Alberto Richa
Glendora,CA
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Mentor / STEM Tutor
Mt. San Antonio College
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Provided academic support in biology, microbiology, chemistry, and introductory calculus.
- Developed study strategy instruction to improve learning efficiency and exam readiness.
- Advised students on course selection, professor choices, and navigation of college academics.
- Coached students in establishing strong study routines for STEM classes.
Student Research Assistant
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Analyzed voxelotor research to evaluate treatment potential for sickle cell disease.
- Designed recombinant DNA approach to engineer E. coli for hemoglobin production.
- Directed protein purification workflow following cell lysis.
- Applied SDS-PAGE analysis to confirm hemoglobin expression.
- Performed spectroscopy studies to assess oxygen-binding affinity of hemoglobin.
Medical Assistant
Foothill Medical Pain Management
Covina, California
02.2021 - 09.2021
- Managed patient flow for appointments from arrival through checkout.
- Coordinated upcoming appointment schedules for patients.
- Reviewed insurance eligibility for visits.
- Handled incoming phone calls.
- Delivered customer service support for patients of three doctors.
Back Office Medical Assistant
Family Practice Medical Service Inc.
Covina, California
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Collected vitals for incoming patients.
- Updated patient records after each visit.
- Drew blood samples and completed blood work forms.
- Administered B12 and TB injections.
- Recorded EKG results.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona05-2027
Associate of Science - Biology
Mt. San Antonio College
Pomona, CA01-2026
Skills
- Laboratory Techniques - Spectroscopy - SDS-PAGE - Western Blotting - Titration - Recombinant DNA techniques
- Laboratory Equipment - Micropipettes - Analytical balances - Burettes - Standard laboratory instrumentation
Languages
English Fluent, Spanish Conversational
Interests
Strength training, Billiards (8-ball and 9-ball)
Research Experience
NSF Summer Research Program Research Assistant, Mt. San Antonio College | Summer 2023, Principal Investigator: Dr. Melanie Cocco, Ph.D., Investigated the therapeutic mechanism of Voxelotor, a drug used to treat sickle cell disease, Produced and purified recombinant hemoglobin using E. coli expression systems, Conducted spectroscopy experiments to measure oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, Compared oxygen binding characteristics of hemoglobin in the presence and absence of Voxelotor, Followed strict laboratory protocols, safety procedures, and careful sample handling while working with biological materials
Timeline
Student Research Assistant
University of California, Irvine
06.2023 - 07.2023
Medical Assistant
Foothill Medical Pain Management
02.2021 - 09.2021
Peer Mentor / STEM Tutor
Mt. San Antonio College
01.2021 - 01.2024
Back Office Medical Assistant
Family Practice Medical Service Inc.
06.2020 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
California State Polytechnic University
Associate of Science - Biology
Mt. San Antonio College