LUIS Ken Rangel
Pasadena,United States
Summary
Dedicated to the pursuit of learning, professionalism, and teamwork. I am a driven and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in biological research and lab management. I am skilled in leading teams, optimizing lab operations, and maintaining rigorous standards in high-stress environments. I am excited about the potential to learn, grow, and contribute my skills to achieving our team’s goals. With my strong academic and personal integrity, I can be a valuable and dependable addition to your lab.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II
Cedars-Sinai's Regenerative Medicine Institute
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Orchestrated the setup of a second lab location, originating from UCSF, at Cedars-Sinai, transforming three empty lab bays into fully operational research spaces in three months.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, neighboring labs, and administrators to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure ongoing operations.
- Oversaw lab inventory management, maintaining sufficient stocks of disposables, consumables, and equipment.
- Conducted gastrointestinal stem cell research, focusing on cell culture models, differentiation of iPSCs into human intestinal organoids, and running molecular & cell biology assays for biomedical applications (Wet & Dry Lab Techniques).
- Authored and standardized lab protocols to promote consistent and reliable experimental procedures.
- Maintained detailed records of experiments, results, and analyses to uphold data integrity and reproducibility.
- Developed and presented research findings at lab meetings, driving discussions and outlining future research directions.
PROJECT SCIENTIST
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Developed a research project with Dr. Thomas Osberger (Professor of Organic Chemistry) to combine my passion for Research, Neuroscience, and Organic Chemistry
- Project Title: Synthesis of CNS Medications to improve BBB permeability
- Trained in Organic Chemistry Lab techniques and Data Analysis Software (NMR analysis, MestReNova, Chromatography, Synthesis Reactions, Chemdraw, etc.)
- Design clear and concise research posters/presentations to explain complex topics, experiments, and results
- Develop research procedures and adapt to plan on experimental findings
- Proficient in computer software for performing multivariate statistical data analyses.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT INTERN
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Assisted Dr. Glen Kageyma (Professor of Neuroscience) in research on the effects of exercise, cognitive tasks, or both on neuronal growth in the hippocampus
- Project Title: Effect of Enriched Environments on interneuron Hippocampal development
- Assisted in the development of specialized NADPH-d Positive interneuron staining methods for hippocampal rat tissue, improving data collection and analysis
- Trained in wet lab techniques such as tissue sectioning (cryostat) and staining
- Utilized dry lab techniques by generating & analyzing experimental data for statistical and comparative analysis across various conditions
- One of 4 selected to participate in the research team that competed and won at the 2020 Cal Poly Pomona Student RSCA Conference & 3rd at the CSU System-Wide Student Research Competition.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA05.2022
Skills
- Laboratory Inventory & Management
- Familiar with Procurement Software
- Proactive and Organized, to ensure a consistently stocked lab
- Lab Equipment Calibration and Familiarity (Autoclave, Cryostat, Centrifuge, TC Incubator etc)
- Tissue Culturing and Aseptic technique
- DNA & RNA Extraction and Analysis
- In-Vivo Organoid embedding
- Organoid Histology & Immunohistochemistry (Identify structures & stage)
- General Lab Abilities (Pipetting, Serelogicals, Making Media, Organized & Clean Lab Bench etc)
- CITI Trained & Certified for Animal and Human Research
Extracurricular Activities
Mentored Transfer Students 4 Years Of Undergraduate Research President of the Pre-Medical Student Association Tutored: Calculus, General & Organic Chemistry
Awards
- Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.87)
- President's List
- Dean's List
- Winner of 2020 CSU SystemWide Student Research Competition
Volunteer Experience
CLUB PRESIDENT, Pre-Medical Student Association (PMSA) - Cal Poly Pomona, Aug 2019-May 2022
- Ascended from club member to representative, then President through successive elections.,
- Set a club member & attendance record with 120 members during my term, reflecting effective recruitment and engagement strategies.,
- Orchestrated biweekly meetings, a large-scale health conference, and multiple volunteer events, enhancing community involvement.,
- Delegated tasks and managed schedules, ensuring efficient team operations and goal achievement.,
- Formulated and enforced policies and goals that strengthened the organization's structure and outreach.,
- Fostered robust partnerships with major healthcare organizations (e.g., City of Hope, Keck Hospital, Be the Match) and enhanced collaboration with university administration and other clubs.
EVENT ORGANIZER & VOLUNTEER, City of Hope & Be the Match - Cal Poly Pomona, Feb 2022-Feb 2022
- Planned, Organized, and volunteered for a City of Hope and Be The Match event to add students to the bone marrow donor registry.,
- Coordinated services for events, such as correct permits, tent accommodation, transportation for organization workers, facilities, catering, signage, documents, and equipment required to be added to the registry.
Timeline
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II
Cedars-Sinai's Regenerative Medicine Institute
11.2022 - 12.2023
PROJECT SCIENTIST
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
11.2022 - 12.2023
RESEARCH ASSISTANT INTERN
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
08.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Similar Profiles
Manasi PatilManasi Patil
PhD Scholar at Manipal Institute of Regenerative MedicinePhD Scholar at Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine
Isabella PoulesIsabella Poules
Medical Technician at Maharaj Institute of Regenerative MedicineMedical Technician at Maharaj Institute of Regenerative Medicine
Parnaz BoodaghParnaz Boodagh
Senior Research Scientist at McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineSenior Research Scientist at McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine