Alexandra N. Aquino-Acevedo, PhD
PR
Summary
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Cancer Immunology and molecular techniques.
- Highly dedicated and driven, recognized for my collaboration skills, application of analytical thinking, and creative problem-solving. Contributed to several projects resulting in five publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Worked as an intern and as a consultant at a biotech company where I offered support in the development and optimization of a digital droplet PCR method for the detection of residual cells.
- As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, I am working on assessing the effects of mitotic kinase inhibition in breast cancer metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
- Interested in continuing my work in cancer research, where I get to put my skills to develop novel therapies for cancer patients and overcome therapeutic resistance.
Overview
8
8
Years of research experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow
Saavedra's Lab @ Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce, PR
5 2023 - Current
- Design, conduct experiments and perform analysis of data.
- Contribute to professionally-written scientific papers for publication.
- Collaborate with colleagues to gather research and publish findings.
- Attend research seminars and meetings to discover and discuss new technologies and research.
Technical Consultant
Self
Ponce, PR
11 2023 - 08.2024
CytoImmune Therapeutics
Dates: July 2024 - August 2024 ; Nov 2023 - Dec 2023
- Collaborate with team to strategize and optimize ddPCR assessments.
- Develop work plans to meet team's priorities and deadlines.
- Record experimental data and write reports, protocol and other relevant documentation.
Instructor
Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce
08.2023 - Current
2025-Present Biochemistry of Dental Medicine | Lectures: Cell structure and signaling; Protein translation and regulation of gene expression; Metabolic pathways (PPP, TCA cycle, Oxidative phosphorylation); Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates
2024-Present Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics | Lectures: DNA replication and cell cycle regulation; Mutagenesis and DNA repair; Transcription and RNA processing
2023-Present The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Cancer | Lectures: The tumor microenvironment
2023 Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics | Lectures: Glycolysis and hexose monophosphate shunt; Pyruvate dehydrogenase and TCA cycle; Oxidative phosphorylation; Oxidative stress and antioxidants.
Analytical Development Intern
CytoImmune Therapeutics
Toa Baja, PR
1 2023 - 6 2023
- Developed and optimized a digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) methodology for the detection of residual cells.
- Contributed ideas and suggestions in weekly team meetings.
- Delivered updates on results and optimization steps.
Proctor
Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce, Puerto Rico
08.2020 - Current
2024-Present Clinical Correlations I & II
2022-2025 Biochemistry Department
2021-2025 Pharmacology Department
2020-2024 Physiology Department2022 Pathology-Physiology Course
2022 Introduction to Clinical Studies Course
2021 Histology Course
Graduate Research Assistant
Armaiz's Lab @ Ponce Health Sciences University
Ponce, PR
7 2018 - 5 2023
- Conducted thorough literature reviews.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Designed and conducted experiments, collected data and maintained results databases.
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific paper for publication.
Education
Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) - Biomedical Sciences Focused On Cancer Immunology
05.2023
- Dissertation: Stress hormones are associated with inflammatory cytokines and attenuation of T-cell function in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Defended on March 30, 2023.
- Qualifying Exams Passed: Part I May 2021; Part II August 2021
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Biomedical Sciences
05.2018
- Awarded the John C. Johnson Award for Excellence in Student Research 2018
- Honors Roll Magna Cum Laude UPR in Aguadilla on April 2018
Skills
Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Develop and Optimize Protocols
Data Analysis (GraphPad, ImageJ, QuantaSoft, CellProfiler, Keyence Imager, NIS)
Experiment Design
Technical Writing for Proposals and Research Publications
Assay Development
Research Protocols
Project Management
Molecular Techniques (Western Blot, qPCR, ddPCR, Multiplex ELISA, cell culture, RNA/DNA/Protein Extraction, Invasion/Migration assays, MTT, IHC, ICC/IF)
Microscopy
Working with Animal Models
In-vivo Experimental Design
Mentoring
Honors & Awards
Sept 2025 AACR Early-Career Scholar in the Field of Cancer Research Award
Sept 2024 R01 Diversity Supplement (3R01CA266046-03S1)
Aug 2024 AACR Minority in Cancer Research Travel Award
Aug 2024 AACR Scholar-in-Training Travel Award
May 2023 Selected as 2023 SMDP Scholar
April 2022 AACR Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Award
Sept 2021 CURE R21 Diversity Supplement (R21CA253555-01)
May 2021 First Place in Oral Presentation at 16th Annual PRI Scientific Conference
Nov 2021 Intellectus Foundation Scholarship in Health Research
June 2018 NIGMS-RISE Trainee Fellowship Program
Publications
- 1 first-author publication: Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health . Volume 26. 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100558.
- 6 co-authored publications: Frontiers in Immunology. 2025. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1593299; Cytotherapy. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2025.08.002; Cell Division. 2024. doi: 10.1186/s13008-024-00125-x; Med Sci. 2021. doi: 10.3390/medsci9020046; Cancers. 2020. doi: 10.3390/cancers12092671; Frontiers in Oncology. 2019. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01077.