Alondra Irizarry Cruz
Aguadilla
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Molecular Biolo
Dr.Melvin Pagan
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
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
Ames,Iowa USDA ARS
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)
Mayaguez06-2025
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)