Research Associate

Location:

El Paso, TX, 79912

Salary:

negotiable

Posted:

July 04, 2012

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Ruth E. Navarrette

**** ******* **. #** • Las Cruces NM, 88001

915-***-**** • ********@****.***

Education

December 2011 New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM

Master, Science in Biology/Biotechnology

May 2009 New Mexico State University (NMSU), Las Cruces, NM

Bachelor of Science, Biology; Minor, Chemistry & Forensic Lab Analysis

Areas of Specialization

• Molecular Biology Techniques

• Cell Biology

• Mammalian Cell Culture

• Genomic Techniques

• DNA Isolation

• Molecular Biology Of Cancer

• Next Generation Sequencing

• PCR

• RNAi

• Biotechnology

• Bioinformatics (Computational Biology)

• Illumina Sequencing

• Serial Analysis Gene Expression (SAGE)

• Sanger Sequencing

• Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) Sequencing

• Strong Organization Laboratory Skills

• General Laboratory Maintenance

• Time Management

• Computer Skills

Laboratory Experience

May - Aug 2011 Graduate Research Student

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Developed a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method to determine the presence of capsinoids (non-spicy substance present in Chile peppers health uses include: anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and weight management) in New Mexico C. annuum Chile species, extracted capsinoids from 41 New Mexico C. annuum young fruit Chile peppers from NMSU cultivar collection, and analyzed Chile peppers using GC-MS Varian CP-3800, modified parameters for this system, while collaborating with Dr. Perkins from Maine University acquired capsiate standard for our laboratory, and generated a simple GC-MS capsiate standard protocol using manufacturer Capsiate Natura soft-gel capsule, New Mexico Marbles, New MexTwilight and NuMexCentennial representing distinct young fruit Chile peppers cultivated C. annuum species contained capsinoids detectable at m/z ion at retention time 6.2 min with highest abundance at 137 base peak, confirmed the presence of capsinoids by GC-MS detector in three New Mexico C. annuum species

May - Aug 2011 Graduate Research Student

The Medicinal Plants of the Southwest (MPSW) Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) program funded by National Institute of Health (NIH), NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Aid scientific research training and professional development for interdisciplinary undergraduate NMSU students, assisted students to set up SDS-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and analyzed the mobility of Chile proteins, educated students on Molecular Biology technique Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) DNA amplification, and was involved in the instruction of lab skills such as aseptic technique and reducing pipetting error, explained the various phases of the cell cycle using a strong colorful visual clue PowerPoint presentation, lectured students on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Data Analysis, assisted students to read their group-project Sanger sequencing data, presented publicly accessible modern bioinformatics programs, supervised student manipulation of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) basic local alignment search tools which are publicly obtainable, revised students scientific writing, screened students PowerPoint presentations and encouraged students during their research presentations given to our NMSU scientific community

Jan - May 2010 Graduate Research Student

Department of Biology, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Designed experiment to determine if CtBP long (l) and CtBP short (s) protein isoforms are expressed differently in the eye disk of Drosophila Melanogaster, calculated oligo length, melting temperatures (Tm), molecular weight and annealing temperatures, then designed primers utilizing Primer3 software, ordered primers from Eurofins MWG/Operon, conducted a high efficiency transformation, carried-out a plasmid DNA isolation, and employed a PCR scientific technique, performed troubleshooting to PCR problems, conducted restriction enzyme digestion and trobleshootings, determined expected band size of CtBP long (l) isoform from Got Sequence Flybase website and estimated CtBP short (s) isoform expected band size by DNA

Jan - May 2010 Graduate Research Student

Department of Molecular Plant Pathology, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Proposed the usage of Bacillus Cereus Selective Agar (peacock blue medium) to potentially reduce the cost of Bacillus Cereus bacteria isolation from NMSU soil, operated the autoclave machine, then prepared aseptically selective media, poured into sterile Petri dishes, incubated inverted rack of plates at 30 C, 68 C, 90 C and 95 C for 48hrs, performed serial dilutions 1:10, plated bacteria culture, evaluated different streak plate methods interpreted B. Cereus colonies to be a turquoise green color surrounded by halo or precipitation zone, calculated viable cell count (CFU/ml), constructed/calibrated bacterial growth curve using Excel software and determined Bacillus Cereus Selective Agar medium optimum incubation temperature is 95 C for 48hrs for growth of B. Cereus bacteria

