Summary
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Cancer Immunology and molecular techniques.
- Highly dedicated and driven, recognized for my collaboration skills, application of analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Contributed to several projects resulting in five publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Worked as an intern and as a consultant at a biotech company where I offered support in the development and optimization of a digital droplet PCR method for the detection of residual cells.
- As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, I am working on assessing the effects of mitotic kinase inhibition in breast cancer metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
- Interested in continuing my work in cancer research, where I get to put my skills to develop novel therapies for cancer patients and overcome therapeutic resistance.
Overview
6
6
Years of research experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow
Saavedra's Lab @ Ponce Health Sciences University
5 2023 - Current
- Design, conduct experiments and perform analysis of data.
- Contribute to professionally-written scientific papers for publication.
- Collaborate with colleagues to gather research and publish findings.
- Attend research seminars and meetings to discover and discuss new technologies and research.
Biotechnology Consultant
Self
11 2023 - Current
CytoImmune Therapeutics
Dates: July 2024 - Current ; Nov 2023 - Dec 2023
- Collaborate with team to strategize and optimize ddPCR assessments.
- Develop work plans to meet team's priorities and deadlines.
- Record experimental data and write reports, protocol and other relevant documentation.
Instructor
Ponce Health Sciences University
08.2023 - Current
Instructor | Ponce Health Sciences University
Fall 2023-present Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics
Lectures:
- Glycolysis and hexose monophosphate shunt
- Pyruvate dehydrogenase and TCA cycle
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Oxidative stress and antioxidants
Fall 2023 The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer
Lectures:
- The tumor microenvironment
Proctor
Ponce Health Sciences University
08.2020 - Current
2022-present Biochemistry Department
2021-present Pharmacology Department
2020-present Physiology Department
2022 Pathology-Physiology Course
2022 Introduction to Clinical Studies Course
2021 Histology Course
Analytical Development Intern
CytoImmune Therapeutics
1 2023 - 6 2023
- Developed and optimized a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) methodology for the detection of residual cells.
- Contributed ideas and suggestions in weekly team meetings.
- Delivered updates on results and optimization steps.
Graduate Research Assistant
Armaiz's Lab @ Ponce Health Sciences University
7 2018 - 5 2023
- Conducted thorough literature reviews.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Designed and conducted experiments, collected data and maintained results databases.
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific paper for publication.
Education
Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) - Biomedical Sciences Focused On Cancer Immunology
05.2023
- Dissertation: Stress hormones are associated with inflammatory cytokines and attenuation of T-cell function in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Defended on March 30, 2023.
- Qualifying Exams Passed: Part I May 2021; Part II August 2021
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Biomedical Sciences
05.2018
- Awarded the John C. Johnson Award for Excellence in Student Research 2018
- Honors Roll Magna Cum Laude UPR in Aguadilla on April 2018
Skills
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
- Develop and Optimize Protocols
- Data Analysis (GraphPad, ImageJ, QuantaSoft)
- Experiment Design
- Technical Writing for Proposals and Research Publications
- Assay Development
- Research Protocols
- Project Management
- Molecular Techniques (Western Blot, qPCR, ddPCR, Multiplex ELISA, cell culture, RNA/DNA/Protein Extraction, IHC, IF)
- Working with Animal Models
- In-vivo Experimental Design
- Mentoring
Websites
Publications
- 1 first-author publication: Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health . Volume 26. 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100558.
- 4 co-authored publications: Cell Division . 2024. doi: 10.1186/s13008-024-00125-x; Med Sci . 2021. doi: 10.3390/medsci9020046; Cancers . 2020. doi: 10.3390/cancers12092671; Frontiers in Oncology . 2019. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01077.
Honors & Awards
- Aug 2024 AACR Scholar-in-Training Travel Award
- May 2023 Selected as 2023 SMDP Scholar
- April 2022 AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award
- Sept 2021 CURE R21 Diversity Supplement (R21CA253555-01)
- May 2021 First Place in Oral Presentation at 16th Annual PRI Scientific Conference
- Nov 2021 Intellectus Foundation Scholarship in Health Research
- June 2018 NIGMS-RISE Trainee Fellowship Program
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