El Paso Ph D

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Maribel J. Baeza

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Ph.D.

Address: El Paso, TX

Phone: +1-915-***-****

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Maribel-J-Baeza

E-mail: ********@****.***

Dedicated and results-oriented professional with a strong background in biology, ecology, and research. Experienced in conducting comprehensive studies on microorganisms and their ecological roles in extreme environments. Skilled in molecular biology techniques, fieldwork, and data analysis. Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and a proactive attitude towards managing tasks and priorities. Quick learner with a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. Thrives in dynamic environments, adapting easily to new challenges and contributing positively to team success. Education

2016-Aug

2023-Aug

Ph.D.: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The University of Texas At El Paso - El Paso, TX

Dissertation: Ultraviolet Radiation: Local adaptation of a bdelloid rotifer Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth J. Walsh.

• In this study, red pigmented bdelloid rotifers, known for their resistance to desiccation and radiation, were exposed to regional levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). It revealed, that bdelloid rotifers locally adapted to UVR intensities. 2017-Jan

2021-May

Graduate Certificate: Geospatial Information Science And Technology The University of Texas at El Paso - El Paso, TX

• Developed expertise in geospatial technologies for various applications including earth sciences, health, and national defense. Through skills in GIS, remote sensing, and scientific visualization. Utilized image processing software (ENVI) and Google Earth Engine, while working with diverse remotely sensed datasets, including aerial photographs, satellite imagery (Landsat, SPOT, ASTER, IKONOS), LIDAR, and RADAR. 2012-Aug

2014-Aug

Master of Science: Biology focus in Ecology

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology - Socorro, NM Thesis: The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on three Species of Bdelloid Rotifers Mentor: Dr. Kevin L. Kirk

• Three species of bdelloid rotifers, which had been in culture for 20+ years, were exposed to UVR for 15 min intervals, until no movement was seen. All three species of bdelloids demonstrated resistance to UVR exposure, with some individuals surviving repeated exposures.

2005-Aug

2012-Mar

Bachelor of Science: Biology

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology - NM Proficient in scientific methodology, laboratory techniques, data analysis, critical thinking, and effective communication.

• Focused on ecological, environmental toxicology, and genetics course work. MJB

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Work History

2024-Feb

Current

Post-doctoral Researcher

• University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TXAssist with laboratory maintenance, edit gene sequences, and complete pending manuscripts.

2023-Sep

Current

Environmental Education Specialist

Insights Science Discovery, El Paso, TX

• Worked under Grant for Engaging Communities Outdoors Through Environmental Education

(ECO TEE). Created and presented environmental educational material. Worked with both community groups and schools (K-12) with lesson plans, hands-on field trips coupled with stewardship service projects.

2023-Aug

2024-Jan

Adjunct Lecturer

University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX

• Engaged over 100 students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of fundamental principles of research to boost student learning and retention.

• Instructed students in basic concepts of developing accurate record keeping, ethical conduct, developing research question, experimental design, responsible research, data interpretation and writing for science environment.

• Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning. 2023-July

2023-Aug

Research Assistant

University Of Texas At El Paso, El Paso, TX

• Played pivotal role in genomics research by performing data cleaning and correction of gene sequences to create contiguous representation of genomic regions.

• Employed cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and techniques to ensure accuracy and completeness of genomic data.

• Documented and maintained detailed records of methods and results, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.

2017-Jan

2023-Aug

Graduate Student - Molecular Systematics Laboratory University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX

• Mentored students in field equipment usage and maintenance for sediment and water sampling. Developed and optimized laboratory protocols.

• Conducted molecular genetic analyses, including DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing. Analyzed genetic data using bioinformatics tools.

• Presented research findings at academic conferences. 2016-Sep

2023-May

Assistant Instructor

University of Texas at El Paso, TX

• Guided student through Introductory Biology, Organismal Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, eDNA, graded for Introductory Biology for non-majors, and Freshman Year Research Intensive Sequence (FYRIS) laboratories.

• Instructed proper laboratory etiquette, maintenance of laboratory notebook, writing reports, prepared lectures, quizzes, and exams.

• Oversaw groups of students at school and off-site locations, maintaining safety.

• Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely. 2015-Dec

2016-Aug

Scientist II

DNA Electronics, Albuquerque, NM

• Pre-Amplification and Primer/Probe Design: Conducted on-site design of primers and probes, optimizing pre-amplification procedures to enhance DNA analysis efficiency.

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• DNA Shearing and Analysis: Utilized gel electrophoresis and Experion capillary electrophoresis techniques to investigate DNA shearing, ensuring precise quality control and data integrity.

