- Developing my piano skills
- Playing with my dog Daisy and cat Lily
- Complex problem solving and learning a wide range of subjects
Nicholas Mercado
Denton,TX
Summary
Dedicated individual with a passion for student advocacy and mentoring, seeking opportunities to further develop skills in this field. Possessing excellent oral and written communication abilities, I have gained significant experience in guiding students of all ages through their academic courses. Greatest satisfaction comes from helping students find confidence and take control of their academic careers.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant
University Of North Texas
08.2022 - Current
- Develop and perform assays for the analysis of host-virus interactions in Mycobacterium smegmatis
- Prepare data summary write-ups as requested by PI
- Maintain laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, thermocyclers, incubators, and microscopes
- Maintain aseptic technique during all experiments
- Communicate findings to peers at yearly conferences
Lead Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center of Denton
05.2022 - Current
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
Research Assistant
University of Texas at Dallas
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Developed and validated an assay for time-scale analysis of Escherichia coli evolution
- Collaborated with peers on a novel protein evolution simulation program
- Reported findings weekly to PI
- Co-taught undergraduate biochemistry course
Director of Education
Sylvan Learning of Rockwall
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Prepared action plans to address caregiver concerns discovered through surveys, observations and monthly meetings with caregivers.
- Oversaw development and implementation of quality educational programs.
- Reviewed and refreshed individualized curriculum with students and caregivers to continuously improve quality of instruction.
- Observed teachers and students during sessions to gather data and improve instruction.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of North Texas
01.2017 - 05.2020
- Isolated and characterized several viruses infecting Streptomyces species
- Annotated viral genomes using a toolkit of bioinformatic programs
- Determined host range for various isolated viruses
- Co-taught undergraduate introductory research lab
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
University of North Texas
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Tutored students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Partnered with UNT Department of Chemistry faculty to plan and implement instruction following course's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
Supplemental Instructor
University of North Texas
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Led discussions and activities centered around course content.
- Recommended students for programs to enhance academic support through improved learning strategies.
- Received and processed student feedback to assess, evaluate and improve program.
- Increased retention by implementing mentoring program to reduce dropouts.
Education
Ph.D. - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05.2026
Master of Science - Bioinformatics And Computational Biology
The University of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05.2020
Skills
- Collaborative mindset
- Resource identification
- Student development
- Curriculum requirements expertise
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Academic monitoring
- Curriculum planning
- Career guidance
- Student advocacy
- Academic counseling
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficiency in R for statistical analysis
Interests
Timeline
Research Assistant
University Of North Texas
08.2022 - Current
Lead Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center of Denton
05.2022 - Current
Director of Education
Sylvan Learning of Rockwall
08.2020 - 05.2022
Research Assistant
University of Texas at Dallas
08.2020 - 08.2022
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
University of North Texas
08.2018 - 05.2019
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University Of North Texas
01.2017 - 05.2020
Supplemental Instructor
University of North Texas
08.2016 - 05.2018
Ph.D. - Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
University of North Texas
Master of Science - Bioinformatics And Computational Biology
The University of Texas At Dallas
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
University of North Texas
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