Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Kathleen Pestal’s research centers on viral diagnostics and high-throughput molecular biology, with a particular focus on developing scalable solutions for public health surveillance. Her most notable contribution came during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she pioneered a robotic RNA extraction method specifically designed for saliva-based SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. This work, detailed in her highly cited 2021 paper, demonstrated that saliva—easier and safer to collect than nasal swabs—could be processed efficiently for asymptomatic population screening. By eliminating the need for direct-to-RT-qPCR shortcuts, her automated protocol ensured robust, contamination-free nucleic acid extraction, enabling large-scale testing without sacrificing accuracy. With over 27 combined citations, her research has directly informed pandemic response strategies, offering a practical template for future outbreak surveillance. Pestal’s work stands out for its translational impact: it bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world public health needs, making high-volume viral monitoring both accessible and reliable. Her achievements underscore a commitment to methodical, reproducible science that empowers communities to detect and contain infectious threats swiftly.