Bárbara de la Peña Avalos
San Antonio
Summary
Accomplished research scientist with over 10 years of expertise, specializing in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, and DNA repair. Demonstrated expertise in mammalian cell culture, protein biochemistry, CRISPR/Cas9, and data analysis, producing award-winning research. Proven ability to mentor trainees and lead collaborative projects, showcasing attention to detail, strong critical thinking, and adaptability in high-impact experimental design.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UT San Antonio
01.2023 - Current
- Lead research on APOBEC3B regulatory mechanism and genome stability.
- Design and execute high-impact experiments.
- Coordinate manuscripts and multi-lab collaborations.
- Mentor trainees and guide experimental strategy.
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UT Health San Antonio
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Elucidated EYA4 molecular functions in HR, replication stress and cancer.
- Produced award-wining research and first-author publications.
- Executed integrative molecular and biochemical studies.
Education
PhD - Biomedical Sciences
Queensland University of Technology
Australia01.2019
M.Sc. - Molecular & Cell Biology
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Spain01.2014
Postgraduate Specialization - Molecular Biology & Genetics
INVEGEM & Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Guatemala01.2013
M.A. - Forensic Sciences
Universidad Mariano Gálvez de Guatemala
Guatemala01.2012
B.Sc. - Biochemistry & Microbiology
Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
Guatemala01.2009
Skills
- Mammalian cell culture
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Western Blotting
- Immunofluorescence
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunoprecipitation
- Flow cytometry
- DNA fibers
- CRISPR/Cas9
- DNA/RNA assays
- Mouse xenografts
- Protein expression
- Protein purification
- Supply ordering
- Protein biochemistry
- Microscopy
- Sequence analysis
- Experimental Design
- Assay Development
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Recordkeeping skills
- Scientific writing
- Experimental design
- Collaborative research
- Data visualization
Affiliations
- ASBMB
- NPA
- Mays Cancer Center Affiliate
- OWSD
Selected Presentations
- Invited Talk, EYA4 as a regulator of genomic stability, International Conference on Molecular Biology & Nucleic Acids, 2019
- Oral Presentation, PAH Health Symposium, 2017
- Oral Presentation, IHBI Inspires, 2016
- Poster Presentation, SAPRF, 2023
- Poster Presentation, LSOM Symposium, 2023
- Poster Presentation, LSOM Symposium, 2022
- Poster Presentation, GRGR Conference, 2019
- Poster Presentation, TRI/PAH, 01/01/15, 12/31/17
Mentoring And Teaching
- Mentored high school, undergraduate, and M.Sc. trainees (2015–2023).
- Lab instructor for ELISA and genome‑rearrangement research modules.
- Presenter at Science Expo and STEM outreach activities.
Service And Professional Activities
- Reviewer, Scientific Reports
- Guest Co‑Editor, JoVE DNA Damage Collection
- Poster Judge, Viva Science San Antonio, 01/01/23, 12/31/25
- Admissions Interviewer, Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy, 01/01/23, 12/31/25
Fellowships And Awards
- Co‑PI, Princess Alexandra (PA) Research Support Scheme Fellowship, 01/01/15, 12/31/18
- Key Personnel, NHMRC/Cancer Council Queensland Grant, 01/01/16, 12/31/18
- Jonathan S. Nishimura Memorial Travel Award, 2023
- Top Research Poster, LSOM, 2022
- Research Day Winner, 2019
- Multiple poster awards, 01/01/15, 12/31/17
Selected Publications
- First-author, Nucleic Acids Research, 2023
- First-author, Molecular Cancer, 2023
- Co-author, Molecular Cell, 2024
- Co-author, Molecular Cancer, 2024
- Co-author, Science Advances, 2021
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UT San Antonio
01.2023 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Associate
UT Health San Antonio
01.2019 - 01.2023
PhD - Biomedical Sciences
Queensland University of Technology
M.Sc. - Molecular & Cell Biology
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Postgraduate Specialization - Molecular Biology & Genetics
INVEGEM & Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
M.A. - Forensic Sciences
Universidad Mariano Gálvez de Guatemala
B.Sc. - Biochemistry & Microbiology
Universidad del Valle de Guatemala