From Missouri S&T Lab to State Leadership: The Inspiring Career of Dr. Casey Burton
Table of Contents
- From Missouri S&T Lab to State Leadership: The Inspiring Career of Dr. Casey Burton
- A Serendipitous Start at Missouri S&T
- Early Research Fuels a Passion for Chemistry
- From Undergraduate to Graduate Research Excellence
- An Unexpected Turn: From Academia to Healthcare Advocacy
- Leadership and Advocacy in Missouri Healthcare
- A Vision for Biomedical Advancement at S&T
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rolla, Missouri – August 19, 2025 – Dr. Casey Burton’s career trajectory, from a curious undergraduate researcher at Missouri University of Science and Technology to a key figure in Missouri’s healthcare policy, exemplifies the impact of STEM education and a commitment to public service. His story underscores the vital role universities play in fostering innovation and addressing critical needs in rural communities.
A Serendipitous Start at Missouri S&T
Dr. Burton’s connection to Missouri S&T began with a spontaneous visit at age 17.While touring colleges with his parents, he decided to stop at the Rolla campus, influenced by his grandfather’s alumni status. He was instantly impressed by the university’s affordability and its distinctive emphasis on STEM fields and experiential learning.
“We were all impressed by what we saw, especially the cost, which was better compared to other institutions I was looking at attending,” burton recalled. “The other thing I liked was the distinctive focus on STEM and experiential learning for many of the majors, even humanities studies.”
Early Research Fuels a Passion for Chemistry
Burton arrived at S&T already engaged in research, having developed a program in high school to teach perfect pitch. He chose to major in chemistry, driven by a long-held interest in biomedicine. The university’s commitment to undergraduate research opportunities quickly drew him in.
During his freshman year,the chemistry department hosted a series of presentations by faculty members,showcasing their research and inviting student participation. It was Dr. Yinfa Ma’s work on urinary metabolites as cancer biomarkers that particularly resonated with Burton.
Did You Know? Biomarkers are measurable indicators of a biological state or condition, often used in disease diagnosis and monitoring.
“I still remember Dr. Ma’s energy and enthusiasm for research,” Burton said. ”He was researching urinary metabolites that could help detect cancer – distinguishing between biomarkers in two chemicals – which was right up my alley.”
Burton quickly identified a potential enhancement to Dr. Ma’s approach, presenting a new idea just two days after the initial presentation. This proactive engagement demonstrated his intellectual curiosity and research potential.
From Undergraduate to Graduate Research Excellence
Burton thrived in Dr. ma’s laboratory, experiencing a level of respect and support that solidified his commitment to S&T. He continued his studies, earning both a bachelor’s degree in 2013 and a Ph.D.in chemistry in 2017.
“As an undergraduate, I felt like a graduate student in his laboratory,” Burton explained. ”You don’t get that respect and support everywhere,and that is the main reason I stuck around at S&T for graduate school after earning my undergraduate degree.”
An Unexpected Turn: From Academia to Healthcare Advocacy
Despite initially planning a career in academia, Burton’s path took an unexpected turn during his final year of doctoral research. Phelps Health, a regional healthcare system in south-central missouri, was expanding its research capabilities and sought a director of medical research. Burton applied and was selected for the position.
He strategically shaped the role to maximize its potential, securing grants from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Phelps Health subsequently expanded its research focus to include traumatic brain injury, collaborating with Fort Leonard Wood.
“It was a new role, so I crafted the job based on future potential,” Burton stated.
Leadership and Advocacy in Missouri Healthcare
Burton’s work at Phelps Health evolved into a broader role in health innovation and policy. He began advocating for increased funding for rural healthcare, recognizing the unique challenges faced by these communities. This advocacy led to successes in securing state appropriations and support for Phelps Health.
Today, Burton serves as the executive director of research and governmental affairs at Phelps Health. He was recently appointed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe to the Missouri State Board of Health and Senior Services. He also chairs the Dean’s Leadership Council in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at S&T.
“I love coming back to campus and being able to participate in the college’s guidance,” Burton said. “Shared governance is an interest of mine, so I was always interested in working with university leadership – just like when I was on the Dean’s Graduate Student Leadership Council as a student.”
A Vision for Biomedical Advancement at S&T
Burton is a strong advocate for expanding biomedical programs at Missouri S&T. He believes the university is poised to become a leader in this field, citing the growth of related departments and the construction of new facilities.
Pro Tip: Networking with faculty and seeking research opportunities are crucial steps for students interested in biomedical fields.
“I fully believe Missouri S&T has all the potential for biomedical programs to take off on campus,” Burton asserted. “The growth in the biomedical-related departments, the new buildings – S&T is poised to excel in this field.”
Key Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Missouri S&T |
| 2017 | Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, Missouri S&T |
| 2017-Present | Various leadership roles at Phelps Health |
| 2024 | Appointed to Missouri State Board of Health and Senior Services |
What opportunities can Missouri S&T offer to further support biomedical research?
how can rural healthcare systems best collaborate with universities to address local health challenges?
Dr. Burton’s story reflects a growing trend of STEM professionals transitioning into roles that bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. The increasing focus on rural healthcare and the need for innovative solutions to address health disparities are key themes shaping this landscape. The importance of university-industry partnerships, like the one between Phelps Health and Missouri S&T, is also becoming increasingly recognized as a driver of economic growth and improved health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Dr. Burton’s primary area of research? Dr.Burton’s research focuses on biomarkers for early cancer detection and, more recently, traumatic brain injury.
- What role did Missouri S&T play in Dr. Burton’s career development? S&T provided Dr. Burton with invaluable research opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive academic surroundings.
- How has Dr. Burton contributed to rural healthcare in Missouri? He has advocated for increased funding and resources for rural healthcare systems and fostered collaborations between healthcare providers and research institutions.
- What is the significance of Phelps Health’s partnership with Fort Leonard Wood? The partnership focuses on research related to traumatic brain injury, addressing the needs of military personnel and veterans.
- what advice does Dr. Burton have for students interested in biomedical fields? He encourages students to engage with faculty, seek research opportunities, and not be afraid to ask questions.
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