Laura D.M. Rico

MSci Biochemistry student

Guildford, England, United Kingdom

About

Motivated and detail-oriented Biochemistry student at the University of Surrey, with strong laboratory and research experience gained during a research placement at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. My work focused on the research withing the endocrinology department, investigating the role of long non-coding RNAs in adipocyte differentiation using advanced molecular biology techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9. I bring persistence, creativity, and analytical precision to my research, complemented by excellent communication and teamwork skills developed through international collaborations like the COIL programme and participation in academic conferences. I am fluent in three languages, and I thrive in environments that combine innovation, collaboration, and scientific inquiry. Currently in my third year, I continue to deepen my expertise in molecular genetics, physiology, and biomedical research while preparing for a career in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Experience

  • Scientific Researcher at Karolinska Institutet
    Sep 2024 - Sep 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Opportunity to research within the endocrinology department at Dr Alastair's Kerr Laboratory. Developed strong molecular biology techniques by the optimisation of CRISPR Cas 9 perturbation tools for the identification of novel IncRNAs that play a crucial role in metabolism. Contribution to three scientific papers, one which has been published on the American Diabetes Association journal.

  • Oncology Internship at University of Surrey
    Feb 2024 - Feb 2024 · 1 mo

    Laboratory-based Internship with Dr Lisie Meira at the University of Surrey alongside PhD students and researchers, investigating the effects of a pyrophosphatase inhibitor in Glioblastoma cells on DMSO media. • Strengthen laboratory skills such as the use of Western Blot technique, use of epifluorescence microscopes in a tissue culture laboratory. • Use of IsoCyte laser scanning cytometer. • Carried out a double digestive enzyme experiment with the plasmid pSF-OXB20 and genomic DNA with the use of EcoRI and Xhol enzymes. Gel electrophoresis was performed and observed the bands in a transilluminator.

  • Student Ambassador at University of Surrey
    Sep 2022 - Nov 2022 · 3 mos

    • Collaborated with PhD professors from the University of Surrey as a student ambassador. • Assisted prospective students in an open day, applying my knowledge obtained from my biochemistry degree in a laboratory.