Dedicated Animal Sciences student with a strong focus on both animal science and crop production. Skilled in managing laboratory and field equipment, monitoring research crops, and supporting genetic research initiatives. Experienced in assisting with animal husbandry, selective breeding, and sustainable farming practices. Adept at maintaining sterile lab environments and overseeing the health and productivity of plants and animals in research settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Agricultural Technician
Agricultural Experimental Station
08.2024 - Current
Oversee and maintain laboratory equipment and material inventories.
Manage and track field equipment and supplies, including machinery, substrates, and chemicals used in crop production.
Monitor the growth of crops involved in research studies.
Organize, catalog, and monitor germplasm collections.
Support station researchers and staff in fieldwork activities, and crop observation.
Maintain lab facilities clean and sterile for genetic research purposes.
Network Communication Systems Specialist
U.S. Department of the Army (Reserve branch)
08.2017 - Current
Proficient in antenna installation, coaxial cables, grounding, testing, and optimization.
Operated and maintained tactical and commercial equipment, including satellites.
Installed, configured, tested and maintained operating systems, application software, and system management tools.
Analyzed and troubleshooted communication systems using equipment manuals.
Managed deployment of new technology, network infrastructure, and host-based security.
Biological Science Technician(Animal)/ Intern
National Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA
06.2024 - 07.2024
Collected milk, blood, urine, and vaginal swab samples to assess animal health, detect mastitis, and monitor reproductive status.
Inoculated blood agar plates with milk samples to detect mastitis-causing microorganisms; sent positive samples to diagnostic labs.
Prepared culture media, including broth and agar, to support bacterial growth for research and identification
Extracted genomic DNA from bacterial samples using QIAGEN and Biosearch Tech kits; extracted DNA from milk and hoof swabs for pathogen identification.
Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate immune responses.
Performed pregnancy tests using ELISAs and rapid test kits to confirm reproductive status in dairy cattle.
Cultured mammary epithelial cells to study the mammary gland's cellular environment and understand mastitis.
Accurately documented data related to animal care, experiments, and research outcomes in the central livestock management system.
Ensured compliance with animal welfare regulations and ethical guidelines in all research activities.
Followed safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to minimize risks.
Collaborated with researchers, veterinarians, and other technicians to support research objectives.
Prepared reports summarizing research findings, progress, and any issues encountered.
Preserved bacterial samples using inoculated broth and glycerol for long-term storage and future research.
Contributed to the development of new techniques to improve animal care and research outcomes.
Undergraduate Researcher
LEADING Hispanics- USDA-NIFA (University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez)
09.2023 - 05.2024
Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on current research and publications.
Assist in designing experiments and research studies focused on bovine genetic traits.
Collect biological samples (e.g., blood, tissue) from bovine subjects following ethical guidelines.
Ensure proper labeling, storage, and documentation of samples.
Perform DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and other genomic techniques.
Interpret results in the context of the research objectives and broader scientific understanding.
Prepare reports, posters, and presentations to communicate research findings.
Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and conferences to discuss research progress and receive feedback.
Adhere to all laboratory safety protocols and ethical guidelines for animal research.
Creative thinking to develop new research hypotheses and approaches.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for presenting research findings.
Strong interpersonal skills for working in a multidisciplinary research team.
Ability to manage time effectively to balance coursework and research responsibilities.
Prioritization skills to meet project deadlines and research milestones.
Summer Research Assistant
University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, Department of Marine Sciences
05.2023 - 07.2023
Feed the animals.
Take water samples and measure the nutrients (ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, etc.).
Maintain records of temperature, pH, and salinity.
Measure and weight the animals for record, plus taking note of mortality rates.
Check that the system components (tanks, pumps, coolers, etc.) were working adequately, didn't have any leaks and correct any malfunction.
Verify that the tanks had a constant flow of water and oxygen.
Take care of the mangrove seedlings and algae tanks that were part of the system filtration.
Production Operator (Assembler)
Johnson & Johnson Vision (Kelly Services)
12.2022 - 03.2023
Executed fundamental and routine tasks in the preparation and assembly of medical devices, meticulously following written documentation and precise positioning instructions for parts.
Employed approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assemble products and operated machinery on the production line to facilitate seamless assembly processes.
Conducted periodic quality inspections on both personal work and that of colleagues, ensuring strict adherence to established quality standards.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Animal Science
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus
Mayaguez, PR, United States
06.2025
Technical or occupational certificate - PC Technician
MedCerts
Mayaguez, PR, United States
06.2022
Technical or occupational certificate - Horticulture
Manuel Mendez Liciaga Vocational High School
San Sebastian, PR, United States
06.2018
Skills
Farm machinery operation
Public speaking and presentation
Pest control
Quality control assessment
Post-harvest handling
Record keeping
Animal husbandry
Research and development
Data collection and analysis
Farm safety protocols
Affiliations
National FFA Organization - Alumni
The National Society of Leadership and Success - Member
Additional Information
US Army Veteran (Operation European Deterrence Initiative).
Possess Secret level security clearance.
Achieve goals in a timely manner.
CLS (Combat Life Saver Tier 2) Certified 11/01/21.
Valid Puerto Rico state driver license.
Highly organized, highly motivated, positive attitude, dedicated team player, patient and diligent.
Customer Service.
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Timeline
Agricultural Technician
Agricultural Experimental Station
08.2024 - Current
Biological Science Technician(Animal)/ Intern
National Animal Disease Center, ARS, USDA
06.2024 - 07.2024
Undergraduate Researcher
LEADING Hispanics- USDA-NIFA (University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez)
09.2023 - 05.2024
Summer Research Assistant
University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, Department of Marine Sciences
05.2023 - 07.2023
Production Operator (Assembler)
Johnson & Johnson Vision (Kelly Services)
12.2022 - 03.2023
Network Communication Systems Specialist
U.S. Department of the Army (Reserve branch)
08.2017 - Current
Bachelor's degree - Animal Science
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus
Technical or occupational certificate - PC Technician
MedCerts
Technical or occupational certificate - Horticulture
Manuel Mendez Liciaga Vocational High School
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