MARIA ELENA MARQUEZ

**** ** ** ** *****, Fl. ****5 ● PH. 786-***-**** ●ad0ixi@r.postjobfree.com U.S. Permanent Resident

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Biologist with 30 years of experience, expert in the isolation and microbiological and biological characterization of beneficial microorganisms for the control of agricultural pests. She led the start-up of laboratories and pilot plants for the mass production and formulation of biopesticide products. Has participated in multiple conferences and published more than 40 scientific articles and book chapters. She has knowledge of general laboratory functions and equipment maintenance, as well as correspondence writing on technical and research papers. Knowledge of laboratory equipment, safety practices and elimination of biological risks. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work well in a fast place and highly demanding work environment. Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.

KEY SKILLS

EDUCATION

(1991) Bachelor Degree of Science, University of Havana. Havana, Cuba

(2003) MSc in General Microbiology. University of Havana, Cuba

(2005) Ph.D in Agricultural Sciences. Central University of las Villas Martha Abreu, Cuba PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LABORATORY MANAGER BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, HARVEST 52. MEXICO. MAY 2020-MARCH 2021

Development of the investigative process of beneficial microorganisms to obtain bio-inputs according to protection programs against pests in berries.

Production and formulation of fungi and beneficial bacteria according to demand.

Implementation and validation of tests and quality standards.

Knowledge of preparation of all necessary documents: reports, technical sheets, logs, shipping letters and manifest; as well as supplies for the development of protocols.

Updating through participation in educational sessions provided to research staff involved in performing test procedures.

Experiment setup, sample processing

Knowledge of standards for the maintenance of laboratory equipment and cleaning of areas in laboratory environments.

Ensure proper packaging and shipping of products to technical advisors and producers. RESEARCH OF THE TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, TNI S.A DE C.V. MEXICO. NOVEMBER 2018 – APRIL 2020

Reception, identification, classification, sample preparation and internal distribution in the laboratory.

Development of strains and powder formulations with a high concentration of active principles of interest in the Mexican market.

Preparation of the cleaning plan in the laboratory together with the sanitary measures.

Supervision of the preventive maintenance program of the equipment used in the laboratory area.

Preparation of practical manufacturing protocols to obtain consistent and safe biological products.

Analysis of finished products for compliance with quality specifications.

Design of technical procedures, diagrams for the management of the quality system in the production flow

Preparation of technical data sheets, safety data sheets and documentation related to the products. Dependable Strong Work Ethic

Problem Solving High energy & Positive attitude

Fast Learner Team Player

RESEARCH AND TEACHING, HAVANA UNIVERSITY.

SEPTEMBER 2014 – JULY 2018

Worked with several teams on agriculture, chemical, and math research.

Teaching investigation methodology in Department of Biology.

Screening, characterization, identification and virulence of fungus entomopathogenic species to control the sweet potato weevil.

Design of certificate program microorganisms for the biological control of agricultural pests, with University of Querétaro and the Bioagro Company in Mexico.

Biological activity and microorganism characterization in culture collection against horticultural fungi pathogens

Entomopathogenic genetic relationship using the AFLP technique (amplified fragment length polymorphism).

Development of innovative approaches to ecosystem-compatible and sustainable microbial pest management with the ecosystem in Cuba and Germany.

BIOLOGY RESEARCHER, PLANTS PROTECTION RESEARCH INSTITUTE, HAVANA. JUNE 1992 – JULY 2014

Implemented small-scale technologies to produce microbial control agents in biofactories as part of the national agricultural biotechnology science and technology program.

Conducted and applied basic research on biological control of microorganisms against pests and diseases in crops of economic importance.

Quality control of strains and conservation methods

Preparation and validation of protocols for carrying out tests in the laboratory and in the field.

Research related to presence and distribution of nematodes cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis cuban strains

Development of biological products for the control of mites, nematodes and coleoptera species by batch fermentation

Executed collaboration and technical exchange projects with Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Germany related to morphology, physiology, and genetic variation of microorganisms entomopathogenic

Conducted international courses and trainings for obtaining biopesticides for the control of agricultural pests in the context of sustainable agriculture

Principal specialist of the Department of production of biopesticides and beneficial arthropods in Plant Health Research Institute (INISAV)