Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Puplications, Presentation and Invited Lectures
Timeline
Generic

Alondra Irizarry Cruz

Aguadilla

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Molecular Biolo

Dr.Melvin Pagan
08.2023 - 05.2025
  • Conducted genetic research to investigate potential markers associated with twinning in Senepol cattle, a breed where such genetic links have not been extensively studied.
  • Focused on analyzing genes previously associated with twin births in other cattle breeds, including promising early indications related to the GH gene (growth hormone).
  • Applied molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis to examine target gene regions.
  • Reviewed scientific literature and contributed to gene selection criteria, aiding early-stage findings that require further validation.
  • Participated in the Leading Hispanics Program, where research was presented at USDA-sponsored symposia, including a poster session featuring the Senepol twinning study and discussions with USDA Secretary and staff about research career pathways.

Microbiology Intern – USDA National Animal Disease

Dr. Daniel Nielsen
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Completed a competitive summer internship under the supervision of Dr. Daniel Nielsen, conducting microbiological research within a BSL-2+ facility.
  • Focused on optimizing growth conditions for Mycoplasma leachii, performing serial dilutions and culturing the bacterium across various media types to identify optimal environments for future pathogenicity studies.
  • After plating the bacterium in the different media, incubated samples for 48 hours and then quantified bacterial growth to evaluate which media supported the most effective culture conditions.
  • Understanding the ideal media for Mycoplasma leachii growth is essential for enabling consistent bacterial cultures in downstream experiments, including antibiotic sensitivity testing, host-pathogen interaction studies, and genomic analysis.
  • Performed weekly swine kidney epithelial cell culture, including sterile technique, trypsinization, and subculturing to maintain viable cell lines for future research led by Dr. Samantha J. Hau.
  • Gained extensive experience in biosafety-compliant workflows, microbial handling, and sterile lab technique within a federally regulated research setting.

Education

Animal Science B.S.

University of Puerto Rico (UPRM)
Mayaguez
06-2025

Skills

  • Bacterial culture techniques under BSL-2 conditions
  • Serial dilutions and media optimization for bacterial growth
  • Quantification of bacterial colonies post-incubation
  • Mammalian cell culture (swine kidney epithelial cells): trypsinization, subculturing, and viability maintenance
  • DNA extraction and PCR amplification
  • Proficient in gel electrophoresis for gene study
  • Microbiological and molecular aseptic practices

Puplications, Presentation and Invited Lectures

Irizarry-Cruz, A. , González-Segarra, C., & Pagán-Morales, M. (2024, February). Evaluation and segregation of alleles associated with multifetal gestation in beef cattle [Poster presentation]. 1st Annual LEADING Hispanics Symposium and Career Fair, Kingsville, TX.




Timeline

Microbiology Intern – USDA National Animal Disease

Dr. Daniel Nielsen
06.2024 - 07.2024

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Molecular Biolo

Dr.Melvin Pagan
08.2023 - 05.2025

Animal Science B.S.

University of Puerto Rico (UPRM)

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Alondra Irizarry Cruz