Molecular Technician

• Jul 2022 - Present

Research Associate

• Oct 2021 - Jul 2022

Worked in collaboration with Oxford Immunotech in PBMC extraction for T Cell use. Also utilized a T-Spot protocol to ensure PBMC were extracted. Maintained and cultured cell lines (BHK21 / C6/36) ran plaque assays. Counted cells in the hemocytometer and focused on hands on work with potentially virally infected (ZIKV) Monodelphis domestica. Methodologies of work included Apoptosis Assay (by means of Phosphatidylserine exposure on surface of cells), ELISA assays, RT PCR testing, Confocal imaging of tissues or organs, antibody staining, and flow cytometry. Received BSL 3 certification.

Laboratory Technician

• Mar 2020 - Jul 2022

Clinical Laboratory Technician

• Nov 2020 - Oct 2021

Worked as a member of the COVID Task Force in RGV. Ran SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR tests for RGV and (state) samples at large. Primarily focused on RT PCR testing, including other viral diagnostic tests for HSV 1+2 / VZV and strep throat. Work on running routine maintenance on 7500 Fast Dx RT PCR machines, including running blank test runs and setting up protocols / templates for RT PCRs. Clinical worked focused on accessioning assorted nasopharyngeal swabs, urine, blood, and serum samples to be run in the chemistry section of the lab. Manual approving of both PCR results and clinical results were done through Athena & Avalon interfaces.

Graduate Research Assistant

• Aug 2019 - Aug 2020

Under the supervision of the lab manager and supervisor, worked primarily in learning basic lab procedures and aseptic techniques. Garnered the knowledge to do processes such as splitting and maintaining cell cultures (BHK21, C6/36 cell lines), running plaque assays for Dengue / Zika (in vitro), as well as running viral extraction Qiagen kits to extract genetic material for future seeding of cell lines. Worked with mentors in hands on Monodelphis domestica research which looked at potentially infected tissue and organ samples (ZIKV). Tissues were sliced at the cryostat machine, and antibody stained before being imaged at the confocal for visualization of results.