Andrew Gomez Rico
Riverside,CA
Summary
My research interests lie in understanding the complex interactions
between the endocrine system and metabolism, and how they contribute to
the regulation of reproductive function. Specifically, I am passionate about
illuminating the underlying mechanisms that govern hormone synthesis
and regulation, as well as the intricate connections between neuroendocrine
and peripheral hormonal signals, metabolic cues, and environmental
insults.
In my most recent experiment, I investigated the effects of diet induced
obesity on male reproductive function to determine the mechanisms that
lead to dysfunctional male neuroendocrine signaling. I have assisted in
stereotaxic surgeries where cannulas were placed into the lateral ventricle
of the brain in a mouse model of diet induced obesity and we determined
that kisspeptin neuron function is suppressed due to heigh fat diet. I was
tasked with determining the potential use of Dynorphin A as a primary
antibody for the expression of kiss neurons in the ARC of mice brains. My
findings demonstrated that Dynorphin A has an 80-90% overlap with kiss
neurons, confirming its potential use as a primary antibody. To test this
hypothesis, I utilized control mice (kiss GFP Cre -) and experimental mice
(kiss GFP Cre +) to confirm that Dynorphin A could indeed be used as a
primary antibody to express kiss neurons.
Through my research, I am committed to advancing our understanding of
the complex interactions between the endocrine system, metabolism, and
reproductive function. By shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that
govern hormone synthesis and regulation, I believe that we can make
significant strides in the treatment of reproductive disorders, and reverse
metabolism damage, ultimately improving human health.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
UCR School of Medicine
Riverside, CA
08.2022 - Current
- Collected, labeled and stored lab samples according to laboratory specifications
- Collected data and performed laboratory experiments using standards and protocols
- Cleaned and sterilized lab area, tools and equipment
- Worked in collaborative setting to better understand data on the endocrine system and metabolism.
Organization Founder
La Hermandad de UCR
Riverside, CA
06.2022 - Current
- Devised organizational vision, mission and foundational structure to facilitate early growth
- Implemented robust policies and organizational structures to underpin successful expansion and drive continuous growth
- Developed clear mission, vision and culture for company as foundation for growth, branding and development of employee culture
- Created to increase the retention rate of latino men/Latinos in higher education through academics, social networking, and community service.
Community Service Chair/Academic Chair/Fundraising
Hermanos Unidos Organization
Riverside, CA
10.2019 - 07.2022
- Assisted in organizing and contacting local businesses that were interested in supporting Hermanos Unidos
- Provided support in the form of managing fundraising events and setting them up
- As a Community Service Chair continued to collaborate with local high schools and introduced higher education as a place Latino students can succeed and prevail
- Created volunteer opportunities in the organization in the form of mentorship, panels, and volunteering at local safe houses
- Oversaw the academic success of all current and incoming members.
Patient Experience Ambassador (PXA, - Postpartum U
Riverside Community Hospital
Riverside, CA
07.2020 - 10.2021
- Seek to add value to the patient experience by building connections through personal engagement and continuous rounding
- Assist the clinical staff in their daily clinical needs, which include taking vital signs
- Protected confidentiality of patient care information and treatments to prevent data breaches
- Assisted physicians by preparing patients for procedures, EKGs, phlebotomy, glucose testing and pulmonary function tests.
Health Scholar/Patient Experience
Riverside Community Hospital
Riverbank, CA
02.2020 - 10.2021
- Provide the best possible care for patients alongside nurses, physicians, and other care delivery team members
- Communicated to patients how long a task would take when assisted them and addressed their medical needs
- Prioritized patient care and was exposed to medical specialties with each rotation through different areas of the hospital
- Utilized Spanish to communicate with patients who were only Spanish-speaking provided them with a more comfortable environment and higher quality care.
Caregiver
Home Instead Senior Care Home
Riverside, CA
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries
- Created safe and positive living situations for clients by communicating with family and other staff about concerns or challenges
- Assisted with meal planning to meet nutritional plans.
Assistant
CSU Fresno's Center for Irrigation Technology Research/lab
Fresno, CA
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Working with hydraulic equipment from various industries
- Employed strong analytical and mechanical skills for proper setup and troubleshooting
- Assisted in developing technology and solutions for agriculture products
- Took a leadership role amongst peers and possessed a high aptitude for learning new technology
- Maintained laboratory equipment with regular inspections, calibration, and basic repairs.
Education
Bachelor's of Science - Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
The University of California, Riverside (UCR)
06.2023
Skills
- Mouse care and maintenance
- Genotyping
- Pipeting
- Assisted stereotaxic surgery
- Assisted Mice Brain injection
- Mice Brain dissection
- Profusion
- IP and ICV injections
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Cryostat Sectioning and mounting
- Lab equipment troubleshooting
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant
UCR School of Medicine
08.2022 - Current
Organization Founder
La Hermandad de UCR
06.2022 - Current
Caregiver
Home Instead Senior Care Home
01.2021 - 06.2021
Patient Experience Ambassador (PXA, - Postpartum U
Riverside Community Hospital
07.2020 - 10.2021
Health Scholar/Patient Experience
Riverside Community Hospital
02.2020 - 10.2021
Community Service Chair/Academic Chair/Fundraising
Hermanos Unidos Organization
10.2019 - 07.2022
Assistant
CSU Fresno's Center for Irrigation Technology Research/lab
06.2019 - 09.2019
Bachelor's of Science - Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology
The University of California, Riverside (UCR)
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