Amanda N. Elias Rivera
Summary
Detail-oriented Research Assistant with hands-on experience performing clerical and laboratory work to advance research goals. Drives team success with expertise in data review, reporting and specimen handling. Specializes in Microbiology.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant Volunteer
University Of Florida-TMI Porras Lab
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Maintenance and passage of human and mouse cell lines used for experiments.
- Performed data analysis using software such as Excel, ImageJ, and GraphPad.
- Provided research support and assistance to biomedical engineering graduate students in the lab.
Laboratory Assistant
University Of Florida-Lorca Lab
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Utilized advanced analytical and laboratory techniques such as PCR, ELISA, electrophoresis, DNA and RNA extractions and quantification, cloning, and Western Blots.
- Maintenance and passage of human and mouse cell lines.
- Worked with infectious agents and carried out experiments in a BSL-2 laboratory.
- Followed and optimized written protocols related to microbiology, molecular and cell biology, virology, and immunology.
- Responsible for preparing samples, gels, and broths.
- Processed stool samples as part of a clinical trial, which involved handling, isolating and counting colonies, and making glycerol stocks.
- Responsible for sending out reminders to clinical trial participants regarding surveys and stool collection.
- Kept track of survey responses and updates related to the clinical trial, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
- Performed data analysis using software such as GraphPad and Excel.
- Organized and interpreted experimental results, generating graphs and statistical analyses, and summarizing findings.
- Presented ongoing progress reports at weekly lab meetings keeping all team members informed on the status of various projects.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Managed inventory of lab supplies, ensuring all necessary materials were readily available for experiments.
- Received training and certification for the handling, feeding, euthanization, and dissection of mice for the laboratory's mice project.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of Florida-Lorca Lab
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Responsible for the maintenance and passage of human and mouse cell lines.
- Preparation of liquid media and plates used for culturing microorganisms or supporting cell growth.
- Responsible for autoclaving various items, including trash, pipette tips, glassware, and liquids.
- Performed experiments under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of contamination, following strict aseptic techniques, such as working in a laminar flow hood, sterilizing instruments and surfaces, and practicing proper hand washing and gowning procedures.
- Recorded data and maintained source documentation following good documentation practices.
- Organized laboratory materials and maintained equipment for efficient daily operations.
- Contributed to the completion of multiple research projects, managing time effectively to meet deadlines.
- Compiled data into reports and disseminated to supervisor for review.
- Applied critical thinking skills when troubleshooting issues encountered during experimentation or while interpreting results from any collected data sets.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
- Recorded experimental findings in laboratory notebook to analyze and interpret experimental findings.
Student Tutor
Seminole State College-Academic Success Center
09.2019 - 10.2020
- Provided in-person and online assistance to 20+ college students in subjects such as Biology 1 & 2, Chemistry 1& 2, intermediate Algebra, college Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Trigonometry, Calculus 1 and Spanish.
- Hosted review sessions and lab practices to help students prepare for tests.
- Worked with special needs students and catered to their abilities and weaknesses.
- Streamlined complex concepts by relating them to familiar situations, making challenging material more accessible for students.
- Boosted student confidence and academic performance through consistent feedback and encouragement.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Microbiology: Microbiome And Health
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology: Natural Sciences
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL12.2022
Associate of Arts - Pharmacy (Pre-Pharmacy)
Seminole State College
Sanford, FL08.2020
Skills
- Microscopy
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Analytical Thinking
- Research and analysis
- Literature reviews
- Bioinformatics
- Excel
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Microsoft Office
- Problem-Solving
- Clinical Research
Contact Profile
787-397-7119, eliasamanda1999@gmail.com, a.eliasrivera@ufl.edu
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Research Assistant Volunteer
University Of Florida-TMI Porras Lab
09.2023 - 02.2024
Laboratory Assistant
University Of Florida-Lorca Lab
01.2023 - 09.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of Florida-Lorca Lab
05.2022 - 12.2022
Student Tutor
Seminole State College-Academic Success Center
09.2019 - 10.2020
Graduate Certificate - Microbiology: Microbiome And Health
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science - Biology: Natural Sciences
University of Florida
Associate of Arts - Pharmacy (Pre-Pharmacy)
Seminole State College
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