Joanna Roacho
Victorville,CA
Summary
I am an experienced Senior Research Associate with expertise in molecular biology. I have contributed to cancer diagnostics. My experience spans product development, managing lab safety, and working with Next-Gen Sequencing workflows. I hold a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am passionate about continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Lab Technician
Keurig Dr Pepper
Victorville, California
07.2026 - Current
- Conducted quality tests on beverages, ensuring adherence to safety standards and enhancing product safety.
- Analyzed samples using established testing methods to verify product integrity.
- Maintained laboratory equipment and ensured proper calibration for accurate results.
- Collaborated with production teams to identify and resolve quality issues, improving overall product quality.
- Documented test results and quality control processes, maintaining compliance with regulations to support quality assurance.
- Documented essential data through capture forms to ensure accuracy, equipment logbooks or inventory forms to support testing procedures.
Quality Lab Analyst
Rio Tinto
Boron, CA
07.2025 - 01.2026
- MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) Certification
- Ensured quality of processes and products through rigorous physical and chemical testing, contributing to compliance with safety standards.
- Conducted inspections and calibrations of analytical instruments to ensure safety and functionality, supporting accurate analytical results.
- Proficiently utilized analytical instruments such as IC, ICP-OES, and UV-VIS, enhancing lab efficiency.
- Employed XRF technology to test the percentage of arsenic in products.
- Applied ion chromatography techniques to test for sulfate and sodium levels.
- Recorded and reported data accurately, enabling timely resolution of issues and enhancing overall lab communication.
Senior Research Associate
Dermtech Inc.
San Diego, CA
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with principal scientist to re-develop 4 gene pigmented lesion assay, enhancing test accuracy and precision using qPCR platform.
- Design and execute validation experiments, improving analytical sensitivity, reportable range, and LOD.
- Evaluated gene panels for Hidradenitis Suppurativa project in collaboration with Stanford, advancing research initiatives.
- Develop Health and Wellness Panel for consumer market, utilizing Dermtech's smart sticker technology.
- Proficient in molecular biology techniques like RT-qPCR and qPCR.
- Acquired basic skills in utilizing statistical analysis software including JMP, GraphPad, and excel spreadsheets.
- Created presentations for weekly team meetings, effectively communicating project updates and fostering team alignment.
- Revised, edited, and developed standard operating procedures.
- Managed general laboratory upkeep, including ordering reagents and inventory, overseeing equipment maintenance, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Conducted lab tours and safety inspections.
- Managed lab safety and flammable inventory.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance while fulfilling duties as R&D Safety Representative.
Senior Research Associate
Predicine Inc.
Hayward, CA
08.2018 - 05.2022
- Collaborated on Next-Gen Sequencing projects, executing plasma isolation, extraction, fragmentation, library preparation, hybridization enrichment, and sequencing.
- Collaborated with R&D and Clinical Ops to prepare sample material for analytical validation of workflows, ensuring project success.
- Trained and mentored new team members on SOPs and workflows to maintain high-quality standards and enhance team capabilities.
- Implemented Fragment Analyzer 5300, reducing costs, increasing sample capacity, and improving turnaround times.
- Processed COVID-19 specimens in infectious disease department, supporting efficient pandemic response efforts.
- Utilized LIMS system to accession and track COVID-19 specimens.
- Assisted clinical laboratory staff in a CLIA/CAP accredited lab by performing routine sample processing tasks.
- Obtained training for Illumina sequencing platform Next Seq 550 for maintenance and operational use.
- Have experience working with Nova Seqs as well.
- Experience working with different sample types, whole blood, plasma, cfDNA, gDNA, RNA, urine, etc.
Equipment Associate
Natera
San Carlos, CA
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Managed equipment calibrations and IQOQ procedures, ensuring lab efficiency and compliance.
- Developed Excel-based tracking system, improving R&D asset management.
- Coordinated onsite technician visits with vendors, enhancing collaboration across functions.
- Mentored interns in lab techniques and provided support to scientists for complex equipment needs, contributing to overall lab proficiency.
- Mentored interns and taught them how to use basic lab equipment.
- Shadowed scientist during library preparation to gain insights into product development processes.
Lab Technician
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD)
Hayward, CA
08.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed expertise in molecular biology techniques using DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
- Managed mosquito colonies and conducted fieldwork to support effective mosquito control efforts.
- Collaborated on research project to surveil culex erythrothorax mosquito, identifying potential mammalian and avian species it feeds on.
- Used microscopes to identify mosquito species, contributing to accurate data collection.
- Presented research findings at MVCAC conference, fostering industry connections and enhancing understanding of vector control strategies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry
California State University East Bay
Hayward, CASkills
- Quality control
- Chemical testing
- Data analysis
- Process optimization
- Laboratory safety
- Accurate record-keeping
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
- qPCR techniques
- Lab operations
- Research and analysis
- Next Gen Sequencing
- Analytical testing
Certification
- NEXTSEQ 550 DX SYSTEM TRAINING, Illumina, 04/01/22
- AmpliSeq for Illumina Library Prep Training, Illumina, 01/01/23
- Biosafety Officer Training - Basic / Initial, CITI Program, 08/01/23, 08/01/24
- Group 3 Good Clinical Practice and ICH (GCP), CITI Program, 06/01/22, 08/01/24
Publications
- Tan, W., Zheng, T., Wang, A., Roacho, J., Thao, S., Du, P., Jia, S., Yu, J., King, B. L., & Kohli, M., Dynamic changes in gene alterations during chemotherapy in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer., Scientific Reports, 12, 1, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08520-6
- Kaur, K., Ai, R., Perry, A. G., Riley, B., Roberts, E. L., Montano, E. N., Han, J., Roacho, J., Lopez, B. G., Skelsey, M. K., Childs, M. V., Childs, J. N., Dobak, J., Ibarra, C., Jansen, B., Clarke, L. E., Stone, S., & Whitaker, J.W., Skin cancer risk is increased by somatic mutations detected noninvasively in healthy-appearing sun-exposed skin., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2024.02.017
Timeline
Quality Lab Technician
Keurig Dr Pepper
07.2026 - Current
Quality Lab Analyst
Rio Tinto
07.2025 - 01.2026
Senior Research Associate
Dermtech Inc.
05.2022 - 06.2024
Senior Research Associate
Predicine Inc.
08.2018 - 05.2022
Equipment Associate
Natera
02.2018 - 08.2018
Lab Technician
Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD)
08.2017 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Minor Chemistry
California State University East Bay