Jan - May 2009 Undergraduate Research Student

Molecular Biology Program in Biochemistry Dept., NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Cultivated and maintained Mammalian breast cell cultures, conducted aseptic technique in vertical laminar flow and fed cultures, expanded 20 well established breast cancer cell lines, split breast cancer and normal cell lines, maintained cell lines and freezer inventory records, prepared Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and RPMI or DMSO media, counted cells using hemocytomerter (cell counting tool), prevent cell cultures contamination, determined selective cell line media, performed protocol experiments on open bench, organized plasmid database, managed chemical inventory, assembled a chemical laboratory instruction manual containing Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), recorded newly purchased chemicals into NMSU Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website, arranged NMSU OSHA hazardous chemical waste disposal, acquired necessary chemical OSHA forms, developed laboratory chemical hygiene plan (CHP), posted chemical and equipment hazard warning signs required by OSHA, maintained liquid nitrogen tank, and laboratory organized

May - Aug 2009 RISE Undergraduate Research Student

The Medicinal Plants of the Southwest (MPSW) Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) program funded by National Institute of Health (NIH), NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Anticipated the identification of anti-cancer agents by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) detection-mass spectrometry method in a wildly distributed weed Dandelion (bright yellow flower), collected samples separated into roots, flowers/stem and leaves and pulverized by Universal Mixer M20, simplified plant extraction protocol, later prepared plant material for extraction by HPLC, employed Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) separation method, and calculated retention factor (Rf value) characterizing and comparing various samples, then conducted Bioassays treating different yeast samples (mimicking various cancer genes) with plant extracts, evaluated statistical analysis of resulted data involved mainly plant extract treated yeast strains against yeast strains with cell qualities similar to cancer, concluded bub3 & CLN2oe yeast strains had root and leaf extracts inhibition effects, demonstrated based on Bioassay results Dandelion leaves and roots show potential anti-cancer properties, additionally, determined the elemental composition of roots, leaves, stem, bark and flower samples in ethanol by Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Aug - Dec 2009 Graduate Research Assistant

Molecular Biology Program in Biochemistry Dept., NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Developed new in vitro approaches to characterize the plausible connection between circadian rhythms and breast cancer, monitored circadian rhythm pathways in 20 well-established breast cancer cell lines, cultivated and maintained mammalian breast cell cultures,

conducted aseptic technique in vertical laminar flow and fed cultures, expanded 20 well established breast cancer cell lines, split breast/normal cell lines, up-dated cell line and freezer inventory records, prepared FBS, RPMI and DMSO media, counted cells by hemocytomerter, prevented cell line contamination, proposed new control strategies to achieve high performance culture, determined selective cell line media, performed protocol experiments on open bench, carried-out Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Gel Electrophoresis, conducted cloning method, performed transfections, isolated plasmid DNA, extracted genomic DNA, monitored scientific literature information, maintained plasmid database organized, continued to manage chemical inventory, assembled a chemical laboratory instruction manual Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), recorded purchased chemicals into NMSU Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website, arranged NMSU OSHA hazardous chemical waste disposal, acquired necessary chemical OSHA forms, developed laboratory chemical hygiene plan (CHP), posted chemical and equipment required OSHA hazard warning signs, ensured safety of others, maintained liquid nitrogen tank, ordered/received chemicals from NMSU stock room, organized laboratory scientific supplies, clean laboratory, monitored procedures were in compliance with safety regulation, calibrated Kronos Dio 2550 luminescence measurement device, developed budget database for grant money and coordinated laboratory meetings, maintained necessary laboratory organization

Administrative Experience

Jan 2005 - Dec 2005 EpTex Real Estate Property Manager

Schatzman General Contractor, El Paso, TX

Managed 250 EpTex real estate properties, administered utilities & repair expenses, prepared property budget ledgers every 7th day of the month, and planned budgets, managed and tracked investments, collected rents, scheduled maintenance inspection of properties, performed accounting, attained proficient accounting skills, administered payroll weekly to Schatzman’s General Contractor Construction Division, prepared contractor contracts, gained ground-level size/location perspective visiting construction sites, reviewed architecture plans with contractors, copied architecture plans (blueprints), organized blueprint room, hone reading blueprints, ensured payment for completed contracts, operated multiple telephone lines, also reinforced organization skills, created file system for each contractor’s invoice to save the boss time, boosted communication by emailing accountants a weekly memo, proposed program to enhance information sharing capability, developed general property budget ledger that reduced turnaround review time from three days to one day

Jan 2004 - Dec 2004 Administrative Assistant/ Construction Site Management

Juan Rojas Roofing El Paso, TX

Planned staff meetings, supervised new secretaries, trained new secretary, administered payroll weekly, reinforced office organization, designed roof business contract and template recurrently used by boss, purchased roofing contractor forms, prepared contracts, ordered company business cards, distributed business cards, designed company logo, handled complaints and operated multiple telephone lines, acquired city permits to start construction, planned city inspections, dispersed city inspection citations, honed interpersonal skills, assisted boss on measuring roof during roof estimates, rendered customer service, ordered roofing material from ABC roofing supply, supervised delivery of roofing materials from ABC, supervised roofing technicians, removed roof shingles, placed flashing around house, positioned black felt paper, assisted boss during leak repairs, direct construction activities of 15 roofing technicians, coordinated work and job activities reducing annual labor cost 20%, solve construction problems, established and maintained constructive/cooperative working relationships and collaborated with other roofing technicians

