Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
Melisa María Criollo Fajardo

Melisa María Criollo Fajardo

San Juan

Summary

Master's in Chemistry with hands-on experience in the synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of organic compounds, as well as managing analytical methods, instrumental techniques, and biochemical assays. I have worked in R&D and performed physicochemical and biochemical analyses on raw materials and products at various stages of development. My expertise also extends to cell culture processes, RNA extraction, DNA synthesis, and qPCR. Known for my adaptability, teamwork, and commitment to continuous learning, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the pharmaceutical industry while further developing my skills in a dynamic professional environment.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teacher Assistant

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
Mayagüez
01.2021 - 07.2024
  • Teaching the following Laboratories: General chemistry I laboratory, Analytical chemistry II laboratory, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry I-II.

Graduate researcher

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
02.2022 - 07.2024
  • fap1 gene expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivated in nutrient-limited conditions using quantitative PCR.
  • Tracked scientific equipment inventories, reported faulty equipment, and ordered new materials.
  • Stored specimens and laboratory equipment in specific locations under correct conditions.
  • Conducted experiments properly by adhering to health, safety and environmental regulations.
  • Entered test data into analysis programs and databases to assess results.
  • Published experimental and research findings in scientific publications and journals.
  • Identified problems and performed root cause analysis and troubleshooting to refine procedures.

Chemist

Agraf Industrial S.A.S.
Yumbo
02.2018 - 12.2020
  • Lead optimization, improvement, and new product projects: Innovation program and productive technological development (IDT).
  • Project 1: Minimization of the environmental impact generated in flexographic printing processes by converting the waste 'sludge ink' into higher value-added compounds.
  • Project 2: Development of a compostable wrap using compostable films or coatings.
  • Project 3: Formulation of flexible packaging from compostable raw materials, 'Bioimpack'.
  • Contact: agrafindustrial@agraf.co- +57 26959999. vagn.knudsen@agraf.co.
  • Analyzed data to identify trends and patterns in research findings.
  • Developed and implemented research protocols for studies.
  • Performed chemical experiments to develop new products and processes for various industries.
  • Prepared reports documenting experimental results and conclusions for review by senior scientists or management personnel.
  • Coordinated with other departments to resolve technical issues related to process design or materials used in manufacturing operations.
  • Created documentation outlining standard operating procedures for conducting routine laboratory tests.
  • Developed formulations for commercial products that meet customer requirements regarding performance characteristics.

Chemical Analyst

IncoAmbiental S.A.S.
10.2017 - 01.2018
  • Physicochemical Laboratory; Analysis of water samples, analysis of air samples, documentation and data analysis, statistical analysis of the data for method validation.
  • Contact: +57 317 740 6368, Sandra López
  • Ensured that hazardous waste was disposed of properly following all applicable laws.
  • Performed calculations to convert laboratory data into reportable forms.
  • Documented test results, compiled data and reported on findings to supervisor.
  • Prepared reagents used in chemical experiments according to established procedures.
  • Performed regular maintenance on laboratory equipment such as calibrations and adjustments as required.

Principal Investigator

Universidad del Valle
08.2015 - 08.2016
  • Project: New Michael adducts with possible antifungal activity, synthesized from Michael additions between propiophenones and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.
  • Advisor: Ph.D. Jairo Quiroga Puello. Contact: jairo.quiroga@correounivalle.edu.co.
  • Coordinated laboratory experiments and analytical tests in support of investigations.
  • Performed laboratory experiments related to organic chemistry, such as synthesizing, purifying compounds and spectroscopy analyze.
  • Documented all experimental procedures performed in the lab notebook or electronic database system accurately and completely.
  • Cleaned glassware after use according to standard procedures for decontamination purposes.
  • Followed Good Laboratory Practices guidelines while performing experiments.

Exchange student

Universidad del Valle
02.2015 - 06.2015
  • Project: Diversity-oriented synthesis of new nitrogen heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity from 5-aminopyrazoles.
  • Advisor: PhD Student Paola Acosta, Ph.D, Jairo Quiroga Puello. Contact: jairo.quiroga@correounivalle.edu.co.

Education

Master of Science - Chemistry

University of Puerto Rico
Mayagüez
07.2024

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Universidad Del Valle
Cali, Colombia
11-2016

Skills

  • UV-Vis
  • NMR 1&2D
  • FTIR
  • GC-FID/MS
  • LC-VWD
  • IC
  • HPLC
  • Voltammetry
  • AAS
  • GF-AAS
  • Raman
  • Electrophoresis gel
  • qPCR
  • Product Development
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Origin
  • MestReNova
  • ChemBiodraw
  • Bioinformatic analysis
  • SQLiteStudio
  • VMD
  • LabSpec6
  • PerkinElmer Spectrum
  • OpenLab CDS intermediate
  • Microsoft Office
  • Results Analysis
  • Experimental design
  • Report Writing
  • Teamwork
  • Assertive communication
  • Leadership
  • Critical thinking
  • Decisive
  • Empathy
  • Ability to learn

Certification

  • BioXFEL Crystallization workshop, BioXFEL science and technology center, 04/01/21
  • Innovation Management, Level 1: Innovation Associate, Global Innovation Management Institute, Colombia, 08/01/18
  • Practical theoretical course in updating analysis techniques by chromatography of gases and liquids, Universidad del Valle, Colombia, 12/01/17

Languages

Spanish
First Language
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2

Accomplishments

  • Recognized in a column of the Cali Chamber of Commerce magazine for good performance in leading the Agraf Industrial team in the innovation systems program.
  • Awarded a scholarship during my 8th semester of undergraduate studies for academic excellence.
  • Meritorious Thesis Award - Universidad del Valle, 2016.

Affiliations

Asociación de Estudiantes Graduados de Química (AEGQ) Member and 14th Spring job fair staff volunteer: stand assembly, accommodate company representatives, 2023. Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez- Puerto Rico 2023-2024.

Lupe Project Member, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the rescue of homeless domestic animals. Palmira, Colombia. 2018-2020.

Grupo de Apoyo en Química (GAQ), Vice President-Secretary Universidad del Valle, Cali - Colombia. 2015-2016.

References

  • Ph.D. Elsie I. Parés-Matos, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez, elsie.pares@upr.edu, 787-832-4040, extensions 3146 (office)
  • Ph.D. Carmen A. Vega Olivencia, Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico- Mayagüez, carmenamaralis.vega@upr.edu, 787-318-5739

Timeline

Graduate researcher

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
02.2022 - 07.2024

Teacher Assistant

University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
01.2021 - 07.2024

Chemist

Agraf Industrial S.A.S.
02.2018 - 12.2020

Chemical Analyst

IncoAmbiental S.A.S.
10.2017 - 01.2018

Principal Investigator

Universidad del Valle
08.2015 - 08.2016

Exchange student

Universidad del Valle
02.2015 - 06.2015

Master of Science - Chemistry

University of Puerto Rico

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

Universidad Del Valle
Melisa María Criollo Fajardo