Ingrid Balbuena Diaz
Escondido,CA
Summary
Curious individual looking to improve aspects of the health and agricultural sectors through biotechnology. Comfortable with deep molecular laboratory techniques such as PCR, RT-PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, Gel Electrophoresis, and SDS-page. Experience in genetic engineering, plant tissue culture, research proposals, and selective breeding. Assisted in the design verification phase of an ELISA-Assay-based medical device as Research Assistant with Astute Medical.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
Astute Medical
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Assisted in the design verification phase of the launch and commercialization of Astute Medical's medical device for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Used proteins in Biosafety Level II specimens as biomarkers for AKI in the medical device's ELISA Assay.
- Recorded experimental findings in laboratory notebook to analyze and interpret experimental findings.
- Distilled large amounts of information and produced reports, spreadsheets and documents outlining key details.
- Validated assay data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns with the purpose of submitting to the FDA.
- Scanned-in, organized, and kept inventory of sample specimens in Astute Medical's sample bank.
- Set-up, operated, calibrated and performed preventative maintenance on various types of lab instruments and equipment.
- Filed and submitted nonconformance reports when equipment failed to meet quality standards and looked to resolve the issue.
- Worked in conjunction with immediate team and other departments to meet company goals.
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory
University Of California, Davis
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Immersed into deep molecular laboratory techniques to carry-out a bioinformatics analysis of four candidate genes for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat.
- Used an array of computational tool to determine gene expression, evolutionary history, and DNA and protein analysis to determine the gene's potential contribution to NUE in wheat.
- Transformed tobacco plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens to become acquainted with tissue culture techniques.
- Learned to assess selectable and scorable markers using selective media and other assays.
- Wrote computational and laboratory findings in a laboratory notebook to keep track of data.
Breeder for Small Grains in Organic Agriculture
UC Davis Plant Breeding Center
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Select small grain varieties based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of previous generations
- Strove to improve yield, weed competitiveness, disease resistance and distinctive taste profiles by breeding thoroughly-analyzed lines that exhibited our traits of interest.
- Evaluated new varieties with an array of assays such as micro-sedimentation and baking tests.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
Research Proposal Experience
University Of California, Davis
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Researched multiple primary sources on psychedelics (in particular N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)), anxiety, depression, and how the neuralplasticity-promoting psychoactive compounds can provide anxiolytic and anti-depressive effects those suffering from mental illnesses.
- Worked in conjunction with other scientists in the field to create a study that assessed the safety of psychoplastogenic drugs with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.
- Met weekly with mentors, professor, and scientists in the field to discuss findings, research proposal logistics, progress, and receive constructive criticism to develop a relevant and accurate study.
COVID-19 Tester
University Of California, Davis
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Collect at least 60 saliva samples per shift from asymptomatic UCD students and affiliates.
- Strictly followed CDC guidelines and maintained aseptic fields when collecting biological samples to minimize patient and staff infection risk.
- Stored and processed samples according to facility protocols.
Genetic Systems Engineer (Facciotti Lab)
University Of California, Davis
01.2018 - 06.2018
- Created different genetic promoter and ribosome binding site (RBS) constructs.
- Transformed novel constructs into competent Escherichia coli cells
- Evaluated how novel constructs influenced gene expression using red fluorescent protein and a measurable marker.
- Used spectrophotometer to measure transformed E. coli's optical density.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of California - Davis
Davis, CA06.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
University of California - Davis
Davis, CA06.2022
Skills
- PCR, DNA/RNA isolations, ELISA assay, aseptic technique, nanodrop, gel electrophoresis, pipetting, tissue culture, bacterial isolations, BSL-2 lab experience, plant breeding, data analysis, familiar with Microsoft 365 software
- Organized, documentation and record-keeping skills, fast-learner, curious, independent worker, team player, communicative, quality work ethic, fluent in Spanish (written and spoken)
Timeline
Research Assistant
Astute Medical
09.2022 - 04.2023
Plant Genetics and Biotechnology Laboratory
University Of California, Davis
01.2022 - 06.2022
Research Proposal Experience
University Of California, Davis
04.2021 - 06.2021
Breeder for Small Grains in Organic Agriculture
UC Davis Plant Breeding Center
01.2021 - 07.2021
COVID-19 Tester
University Of California, Davis
01.2021 - 04.2021
Genetic Systems Engineer (Facciotti Lab)
University Of California, Davis
01.2018 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
University of California - Davis
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
University of California - Davis
Similar Profiles
MARJORIE ANDRADA JAVIERMARJORIE ANDRADA JAVIER
Associate Director, Data Management at Astute Medical, Inc (bioMerieux)Associate Director, Data Management at Astute Medical, Inc (bioMerieux)
Khushbu KaPatelKhushbu KaPatel
Research Associate at Astute Medical Inc- BioMérieuxResearch Associate at Astute Medical Inc- BioMérieux
Luca BrocklehurstLuca Brocklehurst
Work Experience at Astute Private WealthWork Experience at Astute Private Wealth
Kyle AllenKyle Allen
Research and Development Engineer at Baker TillyResearch and Development Engineer at Baker Tilly
Elissa BootsmaElissa Bootsma
Tutor at Escondido Christian School Counseling DepartmentTutor at Escondido Christian School Counseling Department