NICOLE BERRIOS
San Antonio,San Antonio
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented newborn hearing screener and research assistant with foundational experience. Skilled in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and biological sample handling with a strong emphasis on accuracy, sterile technique, and data integrity. Brings a collaborative mindset, strong observational skills, and a deep interest in disease mechanisms and diagnostics. Committed to advancing knowledge in pathology through disciplined lab work, scientific curiosity, and continuous professional growth. Research professional with track record of supporting academic projects through meticulous data collection and analysis. Proven ability to work collaboratively in team settings to achieve research goals and adapt to evolving project requirements. Expertise in utilizing statistical software and maintaining accurate documentation.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Biorepository Research Assistant
START Center for Cancer Research
San Antonio, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Managed clinical and non-clinical biospecimens (fresh, frozen, FFPE, slides), including inventory control, and monthly capacity reporting in a research biobank setting.
- Collaborated with pathology and research teams on FFPE processing, IHC, TMA preparation, slide review, imaging, and antibody coordination.
- Selected and distributed biospecimens for in vivo research and collaborative studies based on project needs and sample availability.
- Compiled, organized, and analyzed biobank and model data for past, ongoing, and prospective research projects.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
- Managed laboratory inventory, ensuring availability of necessary materials for ongoing experiments.
- Coordinated scheduling of meetings and events to enhance team collaboration and project progress.
- Documented experimental protocols and results, maintaining accurate records for compliance purposes.
Newborn Hearing Screener
Pediatrix Medical Group
San Antonio
01.2023 - 01.2023
- Conduct standardized hearing screenings on newborns using Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) devices.
- Ensure accurate electronic documentation and track patient data in compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Communicate findings and procedure information clearly to nurses, pediatricians, and NICU staff to integrate screenings into time-sensitive care plans.
- Apply infection control and handle protocols aligned with clinical and lab-grade standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure timely follow-up care for at-risk infants.
- Educated parents on the importance of early detection and intervention for hearing loss.
- Trained new staff members on screening techniques and documentation practices, fostering team competency.
- Improved newborn hearing screening rates by implementing efficient testing procedures and proper documentation.
- Coordinated with nursing staff to arrange a timely screening for each newborn, minimizing disruptions to the daily workflow of the hospital unit.
- Maintained accurate records of all newborns screened, ensuring compliance with state regulations and hospital policies.
- Assisted in maintaining supplies and equipment inventory within the department, ensuring that all necessary materials were available for efficient operation.
- Adhered to strict infection control protocols during screenings, ensuring the safety and well-being of all infants under my care.
- Assisted in maintaining accurate records of screening results and follow-up actions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Texas A&M University
San Antonio12.2024
Skills
- Interdisciplinary team collaboration
- Time management in high volume settings
- Medical documentation and data entry
- Microsoft office
- Multitasking and organization
- Analytical thinking
- Data analysis
- Attention to detail
- Specimen handling
- Laboratory equipment operation, calibration, and maintenance
- Prioritization and organization of tasks for efficient completion
- Quality assurance
- Specimen and sample preparation
- Tissue processing
Websites
Certification
- CPR/BLS Certified-American Heart Association
- HIPAA Training
- Bloodborne Pathogens
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent
Native or Bilingual
Spanish: Fluent
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Biorepository Research Assistant
START Center for Cancer Research
08.2025 - Current
Newborn Hearing Screener
Pediatrix Medical Group
01.2023 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Texas A&M University
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
- BSL 2 Certified
- PCR
- DNA EXTRACTION
- Sterile/aseptic technique
- GIS Mapping and Spatial Data Analysis
- Infection control and safety procedures
- Laboratory Alignment
- Compliance and Confidentiality
- Quality Control
- Tissue handling
- Blood Processing
- Data accuracy and record keeping
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
- Aided on Graduate Level Research
- Plant-Invertebrate-Microbe interactions in Texas grasslands
- Investigated the presence of Phytoplasmas in invasive/native plants and sap-feeding insect population.
- Extracted DNA from both plant and insect tissue using multi-step purification protocols and enzymatic digestion.
- Performed polymerase chain reaction amplification and gel electrophoresis to analyze DNA samples.
- Gained familiarity with microbial community analysis and ecological implications of invasive species in grasslands.