I hold a BS in Biology from the the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and a PhD in Medical Microbiology with a major in Immunology from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine.
My previous research experience was related to cellular and molecular biology of HIV infection and regulation of Apoptosis (cellular death) in an "in vitro" model of chronic infection. Using RNA interference (RNAi), I was able to target HIV Tat mRNA transcripts and reduce intracellular protein expression. The Tat downregulation caused a reduction in viral replication and also increased the survival of HIV-infected cells after membrane induced apoptosis signals (Fas and TNF-alpha).
My technical expertise includes: cloning of human cell lines, optimization of PCR/RT-PCR protocols, DNA cloning and transfection in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, immuno-assay development, design and transfection of RNA interference vectors, cell cycle analysis, Flow Cytometry, ELISA, Western Blotting and Immunofluorescence microscopy.
Project Info:
Bioprocess Scientist at BD Biosciences (Cayey, PR). Former Quality (QC & QA) Supervisor at BD Biosciences (Cayey, PR) and QC-Microbiology Supervisor at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (Carolina, PR).
BD Biosciences manufactures diverse monoclonal antibody-based reagents and instruments aimed for Research Use (RUO) or In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) immuno-assays such as flow cytometry, ELISA, fluorescence microscopy and immunoblotting.
https://www.bdbiosciences.com/en-us