Dedicated STEM student with hands-on laboratory experience and a strong background in tutoring and student mentorship. Thrives in a collaborative environment and is eager to take on challenges associated with pivoting research topics.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Gateway Tutor
Learning Assistance Center
Whittier, California
01.2023 - Current
Conducted gateway tutoring for undergraduate calculus and physics courses.
Hosted and independently facilitated workshops for students.
Assisted instructors in preparing course materials and classroom setups.
Supported students by addressing questions and providing clarification on assignments.
Coordinated study sessions and tutoring for students needing extra help.
Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage student participation and engagement.
Instructed students individually or in groups to reinforce learning concepts.
Tutor, Mathematics and Science
Learning Assistance Center
Whittier, California
01.2023 - Current
Tutoring undergraduate calculus and physics series
Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Assisted students with homework and exam preparation strategies.
Fostered a supportive learning environment to encourage student confidence.
Helped students review and understand previous lessons to make connection with new lesson.
Student Researcher
University of Southern California, USC
Los Angeles, California
07.2024 - 08.2025
Analyzed protein samples using a variety of techniques, such as confocal microscopy, chromatography, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Performed sample preparation and protein purification using affinity columns and size exclusion methods to isolate and characterize the protein
Maintained mammalian cell cultures (adherent and suspension) through passaging, cryopreservation, and growth monitoring; performed mammalian transfection, and bacterial transformation protocols.
Troubleshooting laboratory protocols to improve recovery, and efficiency of samples.
Reviewed and summarized academic articles for team discussions.
Maintained accurate records of experiments and research activities.
Supported laboratory tasks, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Presented research findings at undergraduate academic conferences and internal meetings.
Student Researcher
TRAINS
Whittier, California
07.2024 - 08.2025
Prepared research reports and presentations for academic conferences.
Engaged in team meetings to discuss project progress and challenges.
Attended conferences and seminars related to the field of study.
Submitted writing assignments and study reports.
Crew Member
McDonald's Restaurant
Commerce, California
01.2022 - 01.2023
Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient service flow.
Performed cashier duties such as taking orders, collecting payments and providing change.
Completed opening and closing tasks such as setting up workstations, cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
Entered orders into computer system to send order details to kitchen, mentioning customers' special requests and food allergies in person.
Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area and kitchen.
Prepared food items according to safety and quality standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Physics
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA
05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Physics
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA
Skills
Laboratory techniques (eg mammalian cell culture, gel electrophoresis, DNA and protein purification, Bradford assays, centrifugation, pH and osmolality measurements, etc
Research methodologies
Data analysis (eg Microscopy data analysis, spectrophotometry data
Effective communication
Presentation skills
Skilled at learning new procedures
Problem solving
Team collaboration
Proficient in AutoCAD, Inventor, SketchUp, and Excel
Bilingual Spanish and English
Affiliations
STEAM Festival Rio Hondo College (03/09/2024)
Engineering Regional 0ccupation Program (08/2021-06/2022)
Certification
Principles of Biosafety (BIO)
General Lab Safety Training Online (GLS)
Research Presentations
Herrera G. "Studying Synapsin Condensation: First Steps". Poster presented at the TRAINS undergraduate research Symposium, 2024