Experience

Leetown Science Center
• United States
• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee
• Research Biologist

  • Sep 2020 - Present


Virginia Tech

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Research Assistant - Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

  • Jan 2016 - Jul 2020

  • Assessing the phylogenetic relationships among mussel species belonging to the generaFusconaia and Pleurobema using ND1, COI, ITS1, and 16SrRNA sequences.• Standardization of new microsatellites PCR protocols that were developed for Pleurobemaplenum to estimate the effective population number and genetic diversity of P. plenum, P.cordatum, and P. rubrum.• Working on DNA extraction, PCR standardization, data analysis and manuscript preparation forpapers involving Myotis septentrionalis (bat colonies relatedness), as well as Castalia ambiguaand C. inflata (Mussel phylogenetic study in brazil)• Collaborating with report preparation, as well as DNA extraction, PCR standardization, and dataanalysis (mtDNA sequences and microsatellites) for reports involving Lampsilis cariosa andPercina burtoni. Currently working on reports involving population genetics of Lampsilis radiataand Ligumia nasuta.• Collaborating with the DNA extraction, PCR standardization, and data analysis for Utterbackianaimplicata (in collaboration with a prospective doctoral student). In these two reports, we assessedpopulation genetic variation and differentiation of these species using mtDNA andmicrosatellites.• Teaching assistant for Genetics of Natural and Managed Populations (FIW4324). Responsible forgrading homework and exams (Spring 2018, Spring 2019, and Spring 2020).• Teaching assistant for Applied Conservation Genetics (FIW6114). Responsible for showinggenetic software to master and doctoral students (Spring 2018 and Spring 2020).• General duties also include: Helping to maintain and organize the lab refrigerators and freezers;Training graduate students and technicians DNA extraction, PCR standardization andtroubleshooting, sample preparation for mtDNA sequencing and fragment analysis, and geneticsoftware troubleshooting; ordering laboratory supplies as well as preparing purchase orders forseveral projects in the Hallerman lab Show less

• Intern/Laboratory Technician - Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

  • Mar 2015 - Dec 2015

  • Worked on a project examining the social and genetic aspects of network dynamics inpopulations of northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis). Successfully standardized PCRprotocols for the amplification of mtDNA and microsatellites. Assisted in the data analysis ofphylogenetic trees, haplotype networks, parentage and relatedness, as well as identification ofpopulation clusters.• Collaborated on a project to identify the evolutionary and geographical relationship amongmussel species belonging to the genus Castalia in Central South America using COI and 16SrRNA sequences.• Worked on the DNA extraction and standardization of the PCR protocol for the amplification oftwo microsatellites of walleye (Sander vitreus) broodstock. • Learned several genetic software used for sequences analysis (Geneious, Sequencher,GeneStudio, DnaSp, Mega, MrModeltest, PAUP, Mr Bayes, PopArt, TCS) and microsatellites(GeneMarker, Microchecker, Cervus, ML-Relate, Structure, Structure Harvester, Arlequin,Cervus).• Assisted in the DNA collection of individuals belonging to the genera Fusconaia and Pleurobema(this project became my doctoral dissertation project). Show less

• Intern/Laboratory and Research Aide - Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation,

  • May 2015 - Sep 2015

  • Learned biotechnology techniques such as transformation and propagation of poplar (Populustrichocarpa)• Became familiar with histological techniques for the preparation of plant tissue slides.



Troy University

• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Graduate Teaching Assistant - Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences

  • Jan 2013 - Dec 2014

  • Taught, prepared exams, and graded Principles of Biology Lab and Principles of Cell Biology Lab • Set up laboratories for Principles of Biology Lab, Cell Biology Lab, and General Genetics Lab • Proctoring of exams • Taught, prepared exams, and graded Principles of Biology Lab and Principles of Cell Biology Lab • Set up laboratories for Principles of Biology Lab, Cell Biology Lab, and General Genetics Lab • Proctoring of exams



Instituto de Investigacion Nutricional (INN) & Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)

• Thesis Student and Intern at Molecular Biology Laboratory

  • Aug 2010 - Jul 2011

  • Used basic molecular techniques such as extraction of DNA and RNA, Conventional PCR, Nested PCR, Multiplex PCR and Real Time PCR • Prepared media for the identification of cervical fungus • Performed common laboratory tasks such as autoclaving and sterilizing laboratory supplies (tips, centrifuge tubes, and PCR tubes) • Maintained the designated project database and notebook • Detected respiratory viruses using indirect inmunofluorescence and microscopy • Completed undergraduate thesis identifying cervical infections agents using various PCR techniques Show less



Laboratorio Veterinario del Sur (LABVETSUR)

• Peru
• Veterinary Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Student Researcher

  • Feb 2010 - Mar 2010

  • Participated in the bovine brucellosis campaign. • Used laboratory analysis techniques for veterinarian diagnosis. • Performed laboratory analysis for the control of animal products quality. • Participated in the bovine brucellosis campaign. • Used laboratory analysis techniques for veterinarian diagnosis. • Performed laboratory analysis for the control of animal products quality.