May - Aug 2003 Temp level of Administrative Assistant

El Paso City Hall Mayor Pro Tem Office, El Paso, TX

Directed calls to appropriate parties, operated multiple phone lines to take messages, conducted research regarding District #8, compiled newspaper data, prepared presentation papers for Mayor, greeted visitors, analyze incoming memos, performed general office duties, maintained record management systems, performed basic bookkeeping, filed/retrieved District #8 documents, records and reports, Open, sort and file incoming correspondence (faxes & email), made traveling arrangements for Mayor, developed digital database to store El Paso Times events related to District #8, prepared District #8 complaints, coordinated & attended the El Paso City monthly budget hearing, assembled city agenda for District #8 weekly, prioritized Mayor’s dinner events, coordinated District #8 propaganda, updated constituents phone data during campaign, represented Mayor when he was not present, developed excellent listening and public speaking skills

Presentations

May 2011 Symbiosis Graduate Presentation

Department of Biology, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Presented: Schistosomiasis infection with a type Schistosoma parasite: symptoms, tests, treatment, prognosis, complications and preventions

May 2011 Genomic Techniques Graduate Presentation

Department of Biology, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Presented: Increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member PUMA and apoptosis by the muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD in response to a variety of stimuli

Dec 2011 Scientific Ethics Graduate Presentation

Department of Philosophy, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Presented: Designer babies: Facts and Ethical issues

Oct 2009 Molecular Biology Graduate Presentation

Molecular Biology Department, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Presented: In vitro approaches to characterizing the plausible connection between circadian rhythms and breast cancer

Technology Knowledge

• Digital Video Equipment

• Fax Machine

• Smartphones

• Laptop Computer

• Photocopiers

• Bookkeeping Software

• Web Browser Software

• Basic Spreadsheet

• Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

• Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Sea Monkey

• Fast Pace Learner Analytical or Scientific Software

Bioinformatics (Computational Biology)

Manipulate most basic Local Alignment Tools NCBI (blast)

• Blastx, Blastn and Blastp

• Analyzing DNA and protein sequences

• Mapping DNA and protein sequences

• Homology

• Conserved Domain

• Database (CDD)

• Genome BLAST

• EST database

• Primer (BLAST)

Swami The Next Generation Biology Workbench (Nucleic Acid Sequence tools)

• Aligning DNA and protein sequences to compare them

• EPrimer3

• ALIGN

• FASTA

• FASTAX

• LALIGN

• BL2Seq

Swami The Next Generation Biology Workbench (Phylogenetic trees & structure tools)

• Generate and analyze phylogenetic trees

• Drawtree

• Boxshade

• MView_alig

• Sewboot

• Unroot

• Pars

GenBank Accession NCBI

• Inquiring DNA and protein names

• Comparing similarity

• Determine percent identity

ClustalW

• Multiple sequence alignment novel tools

• Aligning DNA and protein sequences to compare them

BCM Search Launcher

• Predicting protein secondary structures

• DSSP Secondary Structure/Solvent Exposure of PDB Proteins

• SIRIUS Structure Viewing, Modification and Alignment

Swiss-Model; JPRED3; Bioinfobank MetaServer

• Homology modeling of the tertiary structures of the protein

• Creating and viewing 3D-models of protein structures

Skills

Leadership

Strong Communication (written/oral)

Strategic Planning

Superb Organization

Time Management

Strong Interpersonal skills

Speaking

Monitoring

Reading Comprehension

Active Listening

Problem Solving

Strong Interpersonal skills

Energetic

Patient

Team Player

Biliterate English/Spanish

Honors/Awards

Aug 2009 - May 2010 Fellowship award from National Science Foundation (NSF), New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP), Bride to the Doctorate (BD)

Community Involvement

May 2011 - Aug 2011 Rise Summer Medicinal Plants of the Southwest

RISE Program, NMSU, Las Cruces, NM

Jan 2008 - Dec 2009 Animal Rescue League of El Paso

Animal Shelter, El Paso, TX

Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 Odyssey Healthcare of El Paso

Cancer Patient Odyssey, El Paso, TX

References

Dr. Marvin Bernstein Professor Department of Biology (Mentor & Friend)

1780 East University Avenue

New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Tel:575-***-****