Jennifer Villanueva
Sacramento,CA
Summary
Experience in handling meristem cultures for various tree species from FPS collection , ensuring proper proliferation and root development based on pathogen assessments. Demonstrated ability to maintain a comprehensive inventory of over 250 in-vitro cultivars of Cannabis while adhering to laboratory safety protocols and aseptic techniques. Proficient in executing shoot tip excisions for different varieties of Cannabis, grapes and various trees (e.g. nectarine, peaches, cherries).
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Research Associate I (TES, May-Oct 21, 2026)
Foundation Plant Services, UC Davis
Davis, California
05.2026 - Current
- Select and collect materials from FPS collection in screen houses and greenhouses such as grapes and other trees (e.g. nectarines, peaches, olives, apples, cherries) and follow standard procedures for excision.
- Ability to select, collect and scan grape materials for excision while maintaining a high survival rate.
- Handled meristem cultures for trees (e.g., nectarine, cherries, peach) to prepare for proliferation and determine root development needs in sterile culture based on initial pathogen results.
- Labeled transferred plants to maintain accurate database records for tracking and research purposes.
- Ensured compliance with UC Davis FPS laboratory safety requirements and utilized ADAPT system for tissue culture with minimal oversight.
Research Associate II
Conception Nurseries
South Sacramento, CA
12.2022 - Current
- Managed 250+ in-vitro cultivars in cold storage to ensure optimal preservation and availability for research
- Led introduction and onboarding of new plant varieties, enhancing diversity for ongoing research initiatives
- Maintained inventory and health of newly introduced cultivars to support successful integration into production
- Executed shoot tip excision procedures on new Cannabis plants for Cannabis plant introductions
Tissue Culture Technician
Conception Nurseries
South Sacramento, CA
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Cut and transferred plants to fresh medium, ensuring strict adherence to aseptic techniques to maintain culture integrity
- Primary Trainer- Provides guidance and training to new hires and refresher for to tissue culture technicians
- Assisted in conducting various experimental trials
- Sorted and planted various plant species
Laboratory Assistant (Agronomy and Soil Science Department)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Los Baños
12.1995 - 01.1997
- Focused on phosphorus management in upland soils under rice and soybean production.
- Performed data collection and field work to obtain soil samples for laboratory analysis
Research Lab Assistant (Plant Tissue Culture Lab-Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
Los Baños
01.1994 - 12.1995
- Utilized aseptic techniques and the maintenance of sterile fields to perform proper tissue culture.
- Routinely performed molecular biology techniques such as genomic DNA extraction.
- Maintained laboratory equipment.
- Performed laboratory analysis, maintained and operated instruments and equipment.
Education
B.S. - Biology major in Microbiology
University of the Philippines
Los Baños, PhilippinesAssociate Degree - Addiction Studies
Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CASkills
- Hands-on experience in initiating and maintaining plant tissue cultures (specifically rice, Cannabis and trees )
- Knowledge of aseptic techniques to set up and maintain sterility of room and instruments
- Experience in operating lab and experimental equipment such as microscope, centrifuge, autoclaves
- General laboratory skills such as weighing, pipetting, streaking samples into tubes and agar plates
- Able to follow protocols and to effectively communicate results in both written and oral forms
- Ability to follow directions and standard procedures and to carry out duties independently
Personal Information
Title: Meristem Tissue Culturist and Research Associate
LANGUAGES
Tagalog and English
Timeline
Staff Research Associate I (TES, May-Oct 21, 2026)
Foundation Plant Services, UC Davis
05.2026 - Current
Research Associate II
Conception Nurseries
12.2022 - Current
Tissue Culture Technician
Conception Nurseries
05.2021 - 12.2022
Laboratory Assistant (Agronomy and Soil Science Department)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
12.1995 - 01.1997
Research Lab Assistant (Plant Tissue Culture Lab-Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division)
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
01.1994 - 12.1995
B.S. - Biology major in Microbiology
University of the Philippines
Associate Degree - Addiction Studies
Los Angeles Pierce College