• Bacterial and Fungal Strain Lysis: Proficiently employed chemical and mechanical methods for lysis of bacterial and fungal strains, contributing to DNA extraction processes and downstream analysis.

2015-Apr

2015-Nov

Research Assistance (Immunochemistry)

BioDirection, Inc., Santa Fe, NM

• Antibody Purification Specialist: Proficient in antibody purification using column affinity chromatography techniques, ensuring production of high-quality antibodies for research and diagnostics.

• Protein Concentration Analysis: Conducted precise in situ antibody binding to nanowires for accurate determination of protein concentrations in various samples, contributing to data reliability and analysis.

• Verified regulatory compliance and protocol adherence through comprehensive inspections. 2014-Aug

2014-Dec

Adjunct Lecturer

University of New Mexico State Valencia, Los Lunas, NM

• Biology for Health-related Sciences and non-majors lecture course and accompanying laboratories for over 50 students.

• Instructed students in basic concepts of cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and general organ function.

• Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention. 2012-Aug

2014-May

Teaching Assistant

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM

• Guided over 100 students through Introductory Biology, and wet dissection laboratories.

• Instructed proper laboratory etiquette, maintenance of laboratory notebook, writing reports, prepared lectures, quizzes, and exams.

• Taught basic laboratory techniques: microscope use, slide preparation, aseptic technique, DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and E. coli transformation.

• Led class in dissections and identification of major organs from various organisms. 2012-Jan

2012-May

Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory Assistant

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM

• Investigated caloric fitness and trade-offs in two Arabidopsis thaliana strains, contributing to understanding of their biological characteristics and adaptive responses.

• Maintained documentation on tests performed in lab 2011-Nov

2012-May

Genetics Research Laboratory Assistant

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM

• Genetics Class Laboratory Prep: Prepared essential materials for genetics class laboratories, ensuring smooth learning experiences for students.

• RNA Extraction Specialist: Proficiently extracted RNA from rat heart tissue, contributing to research in molecular biology and genetic studies. Scholarships, Grants, Research Assistantship

June 3 – June 9, 2023: Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography Multicultural Program (ASLOMP), travel grant for 2023 ASLO Aquatic Science meeting, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. November 2020 – May 2023: Hispanic Alliance for the Professoriate in Environmental Sciences and Engineering Fellowship. $1,500 a semester, Teaching practicum at El Paso Community College $4,000

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(Fall 2021 Fall 2022). Fall 2022 $1,000 travel funding to 16th International rotifer symposium, Croatia Zagreb.

June 2023: Dodson Grant. UTEP, $500 travel fund to XVI International rotifer symposium, Croatia Zagreb.

September 2018 – August 2020: Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP; co- PI Walsh). $8,000 summer stipend, $4,895 research training and travel. February 23 – March 2, 2019: Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography Multicultural Program (ASLOMP), travel grant for 2019 ASLO Aquatic Science meeting, San Juan, P.R. January – December 2019: UTEP Dodson Research Grant, awarded $2,995.00. Graduate School UTEP, El Paso, TX.

January – December 2018: UTEP Dodson Research Grant, awarded $2,722.00. Graduate School UTEP, El Paso, TX.

June – August 2017: Graduate School Research Assistant Summer Program, awarded $3,000.00. UTEP, El Paso, TX.

August 2017– May 2018: Frank B. Cotton Trust Scholarship, awarded $2,000. UTEP, El Paso, TX. June – August 2014: Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans, awarded

$8,000. NMT, Socorro, NM.

June – August 2013: Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans, awarded

$8,000. NMT, Socorro, NM.

Manuscripts in Preparation

Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Does pigmentation provide protection to bdelloid rotifers in a high UVB environment? To be resubmitted in July 2024.

Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Life in the extremes: Description of a bdelloid from Hueco Tanks, Philodina pigmentatus to be submitted to July in 2024.

Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Survival and Demographic Response Post-Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation Over Multiple Generations, to be submitted to in August 2024. Baeza, M. J., Mohl, J. E., Walsh, E. J., Gene Expression Response to Ultraviolet Radiation in a Pigmented Aquatic Microinvertebrate to be submitted to BMC Evolutionary Biology in late 2024. Oral Presentations

Baeza, M. J., Mohl, J., Walsh, E. J., Pigmentation's role in facilitating an invertebrate in adapting to regional levels of UV radiation. Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Palma de Mallorca, (June 2023).

Baeza, M. J., Mohl, J., Walsh, E. J., Ultraviolet radiation damaged induced gene response in a pigmented aquatic microinvertebrate. Annual Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) Capacity Competitiveness Enhancement Model (CCEM) Virtual Conference, (October 25, 2020).

Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Multi-generational exposure of aquatic microinvertebrates to enhanced ultraviolet radiation. Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), San Juan, PR, (February 25, 2019).

Baeza, M. J., Apodaca, R. A., Walsh, E. J., Impacts of ultraviolet radiation on pigmented bdelloid rotifers. 15th International Rotifer Symposium, UTEP, El Paso, TX, (June 4, 2018). Poster Presentations

Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J Survival and demographic response post-exposure to ultraviolet radiation over multiple generations. 16th International Rotifer Symposium, Zagreb, Croatia. (September 6, 2022). Baeza, M. J., Mohl, J., Walsh, E. J., Transcriptome assembly of an aquatic microinvertebrate after exposure to ultraviolet radiation. 2020 Ecological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting Virtual Conference, (August 3 – 6, 2020).

Baeza, M. J., Mohl, J., Walsh, E. J., Gene expression response to ultraviolet radiation in an aquatic microinvertebrate. First Annual Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) Capacity Competitiveness Enhancement Model (CCEM) Conference, Washington, D.C., (October 28, 2019).

Blevines, V., Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Desiccation, pigment levels, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation in an aquatic microinvertebrate. 2019 ESA Annual Meeting, KY (August 11 – 16, 2019).

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Blevines, V. R., Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Pigment levels and resistance to ultraviolet radiation in an aquatic invertebrate. Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives (COURI) Symposium, UTEP, El Paso, TX (April 13, 2019).

Apodaca, R. A., Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E. J., Pigmentation effects on mortality in a rock pool rotifer when exposed to UVR. 2018 Annual Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), Denver, CO (May 29, 2018). Baeza, M. J., Apodaca, R. A., Walsh, E. J., Does pigmentation affect UVR protection in a model organism? Annual Border Biomedical Research Center Symposium, UTEP, El Paso TX (September 9, 2017).

Apodaca, R. A., Baeza, M. J., Walsh, E.J., Desiccation and pigmentation effects on mortality in a model organism when exposed to UVR. COURI Symposium, UTEP, El Paso, TX (August 5, 2017). Baeza, M. J., Kirk, K. L., Microscopic resistance to UVR from 3 species of bdelloid rotifers. Student Research Symposium, NMT, Socorro, NM (April 9, 2014). Baeza, M. J., Bryant, S. R., Eubank, L. Kessler, M., Ogunro, C., Tsosie, J., Reiss, R., Methylation of CpG islands near noncoding RNAs upregulated in high-fat diets. New Mexico Bio-Informatics Science and Technology Symposium on Functional Genomics (NMBIST) Conference, Santa Fe, NM (March 22, 2013).

Baeza, M. J., Bryant, S. R., Snyder, Lindsay., Kirk, K., L., Ecologically important tradeoffs in two strains of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana. SRS, NMT, Socorro, NM (May 8, 2012). Garcia, M., Bryant, S. R., Baeza, M. J., Sweazea, K., Reiss, R., The role of diet in the regulation of the nuclear hormone Receptor Gene NR4A2 in rats exhibiting metabolic dysfunction. NMBIST, Santa Fe, NM, Poster Presentation (March 24, 2012).

Baeza, M. J., Gallegos, D., Reiss, R., Cytoinformatic investigation of metabolic dysfunction: Analysis of concordantly down-regulated genes. NMBIST, Santa Fe, NM (March 19, 2011). Languages

English Advanced

Spanish Upper intermediate

Skills

ImageJ, Adobe Illustrator, ArcGIS, Rstudio Advanced Attention To Detail, Precise Measurements Advanced Compliance Documentation Advanced

Standard Operating Procedures Advanced

PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR Advanced

Community Service

March 2024: Judged during the Departments of Earth, Environmental And Resource Sciences Colloquium.

February 2024: Judged Sun Country Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2017 2024: Judge for Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives (COURI) Student Research Symposium, UTEP.

2019 2024: Assisted with maintenance of Rio Bosque Wetlands Park with Friends of Rio Bosque. 2018 2020: Assisted with Master Naturalist Training, Aquatic Wetlands. June 2019: Guide Training Presentation at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, Aquatic Invertebrates.

June 2019: Guide Training Presentation at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, Aquatic Invertebrates.

Organizations and Groups

• 2018 2024: Friends of the Rio Bosque

• 2019 2024: Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography

• 2020 2024: Ecological Society of America, Southwestern Chapter

• 2019 2023: 500 Women Scientists El Paso Pod

• 2018 2023: Biology, Environmental, and Engineering (BEE) Graduate Student Group

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