Research Experience
Jan 2024 - Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant | UF's Tissue-Microbe Interactions Lab
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Examining the growth of Bacteroides fragilis strains under conditions simulating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) to evaluate how pH and nutrient variations impact microbial growth.
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Measuring ECM degradation with fluorescent substrates for elastin, collagen, and other ECM components to assess how growth conditions affect bacterial degradation activity, providing insights into how these interactions may influence disease progression.
Jun 2024 - Aug 2024
Undergraduate Research Assistant | Columbia University's Nanoscale Immunoengineering Lab
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Optimized the expression, isolation, and characterization of self-assembling protein nanocages and extracellular vesicles in E. coli for use as nanocarriers.
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Explored the development of injectable hydrogels by cross-linking these nanocarriers with chemically modified cell derived polymers, aiming to utilize these nanocarriers as immunotherapeutics.
Leadership Experience
June 2023 - May 2024
Affiliated Organization | UF's Hispanic Student Association
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Maintained communication with HSA's 20 affiliated organizations, facilitating event announcements, support, and information exchange.
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Programmed engaging events to foster relationships between HSA members and affiliated organization members.
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Secured funding through student government to support event development.
June 2023 - May 2024
Content Creation Director | UF's Hispanic Student Association
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Produced captivating social media videos to foster an engaging and entertaining atmosphere for both prospective and current HSA members.
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Led content brainstorming sessions and encouraged innovative approaches to enhance HSA’s online presence.