Carmen Victoria Balido-Dean
Tulane University School of Medicine
SAN ANTONIO,TX
1
Certification
2
years of professional experience
Recent Tulane University graduate with degrees in Neuroscience and Philosophy and a passion for understanding the connection between biological mechanisms and whole person health. My experiences in translational research, physical therapy, and patient care have shaped a holistic perspective that values the relationship between the mind, body, and environment in health and disease. Whether analyzing immunometabolic data in the laboratory or working one-on-one with patients in a rehabilitation setting, I am driven by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to improving lives through both scientific discovery and human connection. As an aspiring physician-scientist, I hope to contribute to research that bridges laboratory discoveries with meaningful clinical impact, particularly in neuroscience, neonatal health, nutrition, immunometabolism, and mental health.
Work History
Research Assistant
9 Months- Investigated HIV-induced immunometabolic reprogramming and the metabolic effects of antiretroviral therapy using translational neuroscience approaches.
- Conducted research examining metabolic alterations associated with HIV infection.
- Conducted research on metabolic alterations associated with HIV infection to enhance understanding of disease mechanisms.
- Performed statistical analyses of metabolomic datasets to identify key metabolic changes linked to HIV infection.
- Generated publication-quality data visualizations.
- Interpreted metabolic pathway changes, providing insights crucial for advancing ongoing research projects.
- Collaborated with laboratory members during data interpretation and project development.
- Principal Investigators: Dr. Norman Haughey; Dr. Pragney Deme
Vice President of Membership Experience
1 Year 2 Months- Managed leadership teams and chaired member selection and retention committees.
- Managed leadership teams and chaired committees to enhance member selection and retention.
- Developed programming that enhanced member engagement and fostered leadership development.
Physical Therapist Technician
2 Years 1 Month- Supported licensed physical therapists in designing and implementing patient rehabilitation plans.
- Assisted licensed physical therapists in patient rehabilitation.
- Prepared treatment areas and assisted with therapeutic modalities.
- Coordinated scheduling and managed clinic workflow to optimize patient flow in a high-volume outpatient setting.
- Relayed patient concerns and observations to treating therapists to inform treatment adjustments.
Cohort Lead – Neuroscience & Psychology
2 Years 4 Months- Mentored undergraduate neuroscience and psychology students, enhancing their academic understanding and engagement in the field.
- Provided academic advising, facilitating connections between students and professional development opportunities to support their career aspirations.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Assistant Teacher
3 Months- Created engaging lesson plans tailored to preschool students' developmental needs.
- Provided age-appropriate instruction that supported early childhood developmental milestones.
- Cultivated supportive learning environments that encouraged curiosity and enhanced social-emotional growth.
- Assisted in developing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience & Philosophy
- Relevant Coursework: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Neurobiology, Psychology, Organic Chemistry I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Physics I & II, Statistics
- GPA: 3.70
- Dean's List [2023-2026]
Bachelor of Science - Neuroscience & Philosophy
- Transferred to Tulane University after freshman year.
- GPA: 3.78
- Dean's List [2022-2023]
Skills
Data management
Scientific literature review
Microsoft Excel
PRISM
Google Sheets
PubMed
Scientific and patient communication
Team collaboration
Project organization
Critical analysis
Patient support
Affiliations
Tri Delta Fraternity
Certification
- CITI Program – Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for Clinical Trials
- CITI Program – Biomedical Research Investigators and Key Personnel
- CITI Program – Research Security
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Translational Medicine; Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience; Neonatal and Maternal-Fetal Health; Nutrition, Metabolism, and Immunometabolism; Psychiatric and Behavioral Neuroscience; Precision Medicine; Molecular Mechanisms of Disease
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Harry Thompson Center, 2026-01, 2026-05, Supported daily operations at a community health center serving individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Lake Forest Charter School, 2024-08, 2024-12, Developed and taught hands-on STEM lessons for elementary school students.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 2022-12, 2023-05, Volunteered in a hospital setting assisting clinical staff and supporting patient care operations.
- Methodist Hospital, 2018-08, 2022, Served in the Children's Operating Room and Oncology units assisting patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
HONORS & AWARDS
Tulane University — Dean's List (2023–2024, 2024–2025, 2025–2026)
Loyola University Chicago — Dean's List (2022–2023)
Timeline
Research Assistant
Tulane University School of Medicine
08.2025 - 05.2026Read More
Vice President of Membership Experience
Tri Delta
03.2025 - 05.2026Read More
Assistant Teacher
Joy Holistic Education
05.2024 - 08.2024Read More
Physical Therapist Technician
City Park Physical Therapy
04.2024 - 05.2026Read More
Cohort Lead – Neuroscience & Psychology
Tri Delta
01.2024 - 05.2026Read More
Tulane University
Bachelor of Science from Neuroscience & Philosophy
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Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Science from Neuroscience & Philosophy
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