Casey Burton

About Casey Burton

Hello there! My name is Dr. Casey Burton, and I’m a small town boy from Missouri with a passion for addressing healthcare gaps and challenges in rural and underserved communities through innovation and advocacy. I received both my Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry and Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry from Missouri University of Science and Technology. As a graduate student, I was honored to receive two research fellowships from the National Science Foundation to advance my work on urinary biomarkers for early cancer detection, and to receive the University of Missouri Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award for creating a digital publishing company with a readership in the millions. In 2017, I joined Phelps Health to build a robust research program in a community hospital setting with an expanding role in governmental affairs and advocacy. I have accumulated over a decade of research experience aiming at the development and application of advanced analytical techniques for small molecule detection for diagnostic applications, including early cancer detection and traumatic brain injury. My work has led to multiple international collaborations, clinical trials, federal grants, and business ventures to develop innovative healthcare technologies, while my efforts have been widely featured in the scientific literature, with over 30 peer-reviewed journal publications, and the popular media. In addition, I have helped establish several strategic research partnerships and consortia across the State of Missouri, including the Ozark Biomedical Initiative and Acute Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium, to strengthen the state’s research enterprise and ability to improve the health and wellness of Missourians. I am proud to serve on several wonderful organizations and groups addressing healthcare gaps and challenges in rural and underserved communities, as well as contribute to several academic organizations and societies. For this work, I was honored to have been named the Missouri S&T Distinguished Young Alumni in 2020 and serve as Missouri S&T\'s PhD Commencement speaker in 2022.

Experience

1. Executive Director of Research and Governmental Affairs

   Phelps Health

   Jun 2024 — Present

   As the Executive Director of Research and Governmental Affairs, I serve as a senior strategist and lobbyist to promulgate and implement high-level strategic initiatives of the organization by influencing favorable public policy, securing external funding opportunities, and building partnerships in support of our mission. In addition, the positions build data-driven strategies to create healthcare efficiencies that benefit our people, our patients, and our organization.

Education

• Missouri University of Science and Technology

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Chemistry

  2009 — 2013

• Missouri University of Science and Technology

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Analytical Chemistry

  2013 — 2017