Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Extracurricular activities
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Rafael Pluguez

Aguadilla

Summary

Dedicated professional student with a track record of meeting objectives through consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to enhance organizational reach.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Medicare Advantage Sales Promoter

MMM Healthcare
10.2023 - 04.2024
  • Retained excellent client satisfaction ratings through outstanding service delivery.
  • Managed customer accounts to secure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive understanding of products, services and competitors to enhance sales presentations.
  • Boosted sales performance through effective communication of promotional offers and persuasive selling techniques.
  • Increased customer interest by conducting engaging product demonstrations and providing detailed information on features and benefits.

Research Assistant Intern

2023 UVA Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
04.2023 - 08.2023

Under the mentorship of Michael Lemke, I investigated the potential regulation of MAST2 by MTORC1 through a specific conserved amino acid sequence. This experience enhanced my research skills and deepened my understanding of Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs) and their role in cellular processes.

Research Intern

PR-National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (FDA supported) Dr. Yadira Malavez, Ph.D.
02.2023 - Current


  • Evaluated potential subject participants to assess suitability for planned studies.
  • Helped team meet regulatory requirements by coordinating documentation and filings.
  • Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.

Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Tutor

University Of Puerto Rico
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills and correct weaknesses.
  • Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
  • Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
  • Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
  • Administered feedback to students using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage and build confidence.
  • Participated in professional development activities to improve tutorial skills and grow cultural competence and reflection skills.
  • Participated in training classes to improve tutoring practices and learn new tutoring techniques.

Research Intern at Fundación Dr. García Rinaldi

Carolina Maldonado-Díaz, Ph.D., Joseline Serrano, MSc, Laura Vicente & Christopher Ayala-Griffin
05.2022 - 08.2022
  • Examined research, analyzed data, updated spreadsheets and produced timely reports.
  • Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
  • Attended meetings and presentations to learn more details about "Digenic Variants in the FGF21 Signaling Pathway Associated with Severe Insulin Resistance and Pseudoacromegaly"
  • Planned, modified and executed research techniques, procedures and tests.
  • Assessed data using scientific methods while following important specifications.
  • Compiled data in reports and other documents using Minitab.

Research Student

Robert, Mayer, Ph.D.
01.2022 - 04.2022
  • Calculated the dissolved oxygen concentration and the temperature in the mixing zone of a point source of pollution.
  • Assisted with database collection about flora and fauna related to the project.
  • Developed keen understanding of ecological preservation methods, which included creation of mangrove dispersal centers.

Volunteer

7 Quillas Grupo Tortuguero San Juan
01.2022 - 08.2022
  • Assisted with special events or programs.
  • Maintained clean, neat and operational facilities to serve program needs.
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
  • Supported engaging, fun and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences

University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla
Puerto Rico
05.2024

Skills

  • Team Interaction
  • Research and Data Management
  • Reviewing Literature
  • Active Listening Skills
  • Gram Staining
  • Kinase Assay
  • DNA Electrophoresis
  • PAGE
  • Western Blot
  • ELISA Development
  • Coomassie Blue stainig for protein analysis

Accomplishments

  • UPRAA – Ford Fund STEM Scholarship

  • • Honors Certificate Benefit (University of Puerto Rico) granted to 4% of students with an academic index higher than the cohort of all regular students. Current



    • Scholarship from the Gonzalo Aponte Fund of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, July 25, 2022

    • Rosa E. Axtmayer Scholarship, May 18, 2022

    • Scholarship from Unrestricted Endowment Fund of the University of Puerto Rico, March 31, 2022

    • "Honor Merit" Scholarship, 8 times (2 by year), from 2018-22

    • Undergraduate Scholarship from the General Endowment Fund of the University of Puerto Rico, July 2021

    • Scholarship from the Club Caborrojeño Inc Charitable Board, September 2021


    • List of the Dean of the University of Puerto Rico, 2019-2020

Extracurricular activities



Internship Luis A. Ferré | San Juan, PR | 2022

● Leadership development in the executive branch of state government and education on the policymaking strategies of Puerto Rico's legislature


Internship Conchita Igartúa de Suárez  | Aguadilla, PR | 2022


● Accomplishments in the realms of social work, economic development, and academic leadership


Student Leadership Institute | Associate Member  


● Beach cleanups 

● Integration with disadvantaged communities 

● Visit nursing homes




References

Dr. Thurl E. Harris 

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, 

Pharmacology University of Virginia


Dr. Harris specializes in the molecular mechanisms controlling insulin signaling and fat synthesis. His research spans across multiple disciplines, including Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Translational Science.


Email: teh3c@virginia.edu 

Telephone: 434-924-1584 

Website: https://pharm.virginia.edu/harris/



Michael Lemke

Mentor

Ph.D. Candidate 

Department of Pharmacology 

University of Virginia 

School of Medicine 

Email: mcl4ph@virginia.edu


Michael Lemke's research under Thurl Harris focuses on Kinase Enzymology and Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs). He is also a dedicated mentor, known for his ability to simplify complex concepts.


Christopher Ayala-Griffin

Mentor

Ph.D. Student

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus,

School of Medicine

Cel. (787) 685-5611

christopher.ayala@upr.edu


Carolina Maldonado-Diaz, Ph.D.

Mentor

4th year medical student

University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus,

School of Medicine

carolina.maldonado@upr.edu


Joseline Serrano, MSc

Mentor

Ph.D. Candidate Biochemistry

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Cel. (787) 515-5466

joseline.serrano@upr.edu


Robert Mayer-Arzuaga, Ph.D.

Research professor

(787) 890-2681

Ext: 2295

robert.mayer@upr.edu





Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Medicare Advantage Sales Promoter

MMM Healthcare
10.2023 - 04.2024

Research Assistant Intern

2023 UVA Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
04.2023 - 08.2023

Research Intern

PR-National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (FDA supported) Dr. Yadira Malavez, Ph.D.
02.2023 - Current

Research Intern at Fundación Dr. García Rinaldi

Carolina Maldonado-Díaz, Ph.D., Joseline Serrano, MSc, Laura Vicente & Christopher Ayala-Griffin
05.2022 - 08.2022

Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Tutor

University Of Puerto Rico
01.2022 - 01.2023

Research Student

Robert, Mayer, Ph.D.
01.2022 - 04.2022

Volunteer

7 Quillas Grupo Tortuguero San Juan
01.2022 - 08.2022

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences

University of Puerto Rico Aguadilla
Rafael Pluguez