Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Technical Skills And Certifications
Publications And Intellectual Property
Timeline
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MAYLIN WONG GUERRA

Miami Lakes,FL

Summary

Results-driven scientist with a PhD in neuroscience and over a decade of experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, and pharmacological research. Specializes in discovering and developing cutting-edge therapeutic candidates across synthetic, biotechnological, and natural products. Demonstrates a deep understanding of neurological disorders and pharmacology, excels in leading multidisciplinary R&D projects, securing impactful publications and grants, drafting invention patents, and formulating protocols. Proven track record in establishing and optimizing laboratory settings to drive research efforts, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster innovation. Proficient in advanced laboratory techniques, in vitro/in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases, data analysis and experimental design, and advanced laboratory techniques. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting to changing needs and delivering impactful solutions.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

PhD (c) Neuroscience, Research Scientist

University of Santiago de Chile / Neuroinnovation Ltda.
01.2022 - 05.2025
  • Designed and successfully secured full funding for a PhD project in Neuroscience through an scholarship and a partnership with a technology innovation company Neuroinnovation Ltda.
  • Spearheaded university-industry collaborations to government-funded projects aimed at discovering novel therapeutic and cosmetic candidates, as well as developing cutting-edge technologies. Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across research institutions and companies, leading the successful drafting and submission of high-tech proposals.
  • Published high-impact journal articles, contributing to advancements in drug discovery (7).
  • Performed complex troubleshooting and assisted in leading initiatives to solve challenging scientific problems with novel assays.
  • Trained new students on relevant to lab setting and theses .

Scientist, Pre-clinical Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

CIDEM (Center for Drug Research and Development)
01.2013 - 12.2021
  • Led the development of a robust and reproducible in vitro and in vivo screening platform for neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke), accelerating early drug discovery by improving translational prediction of human efficacy and reducing compound validation time by 50%.
  • Secured over 10 competitive R&D and technology-driven projects (BMBF, CAPES, FONCI, ANID, FONDECYT), delivering preclinical packages that enabled successful transitions into clinical Phase I trials within accelerated timelines. Contributed to three IP filings for novel neuroprotective compounds (first and second medical use claims.
  • Collaborated with regulatory teams on IND-enabling documentation for a first-in-class candidate for dementia, supporting clinical translation under international regulatory frameworks and ensuring GLP-aligned study execution.
  • Completed international scientific training at leading neuroscience labs: Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Experimental Neurology, BMBF-funded) and UFRGS Brazil (CAPES-funded, developing deep expertise in cutting-edge translational models and therapeutic screening for neurodegeneration.
  • Trained and mentored over 10 early-career researchers and students across molecular biology, pharmacology, microsurgery, microscopy, behavioral assays, and cell culture, with 1–5 year mentorships under dementia-focused research programs.

Education

PhD - Neuroscience

Universidad De Santiago De Chile
04-2025

M.D. - Experimental Pharmacology

University of Havana
09-2016

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mention Biotecnology

University of Havana
09-2013

Skills

  • Drug discovery & development project coordination and design
  • Effective leadership in preclinical and translational research
  • Advanced scientific writing: grants, patents, peer-reviewed articles, SOPs, theses, reports
  • Laboratory techniques expertise
  • Data & image analysis: statistics, GraphPad, G*Power, MATLAB, ImageJ, AI-assisted tools
  • Data Validation & Quality Assurance
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Self-driven and results-oriented
  • Strong teamwork and international collaboration
  • Languages: Spanish (native), English (fluent)

Technical Skills And Certifications

Spectrophotometry UV-Vis, Western Blot, ELISA, HPLC/GC/MS, PCR, IHC, Electrophysiology, Flow cytometry, Protein production, Stereotaxic surgery, Behavioural tests (memory, motor, depression, addiction, pain), Cellular culture, Microbiology, General Analytic techniques, Statistic GraphPad Prism, SPSS, Matlab, AnyMaze, GCP (Good Clinical Practice), Good Animal Practice (GAP)

Publications And Intellectual Property

Wong-Guerra M, (...) Maccioni Ricardo B, Rojo-Castillo Leonel E. "Therapeutic Modulation of Neuroinflammation and Tau Pathology by the Enriched Fraction F15 from Andean Shilajit: A Novel Approach for Alzheimer’s Disease Management". Intellectual Property Process and Review 2025.

Wong-Guerra M, et al. Mitochondrial protective properties exerted by JM-20 in a dementia model induced by intracerebroventricular administration of streptozotocin in mice. Behav Brain Res. 2025 Mar 5; 480:115385

Wong-Guerra M, et al. JM-20 improves age-related cognitive impairment in mice. Neurochem Res. 2024 Nov 15;50(1):8.

Wong-Guerra M, Calfio C, Maccioni RB, Rojo LE. Revisiting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s: druggability of current targets. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Jun 9;14:1161850.

Andrade V, Wong-Guerra M, (...) Maccioni RB. Andean Shilajit as a neuroprotective agent for Alzheimer’s. Pharmaceuticals. 2023 4;16(7):960.

Patent PCT1/CU2017/050002: WO/2017/190713 “Benzodiazepine Derivative with Activity on the Central Nervous and Vascular Systems.”

Timeline

PhD (c) Neuroscience, Research Scientist

University of Santiago de Chile / Neuroinnovation Ltda.
01.2022 - 05.2025

Scientist, Pre-clinical Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

CIDEM (Center for Drug Research and Development)
01.2013 - 12.2021

PhD - Neuroscience

Universidad De Santiago De Chile

M.D. - Experimental Pharmacology

University of Havana

Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mention Biotecnology

University of Havana