Pedro Cesenes

As a diligent Research Assistant at Xenostart, I actively contributed to groundbreaking cancer research endeavors. My role encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, including precise measurement of tumor volumes using calipers and administering multiple drug treatments through diverse methods, such as oral dosages, intravenous infusions, and subcutaneous injections. I ensured accurate data collection vital to our studies, playing a key role in evaluating treatment efficacy and ensuring the well-being of experimental subjects.

In addition to these tasks, I adeptly collected blood samples and performed centrifugation to obtain plasma or serum. I meticulously tested these samples for inflammatory markers and cell counts, providing valuable insights into the physiological responses of our experimental subjects. This meticulous analysis significantly enhanced the depth of our research findings and contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the effects of various treatments.

Furthermore, I was an integral part of the Implant Team, where I maintained stringent antiseptic techniques during the implantation process. I successfully implanted Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) models with malignant tissues obtained from patients. To preserve the integrity of these vital samples, I collected tissues from PDX models and skillfully preserved them using different mediums such as Nitrogen, formalin, and cryo. This methodical preservation process was crucial in ensuring the availability of high-quality specimens for further analysis, enabling our team to delve deeper into the complexities of cancer biology.

In addition to my primary roles, I played a critical role in maintaining the health and integrity of our research subjects. I performed bacterial testing on our resident mice, meticulously swabbing infected tissues and using agar plates to culture the samples. Moreover, I conducted advanced PCR assays by extracting and examining the cecum of the mice to test for known bacteria. This comprehensive approach ensured a controlled and infection-free environment for our ongoing oncological studies.

My tenure at Xenostart not only enhanced my technical skills but also nurtured my ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic research environment. Through my multifaceted contributions, I actively supported the organization's mission to advance cancer research, improve patient outcomes, and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.

As an undergraduate research assistant, my responsibilities encompassed a range of tasks related to studying hemipterans and their interactions with native Texas plant life. In addition to collecting hemipteran data and sorting them according to sub-species, I conducted PCR tests on the insects to detect phytoplasma infection. This involved running PCR experiments and cross-analyzing the results to determine whether the insects were infected.

Furthermore, I played a crucial role in evaluating plant-vector-microbe dynamics through disease presence assessments and endophytic community evaluations. These assessments were essential for understanding the relationships between plants, hemipterans, and microbes, providing valuable insights into invasive species management.

In both field and lab settings, my duties included data collection, data analysis, and insect sorting. These tasks were fundamental to our research efforts aimed at comprehensively understanding hemipteran behavior, disease transmission, and their impact on native wildlife and plant ecosystems in invasive species-dominated grasslands. Through these responsibilities, I contributed significantly to advancing phytoplasma research and enhancing our knowledge of hemipteran interactions in the context of native Texas plant life.

In my capacity as a scribe, I undertook a multifaceted role, working closely with individuals spanning various age groups, including adults and children. This responsibility demanded an exceptional degree of patience, empathy, and adaptability. As a meticulous scribe, my primary objective was to facilitate effective communication by meticulously transcribing the thoughts and expressions of those I assisted. When dealing with adults grappling with intricate medical information, my role required not only patience but also the ability to translate complex terminology into understandable language, ensuring comprehension and fostering a sense of reassurance.

Working with children necessitated a different approach. Here, I assumed the role of a mentor, patiently guiding them to articulate their emotions and ideas. Through careful listening, gentle encouragement, and tailored communication strategies, I provided a nurturing environment where children felt comfortable expressing themselves.

In every interaction, my approach was characterized by active listening, enabling individuals to convey their thoughts at their own pace. I employed various methods to explain concepts, adapting my communication style to suit the unique needs of each person. This level of patience and flexibility not only facilitated seamless communication but also cultivated an atmosphere of trust and understanding.

Through these experiences, I honed my skills in empathetic communication and gained a deep appreciation for the nuances of human expression. My role as a scribe went beyond mere transcription; it involved bridging communication gaps, fostering connections, and ensuring that every individual's voice was heard and respected. These encounters profoundly enriched my professional journey, teaching me the profound impact patience and understanding can have on facilitating effective communication in diverse settings.