Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Research Presentations
References
Timeline
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Gina Herrera

Montebello,California

Summary

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

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Student Researcher

University of Southern California, USC
07.2024 - 08.2025

Student Researcher

TRAINS
07.2024 - 08.2025

Gateway Tutor

Learning Assistance Center
01.2023 - Current

Tutor, Mathematics and Science

Learning Assistance Center
01.2023 - Current

Crew Member

McDonald's Restaurant
01.2022 - 01.2023

Associate of Science - Physics

Rio Hondo College

Bachelor of Science - Physics

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona