McKinney, Texas, United States
ASCP-certified Molecular Biology Technologist with extensive research-laboratories experience, seeking to expand expertise, and transition from academia to a clinical lab role. Skilled in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry techniques, with particular proficiency in immunoassays and molecular diagnostics for infectious disease testing using qPCR. Demonstrated ability to support both basic and clinical research with precision and scientific rigor. Technical skills: i) Cultivation of different pathogens: T. cruzi, T. brucei, Leshmania, T. gondii, T. pallidum, B. burgdorferi and B. microti. ii) Cultivation of mammalian cells: CHO-K1, LLCMK2, RAW 264.7, HEK 293 and C6 glioma. iii) Molecular Biology: tissues DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, molecular cloning (restriction digest and in-fusion protocols), plasmid purification, vector construction, PCR primers designing, qPCR, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR and multiplex qPCR. iv) Biochemistry: Protein purification/expression, immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and acetyltransferase activity assays. v) Immunoassays: i. Flow Cytometry using 15 colors in BD FACS DIVA for analyses of intracellular cytokines and surface markers; ii. R&D Singleplex ELISA and MSD ELISA Multiplex Assay; iii. Immunohistochemistry; iv. R&D Proteome Profiler human XL Cytokine Array. vi) Cell Biology: fluorescence microscopy and IFA. In vitro assays: Drug discovery applied to protozoans and radiolabeled bacteria binding assays. vii) Software proficiency: Graphpad prism, FlowJo and SnapGene. Soft skills: I am an innovation enthusiast and a resourceful problem-solver who thrives on new challenges. My strongest interpersonal skills include leadership, empathy, and teamwork, driving high performance within a team.
*Performing molecular diagnostic testing, including UTI, STI, and Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) assays. Currently conducting validation studies following the acquisition of new molecular testing instruments. *Highly experienced with the Nimbus liquid handling robotic system and the full molecular workflow, including sample receiving and accessioning in the LIS, sample processing, PCR testing on the Bio-Rad system, and the analysis, review, and reporting of results. *Demonstrates strong troubleshooting skills, applying corrective actions when needed and implementing effective solutions. Achieved 100% proficiency testing performance (API) and has additional experience in toxicology screening tests.
• Investigated clinical biomarkers for congenital syphilis, identifying key disease factors and outcomes in patients from an endemic country. Applied multiplex qPCR for molecular diagnostics, alongside molecular cloning and microbiology techniques, leading to authorship of two publications. • Studied the pathogenesis of Lyme disease and Babesiosis co-infections in mice using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry, optimizing protocols to improve data accuracy and reproducibility. • Collaborated in the production of five research articles demonstrating potential implications for vaccine development against Lyme Disease and therapeutic management of co-infected individuals.
• Led research on lysine acetyltransferases and their role in gene regulation in the Toxoplasma parasite, with implications for novel drug targets. • Conducted molecular cloning and in vitro drug discovery assays to evaluate potential therapeutics.
• Investigated amino acid metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, using in vitro and in vivo mouse models. Identified a significant association between proline metabolism and disease severity in Chagas disease patients, offering potential biomarkers for clinical assessment and disease management. • Optimized a time-consuming free proline colorimetric assay into a high-throughput technique. Standardized qPCR for absolute quantification of parasite load in mouse tissues, significantly enhancing the research group’s productivity and leading to publications.
Project: Evaluation of the therapeutic perspectives of L-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, a proline analog, in mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi.