FRANCISCO ONG CASTILLO
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Yi Hong Lab
08.2025 - Current
- I assist a graduate student in developing polyurethane-based cardiac patches designed to increase cell proliferation and conductivity while maintaining consistent strain so the patches move properly with the heart as it pumps. To support this work, I utilize various organic and polymer synthesis techniques, conduct strain and stress tests on the patches, and have begun developing a database to inform a machine learning model aimed at generating novel biodegradable polyurethanes.
Research Assistant
Jongyun Heo Lab
01.2026 - 05.2026
- I investigated membrane‑dependent activation of RhoA by RhoGEFs under the guidance of a graduate student. My responsibilities included bacterial transformations, protein expression via IPTG induction, affinity chromatography, SDS‑PAGE, plasmid extraction, protein quantification by Bradford assay, and preparation of culture media and glycerol stocks.
Teachers Assistant
UTA
02.2025 - Current
- Working alongside an organic chemistry professor, I help oversee a course of over 130 students. I attend lectures to refine my own understanding of organic chemistry, then use office hours to teach students fundamental concepts, synthetic pathways, and reaction mechanisms in depth. In addition, I grade exams and manage student attendance, ensuring smooth course operations.
Tutor
General Chemistry
- I helped develop a specialized course for individual students designed to assist in their learning and understanding of general chemistry. Beginning from Significant Figures to Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry I focus on an in depth lesson plan to give students the best chance to ace their course.
Education
B.S. Biological Chemistry - Expected Dec 2026 -
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX05-2026
Skills
- Recombinant protein expression
- Affinity chromatography
- SDS‑PAGE
- Plasmid extraction
- Bradford assay
- Organic/Polymer synthesis
- Strain/Stress testing
- Immunostaining
- Cell Degradation Assays
- Aseptic Technique
- Microsoft Word/Excel
Affiliations
- Member, Chemistry and Biochemistry Society-Attend monthly meetings where we discuss upcoming group events, assist in tutoring for Chemistry exams, and discuss the current research each student is conducting on campus
Community Service
Volunteer, Feed My Starving Children, FMSC, Attend weekly events where multiple volunteers separate into multiple groups and for 2 hours we pack and sort over 20,000 meals for children in various countries like Peru and Guatemala.
Timeline
Research Assistant
Jongyun Heo Lab
01.2026 - 05.2026
Research Assistant
Yi Hong Lab
08.2025 - Current
Teachers Assistant
UTA
02.2025 - Current
Tutor
General Chemistry
B.S. Biological Chemistry - Expected Dec 2026 -
The University of Texas At Arlington