Ellie Saj Micca Kennedy
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Proactive and disciplined pre-med student at the University of New Mexico, majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Health Medicine and Human Values. Offers two years of hands-on cancer research experience, demonstrating proficiency in sterile techniques, mouse procedures, and confocal microscopy, along with a solid background in project planning and presenting findings. Excels in collaborative team environments and public-facing roles while maintaining professionalism and humility. Driven to advance health equity and improve health outcomes for undeserved (Immigrant/Refugee and Native American) communities across New Mexico. Committed to starting medical school in Fall 2028 and with plans to pursue a residency in medical oncology with the intention of providing holistic, culturally competent, and accessible healthcare in New Mexico and Venezuela.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Projects Intern
New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Training and Development
06.2026 - 07.2026
- Applying logic modeling to plan and implement workforce development initiative centered around Public Health Career Guides
- Working alongside fellow interns and mentor to execute gap analysis of public health division workforce and services
- Learn from and network with a series of guest speakers form various sectors of the Department of Health
- Will partake in the Aspiring Leaders Academy trainings
Summer Intern
New Mexico Office of the Governor
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Completed professional development coursework via NM State Personnel Office
- Assisted with town halls in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Española
- Participated in departmental excursions to explore diverse components of state government and develop interpersonal skills.
- Attended to Constituent Service’s task including answering calls, scanning mail, and finalizing proclamations.
- Shadowed the then Health Policy Advisor Gina DeBlassie.
Undergraduate Student Researcher
University of New Mexico Cancer Research Facility
05.2024 - 07.2024
- Assisted with research conducted in Dr. Rita Serda’s lab
- In charge of lab organization and cleanliness
- Learned sterile technique and cell culture
- Specialized in blood collection and organ harvesting (mice); retro-orbital bleeding, exsanguination (closed chested); primarily extracted omentum, mesentery, and fat pads
- Capable of dosing (mice): tail vein, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, retro-orbital, gastric gavage, internasal installation
- Synthesis and functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and silicified cells
- Focused on elucidated the role of T-cells in efficacy of silicified cell-based toll-like receptor agonist cancer immunotherapy.
- Carried out a study assessing the effectiveness of prophylactic vaccination in reducing tumor burden.
- Collaborated with scientists from the department of Optical Science and Engineering to visualize the cellular landscape of intact mouse omentum via tissue clearing, immunofluorescence methods and 3D-Lighsheet miscropy
- Led studies focused on evaluating the impact of cancer and the immunotherapy on omental-milky spots
- Create and present posters at symposiums and conferences
Hostess / Busser
Los Cuates
03.2024 - 05.2024
- Greeted and seated customers
- Served drinks and cleaned tables
- Coordinated with servers in a fast-paced environment
- Strengthened communication, multitasking, and customer service skills
CURE Intern
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Attended weekly public health seminars and book club
- Completed lab safety trainings
- Learned basic lab skills such as micropipetting, protocol writing, and how to maintain a lab notebook
- Collaborated with pathologists and lab members to elucidate cell types upregulated by toll-like receptor agonist cancer cell vaccine in mice with BR5 ovarian cancer
- Utilized Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescences
- Trained on the LEICA Confocal Microscope and captured images that elucidated key information about the interactions between the vaccine and the tumor microenvironment
- Compiled a poster and presented findings at research symposium
Camp Counselor
Albuquerque Academy
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Facilitated activities and supported teachers
- Attended to children grades pre 1-3
- Practiced patience and empathy
- Enhanced self-awareness
Education
Anticipated Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05-2028
International Baccalaureate Diploma -
Sandia High School
Albuquerque, NM05-2024
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Reliability
- Interpersonal skills
- Data analysis and Documentation
Accomplishments
Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (04/17/2026)
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque New Mexico
Toll-Like Receptor Agonist Vaccine Mediated Enrichment of Omental Immune Niches in Ovarian Cancer
American Association for Cancer Research Ovarian Cancer Conference (09/19 - 21/2025)
Grand Hayatt, Denver Colorado
Tissue Clearing and Light-Sheet Microscopy: Spatial Dynamics of Omental Milky Spots
Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Symposium (08/04/2023)
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque New Mexico
Microbial Mimetic Platforms for Cancer Immunotherapy (Cell vs Microparticles)
Refereed Publications
Chakraborty T., Serda R., Kennedy E., & Sain N., BPS2026-Dynamic waist control for signal enhancement and multi-scale axial resolution in axially swept light-sheet microscopy. Biophysical Journal, 2026;4(1):125218a. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2025.11.1455
Marweed B, De May H, Kennedy E., et al. TLR Agonist Nano Immune Therapy Clears Peritoneal and Systemic Ovarian Cancer. Adv Health Mater. 2025;14(7):2402966. doi:10.1002/adhm.202402966
Marweed B, Medina LY, Kennedy E., et al. Regional immune mechanisms enhance efficacy of an autologous cellular cancer vaccine with intraperitoneal administration. Oncoimmunology. 2024;13(1):2421029. doi:10.1080/2162402X.2024.2421029
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Running: I am training for my first half-marathon in August 2026
- Hiking: You can find me roaming the Sandia Mountains on my days off
- Soccer: I started playing at 5 years old and still love to!,
- Chess and jigsaw puzzles are a must for me!
- I enjoy creating greeting cards for my friends and family members
Awards
- Dean’s List Spring 2025
- Presidential Scholar 2024 – Present
- Sandia High School’s International Baccalaureate Student of the Year 2024
- International Baccalaureate Top Science Student of the Year 2024
- Outstanding Leadership – Peer Helpers, Sandia Girls Soccer 4 Year Varsity Award
Timeline
Special Projects Intern
New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Training and Development
06.2026 - 07.2026
Summer Intern
New Mexico Office of the Governor
07.2024 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Student Researcher
University of New Mexico Cancer Research Facility
05.2024 - 07.2024
Hostess / Busser
Los Cuates
03.2024 - 05.2024
CURE Intern
University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
Camp Counselor
Albuquerque Academy
06.2022 - 07.2022
Anticipated Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of New Mexico
International Baccalaureate Diploma -
Sandia High School