ANGELICA CARABANTES
San Diego
Summary
Motivated and research-oriented Bioengineer specializing in biomedical device design, molecular biology, and tissue-engineered systems, supported by a strong educational foundation. Extensive coursework and hands-on experience gained through industry internships and a capstone senior design project have refined skills in experimental design, assay development, cell culture, and computational modeling. Proven strengths in leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration within cross-functional teams enhance the capability to drive innovative solutions. Eager to leverage these competencies in graduate research opportunities focused on stem cell engineering, regenerative technologies, tissue engineering, and medical device innovation.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Biotech R&D Intern
Athos Therapeutics
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Worked across biological and medicinal chemistry teams supporting early-stage drug development.
- Gained hands-on experience with animal handling techniques, preclinical modeling, and IACUC protocols.
- Developed proficiency in GraphPad Prism, cell culture, assay design, and sample preparation.
- Participated in mock grant writing and explored how animal models support clinical trial design.
- In medicinal chemistry, learned SAR principles, analog screening, and molecular binding modeling using ML tools.
- Supported formulation and efficacy testing workflows, with a focus on translating compounds toward clinical application.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline project workflows and enhance communication efficiency.
Researcher
UC Riverside
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Led the design, creation of SOPs, and partial implementation of a bioreactor-like system to convert Type A blood to universal Type O using enzymatic treatment and magnetic bead separation.
- Developed a multi-layered fluidic platform integrating peristaltic pumps, sensor-driven pH control, and actuator-guided separation for progressive blood processing.
- Designed and prototyped a custom blood rocker system in SolidWorks to ensure gentle agitation and optimal fluid mixing.
- Validated HPA lectin-coated SPION surface functionalization via FTIR spectroscopy to confirm bead readiness for selective RBC removal.
- Utilized MATLAB for flow rate optimization and system timing models, synchronizing pump sequences for consistent fluid transfer and separation.
- Conducted recombinant expression and purification of HPA lectin and αNAGA enzyme for enzymatic conversion and lectin-based separation.
- Applied molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques including PCR, DNA/RNA purification, protein expression, column chromatography, and SDS-PAGE to support system development.
- Collaborated with team members to foster a positive, solutions-oriented lab environment, enhancing motivation and collective problem-solving.
- Maintained detailed experimental records to ensure compliance with research protocols and enable reproducibility.
- Project is transitioning into a continuation initiative in collaboration with the UCR School of Medicine, with goals for IRB-approved validation studies.
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
Social Chair
Mujeres Unidas de UCR
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Held a board position in a Latina women's empowerment organization focused on community, culture, and academic support.
- Oversaw programming and outreach initiatives advancing community engagement and academic support for Latina students.
- Expanded active membership by 55% through strategic event planning and targeted recruitment.
- Directed logistics, budgeting, and communications for large-scale events including the annual formal, multi-day retreat, and regional convention.
- Developed and facilitated workshops to promote leadership, empowerment, and professional growth.
Assistant Manager
Foot Locker Inc
08.2022 - 03.2025
- Promoted from Sales Associate to Assistant Manager in one year due to strong leadership and operational skills.
- Managed day-to-day operations including opening/closing procedures, inventory intake, register management, and store maintenance.
- Led and supervised a team of 30+ employees, coordinating schedules, approving timecards, and maintaining high performance during both operating and non-operating hours.
- Recruited, interviewed, and onboarded new hires aligned with company values, ensuring strong team culture and productivity.
- Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills by resolving customer concerns, training new employees, and adapting quickly during peak hours.
- Gained experience in time management, conflict resolution, and team leadership skills highly transferable to research and collaborative lab settings.
- Developed and implemented inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels.
Research Assistant
ACS Mesa Chem
08.2021 - 11.2022
- Collaborated with Dr. Synthia Chang, Chemistry Faculty Advisor for the ACS Mesa College Chem Club, on research projects exploring innovative chemical synthesis.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research projects and enhance knowledge base.
- This experience enhanced my skills in critical analysis, research methodologies, and collaborative scientific inquiry.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software to ensure research accuracy.
Sales Associate
Foot Locker Inc
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service, efficiently managing multiple customer needs during high-traffic periods.
- Handled daily cash transactions, online orders, and customer data with accuracy and professionalism.
- Learned to work under pressure and contribute to a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA06-2025
Associate of Science - Engineering
San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA05-2023
Skills
- Project & Time Management
- Leadership
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability
- Critical Thinking
- Literature Review & Scientific Writing
- Experimental Design & Data Analysis
- Python
- C
- Matlab
- Arduino IDE
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- COMSOL
- CLC Sequence Viewer
- 4Peaks
- Materials testing
- Electronics prototyping
Languages
English
Spanish
Timeline
Biotech R&D Intern
Athos Therapeutics
05.2025 - 08.2025
Researcher
UC Riverside
09.2024 - 06.2025
Social Chair
Mujeres Unidas de UCR
09.2024 - 06.2025
Assistant Manager
Foot Locker Inc
08.2022 - 03.2025
Research Assistant
ACS Mesa Chem
08.2021 - 11.2022
Sales Associate
Foot Locker Inc
08.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Science - Bioengineering
University of California, Riverside
Associate of Science - Engineering
San Diego Mesa College
Coursework
- BIEN 136 - TISSUE ENGINEERING, Explored scaffold fabrication, cell culture techniques, and regenerative medicine strategies to engineer biological tissues.
- BIEN 140A/140B - BIOMATERIALS, Focused on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials used in biomedical applications.
- BIEN 111 - STATS METHODS AND RESEARCH DESIGN, Introduced experimental design and statistical analysis techniques in biomedical contexts.
- BIEN 115 - QUANTITATIVE PHYSIOLOGY, Applied mathematical and computational models to analyze complex physiological processes.
- BIEN 105 - CIRCULATION PHYSIOLOGY, Provided a deep understanding of cardiovascular and respiratory systems through quantitative analysis.
- BIEN 110 - BIOMECHANICS OF THE HUMAN BODY, Focused on the mechanical behavior of musculoskeletal tissues.
- BIEN 120 - BIOSYSTEMS AND SIGNAL ANALYSIS, Emphasized physiological signal processing and systems modeling.
- BIEN 166 - BIOINSPIRED ENRG. FOR SUSTAIN ENERGY, Examined biological principles underlying energy generation and conversion.
- BIEN 130/130L - BIOINSTRUMENTATION, Combined lecture and lab components to introduce the principles of biomedical sensor technologies.
- BIEN 155 - BIOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY, Completed hands-on training in core bioengineering experimental techniques.
- BIEN 135 - BIOPHYSICS & BIOTHERMODYNAMICS, Introduced the application of thermodynamic principles to biological systems.
- BIEN 101 - QUANTITATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY, Offered a comprehensive look at cellular processes through the lens of engineering modeling and control.
- BIEN 125 - BIOTECHNOLOGY & MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING, Explored how to manipulate and optimize biochemical systems for biotechnological applications.
- BIEN 142 - INTRODUCTORY BIOMEDICAL OPTICAL IMAGING, Explored the design and principles of optical imaging systems used in diagnostics and biological research.