Assistant Research

Arthur P. Ruiz

**** *********** **, ***. *** Bronx, NY 10461 858-***-**** **********@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

To pursue a career in scientific writing, editing and communication.

EDUCATION

Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) Bronx, NY

Ph.D. – Biomedical Science expected Fall 2015

M.S. – Biomedical Science June 2011

Department of Microbiology and Immunology

New York University, Graduate School of Arts and Science New York, NY

M.S. – Biology: Recombinant DNA Technology June 2009

University of California, San Diego San Diego, CA

B.S. – Biology June 2001

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY

Ph.D. Candidate/Graduate Researcher – Dr. Vinayaka Prasad’s laboratory 2010 - present

Investigated mechanisms underlying central nervous system inflammation and neuronal damage in

HIV-1 infected patients.

Measured the effects of genotypic variation on the transactivation and cellular uptake capacity of the

HIV-1 Tat protein, and the subsequent impact on the induction of inflammatory host cell genes in

neurologically relevant cell types

Utilized a variety of cellular and molecular based techniques, including but not limited to: fluorescence

microscopy, Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), real-time qPCR, subcloning, tissue culture,

Western blotting. Adapted protocols for novel uses towards research (i.e. modified ELISA protein

quantification, cellular co-cultivation and reporter assay)

Identified important mechanistic features in HIV-1 Tat protein towards viral functionality, induction of

inflammatory factors and neurodegenerative etiology

Trained undergraduate and graduate students in lab skills, techniques and documentation

New York University, Skirball Institute New York, NY

Master’s Thesis Research – Dr. Wenbiao Gan’s laboratory 2008 - 2009

Investigated neuronal synaptogenesis to study development of Fragile X syndrome in a mouse model.

Used two-photon confocal microscopy to image cortical dendritic spines in mice, and measured

dynamic synaptic connections and dissociations in response to learning and behavioral stimuli

Acquired and analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) data in mice to study neurological and

physiological effects of perturbation in wake-sleep cycle

WRITING AND EDITING EXPERIENCE

Assistant Editor – HIV Protocols, 3rd Edition, Humana Press (in preparation) 2015

Reviewed submitted chapters detailing a variety of methods and procedures involved in current HIV

research. Edited chapters for grammar, style, clarity and scientific/technical content

Writing Intern - Einstein Department of Communication February 2015 - Present

Analyzed and presented technical scientific findings and information for a lay readership

Summarized funding agency grant awards and prominent research results of Einstein faculty members

Wrote journalistic pieces covering various events on campus

Associate Editor - Einstein Journal of Biology and Medicine, online blog December 2013 - Present

Reviewed and edited writing pieces submitted by Einstein academic community for writing clarity,

composition, grammar, and content

Experience in collaborating with authors and providing feedback to develop and organize ideas

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant - Responsible Conduct of Research Course, AECOM January 2015 - March 2015

Assisted in guiding team-based learning (TBL) discussions among students regarding various topics

relating to the ethical conduct of science and research

Utilized the results of in-class exams to direct classroom focus towards topics needing clarification

Course Leader – Pillars of Biology Course, AECOM 2011 - 2012

Organized and conducted a student-run course that surveyed seminal papers in the history of biology

Moderated in-class discussions and assisted junior students in preparing presentations

Teaching Assistant – Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCSD 1997 - 1999

Developed and led weekly small group discussions and reviews to supplement classroom lectures

Maintained office hours for student assistance, and assisted in composing and grading exams

SCIENTIFIC EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

2004 – 2007

Analytical Chemist - Vical Inc. (San Diego, CA)

Responsible for analytical quality testing of plasmid DNA vaccine product at consecutive manufacturing

stages, from E. Coli transformation through successive column purification samples to final drug

product for human testing. Fully cGMP/GLP compliant

Prepared intermediate and final testing reports; wrote and updated technical SOPs; cross-trained fellow

employees in testing and documentation

Quality Control Chemist - Cardinal Health (San Diego, CA) 2001- 2003

Responsible for drug testing in stability studies of a small peptide, including HPLC, GC, spectroscopy

RESEARCH ABSTRACTS AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Ruiz AP and Prasad VR, (2014) HIV-1 Subtype-Specific Polymorphism in Tat Basic Domain - Effects on

Cellular Uptake and Transcellular Transactivation. 18th Annual Julius Marmur Symposium, Bronx, NY.

Ruiz AP and Prasad VR, (2014) HIV-1 Subtype-Specific Polymorphism in Tat Basic Domain - Effects on

Cellular Uptake and Transcellular Transactivation. 39th Annual Cold Spring Harbor (CSH) Retrovirology

Conference, Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Ruiz AP, Pan F, Meissner J and Gan WB, (2009) Abnormal sleeping brain wave activity and dendritic spine

dynamics in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. 2009 NYU GSAS Graduate Poster session, NY, NY

received 3rd place prize

PUBLICATIONS

Rao VR*, Ruiz AP*, Prasad VR: Viral and cellular factors underlying neuropathogenesis in HIV associated

neurocognitive disorders (HAND). AIDS Research and Therapy 2014 11(13). (* - authors contributed equally)

Rao VR, Ajasin DO, Wu X, Pujato M, Ruiz AP, Fiser A, Kalpana GV, Prasad VR: HIV-1 clade differences in

Gag late domain reveals a novel role for a β-chemokine in Alix-mediated HIV-1 release. (in preparation)

Ruiz AP and Prasad VR: The efficiency of cellular uptake of extracellular HIV-1Tat is modified by the amino

acid composition of the Tat basic domain. (in preparation)

Ruiz AP and Prasad VR: Measuring the uptake and transactivation function of HIV-1 Tat protein in a trans-

cellular co-cultivation set up. HIV Protocols, 3rd Edition - Chapter 24. Humana Press (in preparation)

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Microbiology - student member 2013 - present

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