José Cruz Arzón, M.S.
Madison,WI
Summary
Accomplished research assistant with 4+ years of relevant hands-on laboratory experience in PCR and qPCR, molecular cloning techniques, RNAi, western blotting, protein binding assays, protein expression, purification, and precipitation, as well as tissue culture, and more. Skillful in data analysis, experimental design, and troubleshooting/problem-solving. Proficient ability to work and collaborate with others, manage and lead other research scientists in a team, analyze and present results/data in team meetings when needed, as well as working independently. Strong management of written and verbal communication skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2016 - 05.2023
- Designed, planned, proposed and performed research experiments with very minimum guidance.
- Applied PCR, molecular cloning techniques and site-directed mutagenesis to generate plasmids/constructs to understand protein structure and function.
- Generated CRISPR-Cas9 mutants for in vivo gene function studies.
- Quantified gene expression in vitro and in vivo using qPCR.
- Quantified protein expression in vitro by using ELISA.
- Precipitated and purified protein using several affinity tagging and immunoprecipitation techniques.
- Detected protein-protein interactions using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
- Silenced targeted genes to identify novel interactors in signaling pathway using RNAi in vivo.
- Detected protein palmitoylation (posttranslational modification) using Acyl-PEG and click-it chemistry.
- Identified novel binding partners for protein of interest using top-down mass spectrometry and 2D-gel.
- Produced a Master's degree level dissertation under the tittle: "The biochemical mechanisms of the DHHC palmitoyltransferase Approximated and its effects on growth and planar cell polarity in Drosophila melanogaster".
- Contributed to professionally-written scientific grants.
- Met regularly with research team to identify areas where support is needed, report data and lead team in journal club-style laboratory meetings to discuss current topics in the field.
- Prepared and lead departmental scientific presentations.
- Trained undergraduate and other graduate students in techniques and tools used in the laboratory.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Designed and developed material for laboratory-based course and delivered subject to students.
- Guided students in learning laboratory critical thinking skills, techniques and tools.
- Taught Neurobiology (ZOO523) and Introductory Biology (ZOO151) college-level courses for over 300 students in total across all semesters taught.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Worked with teachers in evaluating student progress, needs and gains.
- Offered office hours and one-on-one meetings with students to provide additional support and guidance to students.
- Advised and mentored students on navigating academic and professional goals with support and guidance.
Education
Master of Science - Integrative Biology/Biochemistry
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, WI05.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Biological Sciences
University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
Cayey, PR06.2016
Skills
- PCR
- qPCR
- RNAi
- ELISA
- Molecular cloning techniques
- CRISPR-Cas9
- Mutagenesis
- Protein expression, purification and precipitation
- Protein-protein interactions assays
- SDS PAGE and western blotting
- Click-it chemistry
- Mass spectrometry
- Cell/Tissue culture and transfection
- Confocal microscopy
- Data management and analysis
- Project multi-tasking
- Scientific presentation
- Research project designing and proposal
- Grant writing and reviewing
- Journal-club style literature review
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
09.2021 - 05.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
08.2016 - 05.2023
Master of Science - Integrative Biology/Biochemistry
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Biological Sciences
University of Puerto Rico - Cayey
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