
Laboratory Operations Manager
Molecular Pathology Specialist
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Jake is the laboratory operations manager for the MGCF, providing operational leadership and consultation to principal investigators and customers across research and clinical genomics projects. He leads the development and standardization of next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows and quality systems supporting high-complexity CLIA certification. Jake brings extensive experience in clinical laboratory startup, assay validation and implementation of high-complexity translational and clinical genomics assays.
jrjohnston@umc.edu
Laboratory Operations Manager
Molecular Pathology Specialist
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Jake is the laboratory operations manager for the MGCF, providing operational leadership and consultation to principal investigators and customers across research and clinical genomics projects. He leads the development and standardization of next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows and quality systems supporting high-complexity CLIA certification. Jake brings extensive experience in clinical laboratory startup, assay validation and implementation of high-complexity translational and clinical genomics assays.
jrjohnston@umc.edu
Isolation, Sample QC and Genotyping Services
Eric Earnest
Research Associate
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Eric supports investigators throughout the sample submission and project intake process, including project tracking within the laboratory management system. His work includes nucleic acid isolation and quality control, genotyping, quantitative real-time PCR and assistance with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation. Eric also manages ordering and inventory for the Genomics Core Facility, helping ensure smooth and efficient laboratory operations.
eearnest@umc.edu
Research Associate
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Eric supports investigators throughout the sample submission and project intake process, including project tracking within the laboratory management system. His work includes nucleic acid isolation and quality control, genotyping, quantitative real-time PCR and assistance with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation. Eric also manages ordering and inventory for the Genomics Core Facility, helping ensure smooth and efficient laboratory operations.
eearnest@umc.edu
Next Generation Sequencing Services
Kylie Johnson, MS
Research Scientist
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Kylie is a research scientist with a master’s degree in microbiology and cell science, with concentrations in medical microbiology and biochemistry, from the University of Florida. She brings a diverse background spanning secondary science education and clinical laboratory work in urology and embryology within an IVF setting. At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Kylie specializes in nucleic acid isolation and quality control, genotyping and next-generation sequencing. Her recent work focuses on spatial transcriptomics and the integration of advanced genomic technologies into research workflows.
klarson2@umc.edu
Research Scientist
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Kylie is a research scientist with a master’s degree in microbiology and cell science, with concentrations in medical microbiology and biochemistry, from the University of Florida. She brings a diverse background spanning secondary science education and clinical laboratory work in urology and embryology within an IVF setting. At the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Kylie specializes in nucleic acid isolation and quality control, genotyping and next-generation sequencing. Her recent work focuses on spatial transcriptomics and the integration of advanced genomic technologies into research workflows.
klarson2@umc.edu
Jackie Starrett, MLS(ASCP)
Research Scientist
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Jackie is a research scientist within the MGCF, with extensive experience supporting a broad range of genomics workflows. She guides investigators through project intake and management, performs genotyping, quantitative real-time PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing across multiple platforms. Jackie also leads assay development and deployment and provides consultation to investigators, supporting study design and successful execution of genomics projects.
jstarrett@umc.edu
Research Scientist
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Jackie is a research scientist within the MGCF, with extensive experience supporting a broad range of genomics workflows. She guides investigators through project intake and management, performs genotyping, quantitative real-time PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation and sequencing across multiple platforms. Jackie also leads assay development and deployment and provides consultation to investigators, supporting study design and successful execution of genomics projects.
jstarrett@umc.edu
Special Projects
Ashley C. Johnson, PhD, MS
Assistant Professor, CMB
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Ashley has extensive experience across a broad range of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies, including RNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, targeted amplicon and panel-based assays, methylation sequencing, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis. Ashley also plays a key role in supporting MGCF special projects and provides consultation for a wide variety of genomics assays, assisting investigators with study design, optimization and execution.
acjohnson2@umc.edu
Assistant Professor, CMB
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Ashley has extensive experience across a broad range of next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies, including RNA sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, targeted amplicon and panel-based assays, methylation sequencing, single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis. Ashley also plays a key role in supporting MGCF special projects and provides consultation for a wide variety of genomics assays, assisting investigators with study design, optimization and execution.
acjohnson2@umc.edu