Itzel Lazcano
Chicago,IL
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Researcher – Ross Laboratory
Rush University Medical College
Chicago, IL
09.2022 - Current
- Investigate mechanisms underlying antiretroviral therapy–associated bone loss and weight gain in people living with HIV through integrated in vitro and in vivo studies.
Evaluate differential biological effects of tenofovir prodrugs (TDF vs TAF) on osteoblast and adipocyte function, contributing to multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Conduct experiments using osteoblast and adipocyte culture systems and humanized mouse models of HIV infection, supporting longitudinal analysis of bone mineral density and metabolic outcomes.
Perform molecular and biochemical assays including qPCR, ELISA, hormone quantification, and cell differentiation analyses across multiple experimental conditions.
Analyze signaling pathways involved in bone–fat endocrine communication, generating data presented at national conferences including the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Meeting.
Research Technician - Barua Laboratory
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
Chicago, IL
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Conducted research on ovarian cancer and endometriosis focusing on molecular biomarkers and early detection.
- Contributed to studies evaluating FSH receptor–targeted ultrasound imaging for ovarian cancer detection.
- Performed molecular biology assays and assisted with translational imaging and biomarker studies.
Education
Ph.D. - Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Rush University Medical College
Chicago, IL05-2027
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Rush University Graduate College
Chicago, IL04-2018
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Aurora University
Aurora, IL08-2017
Skills
- Cell & animal models: Osteoblast and adipocyte culture; humanized mouse models of HIV infection
- Molecular & biochemical techniques: qPCR, gene expression analysis, ELISA, hormone quantification, protein assay
- Statistical analysis: One-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple comparisons, correlation and regression analysis
- Research focus: HIV biology, antiretroviral therapy, bone-fat endocrine signaling
Publications
- Patel, N., Dulion, B., Lazcano, I., Shi, Q., Sharma, A., Hoover, D. R., Yin, M. T., Brown, T. T., & Ross, R. D. (2025). Antiretroviral-specific associations between bone hormonal changes and treatment-induced weight gain. AIDS, 39(15), 2241–2249.
- Lazcano, I., Ross, R. D., & Yin, M. T. (2025). Updates on bone health in people living with HIV: Global impact, prediction tools, and treatment. Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS.
- Allam, S., Paris, E., Lazcano, I., et al. (2022). Detection of cannabinoid receptor expression by endometriotic lesions. Journal of Immunology Research.
HONORS & AWARDS
- Network of Minority Health Research Investigators Travel Grant, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) -2025
- Oral Presentation Award, Rush University Trainee Research Day - 2025
- Shooting Star Chapters – Pioneering Innovative Podcast Award, Association for Women in Science (AWIS) - 2025
- T32 Fellowship – Initiative to Maximize Student Development, National Institutes of Health - 2023
Affiliations
- 2025–Present - Member, National Association of Science Writers (NASW)
- 2025–Present - Member, Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
- 2024–Present - Member, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
- 2023–Present - Member (Vice President for Finance & Fundraising, 2025–Present), Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
- 2018–2020 - Associate Member, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Certification
CITI Program Certifications (2020–Present)
- Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) - valid through 12/2029
- Human Subjects Research – Biomedical Data or Specimens Only Researchers - valid through 06/2026
- Basic Biosafety Training - valid through 06/2026
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) - valid through 06/2026
- Laboratory Chemical Safety - valid through 06/2026
Additional Compliance Training
- Recombinant DNA Clinical Coordinator Training, CITI Program - 08/2023–08/2026
- Research Security Training, CITI Program - 12/2025–12/2026
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Graduate Researcher – Ross Laboratory
Rush University Medical College
09.2022 - Current
Research Technician - Barua Laboratory
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
08.2018 - 08.2020
Ph.D. - Integrated Biomedical Sciences
Rush University Medical College
Master of Science - Biotechnology
Rush University Graduate College
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Aurora University