Assistant Lab Technician

VICTOR CASTRO

***** *** ******* ***, *******, California 92336 909-***-**** **********@*****.***

EDUCATION Overall GPA: 3.237

University of California Merced Summer 2020

Bachelor’s Degree, Molecular and Cell Biology Emphasis

LABORATORY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE / PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Woo Lab / University of California Merced January 2019-April 2020, 1 year and 4 months

During my year and a half in the Woo laboratory, I assisted in establishing generations of zebrafish CRISPR mutants. My contributions consisted of CRISPR-Cas9 microinjections into single-cell zebrafish embryos in hopes of establishing a germline mutant. I then helped propagate the mutant line by genotyping the developed zebrafish to find a founder. These founders were subsequently crossed to produce heterozygotes and those were then used to produce homozygote mutants.

Assisted the laboratory in slashing the amount of time needed to identify a founder after CRISPR microinjections. I collaborated with the principal investigator, lab technician, lab assistant and another undergraduate researcher to modify an novel protocol from another laboratory. This protocol uses a solution to “sloth” of the outer layer of the zebrafish skin which is then genotyped by PCR and gel electrophoresis. This novel method could be done within 24-72 hours post fertilization, reducing the genotyping process by months or years.

Proved mutant founders were in fact established by quantifying the RNA expression levels of the mutant fish through the use of DNA and RNA extractions and preparation, cDNA synthesis, use of the nanodrop, qPCR and qPCR data analysis through use of the delta-delta Ct method.

Individually worked on my own zebrafish drug treatment project. Known cell-cycle inhibitors were used to attempt to temporarily stop, or slow down the zebrafish cell-cycle. This was done so that our lab could have more time microinject the single-cell embryos with CRISPR. Drugs used were nocodazole, SCR-7 and aphidicolin.

Experience with troubleshooting issues such as hardware malfunctions, experimental errors and optimizing protocols, such as the zebrafish genotyping protocol explained above.

Fluent in English and Spanish.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Organized and know how to maintain a laboratory notebook and laboratory equipment in optimum shape. Familiar with oligo design and real-time PCR. Am flexible with working hours and can lift heavy equipment.

Comfortable with public presentations, great at working with others and very open to criticism.

University of California Merced Peer Writing Consultant August 2018- December 2018

During my time at the University Writing Center, I hosted events for the writing center where I aided attendees in becoming better writers, gave tips on how to brainstorm and assisted them with graduate school, medical school, fellowship, internship and scholarship applications. I also worked part-time at the Writing Center 10 hours a week and was accessible to any student who asked for writing help.

AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS

CREST Scholars Undergraduate Research Fellowship – $2,400 Fall 2020

Fellowship from the Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines Center (CCBM) at the University of California Merced. Fellows are expected to spend approximately ten hours per week inside a laboratory under the guidance of a faculty mentor or graduate student mentor.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship - $3,500 Summer 2019

SURF fellowship from the Undergraduate Opportunities Research Center (UROC) at UC Merced. As a fellow, I spent the summer of 2019 form June 2- August 2 volunteering at the Woo lab full time. Also received graduate school mentoring and help with the graduate school application process.