Women & Girls in STEM
Mujeres y niñas en STEM
Women & Girls in STEM
Mujeres y niñas en STEM
Women & Girls in STEM
Mujeres y niñas en STEM
Scientist, educator, communicator & STEM advocate
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CV
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Professional Summary
During my scientific training and professional career, I have created and lead various high impact projects in the areas of research, education, communication and public policy. I have had the opportunity to teach at the K-12 school and collegiate levels, developing lessons and curricula. In addition, I have trained K-12 educators and other scientists, and I have mentored a multitude of students. I have served in various leadership and fiduciary roles that have allowed me to develop diverse skills, especially in the areas of project management and implementation, as well as strategic planning.
Education & Training
2012-2014
Postdoctoral Researcher. Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE) Advisor: Peter Angeletti.
2006-2012
Doctor in Philosophy. Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program. Molecular Genetics Department, The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH). Advisor: Anita K. Hopper.
2003-2006
Master in Science Majoring in Microbiology. Biology Department at University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Advisor: Dr. Rafael Montalvo.
1997-2002
Bachelor in Science Majoring in Biology. University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. Magna Cum Laude
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1995-1997
Centro Residencial de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayagüez (CROEM). Residential math & science specialized public high school
Professional Experience
2017 to present
Director, Science Education Programs and Community Partnerships
Ciencia Puerto Rico
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2014 to 2017
Grants Program Director & Science Outreach and Education Initiatives Coordinator
Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
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2014
Resident teacher and curriculum developer for High School Students at “Bosque Escuela la Olimpia” (Forest School), Adjuntas, P.R.
September to December 2011
Teaching Assistant
Molecular Genetics Department, The Ohio State University
Course: General Genetics
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March to July 2006
Technical Assistant
Chemical Engineering Department- Biotechnology Laboratory
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus
January 2003 to May 2006
Teaching Assistant
Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Courses: Cell Physiology Laboratory, Immunology Laboratory and Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics Laboratory
Leadership
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2022-2025
Chair- Inclusive diversity with equity, access and accountability (IDEAA) Committee of the American Society for Microbiology Board
2020 to present
Member, Board of Directors- Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
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2017-2022
Member at large. Board of Directors- American Society for Microbiology
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2014-2018
President, President elect, Secretary & ASM Council. Board of Directors- Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists
Skills
Project design Writing Project management Communication
Events coordination Teaching Innovation Proposal writing
Strategic planning Time management Research Curriculum design Negotiation Creative initiatives Team management Proposal review
Honors, Awards & Fellowships
2021
Sor Isolina Ferré Award for Excellence in Service to Others - Education
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2020
Honorable mention: Sor Isolina Ferré Award for Excellence in Service to Others
2019
AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadorship
2017
Motion of congratulation- Government of Puerto Rico Senate
2014
ASM General Meeting Minority Travel Grant
2014 Distinguished Alumni- CROEM (high school)
2013
Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students Judge Subsidy Award
American Society for Microbiology Science Teaching Fellows Program
SACNAS National Conference Postdoctoral Travel Scholarship
2012
NIH Kirschstein NRSA Postdoctoral Training Fellowship (T32). Nebraska Center for Virology, UNL
112th American Society of Microbiology General Meeting Student Travel Award
Outstanding Student Poster Presentation at the 112th American Society of Microbiology General Meeting, San Francisco, CA
1st Place Seminar Presentation
2012 OSU Molecular Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs Symposium-OSU Columbus, OH
2011
Best Poster Presentation
2011 OSU Molecular Life Sciences Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs Symposium-OSU Columbus, OH
Alternate and Honorable mention: Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship (The National Academies)
2010
Honorable mention: ASM Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship
2007 to 2010
Greetchen Diaz (predoctoral trainee) and Dr. A. Hopper (PI). NIH Research Supplements Award to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research: Yeast Genetics in RNA Processing & Nucleus/Cytosol Exchange. GM27930
2004 to 2006
Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium - NASA Fellowship for Graduate Students
2001 to 2003
RETO-PROMISE Award- Research Experiences and Training Opportunities program. Funds for undergraduate research under the supervision of Dr. Rafael Montalvo at University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.