Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
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Pejalyn Balanon

Vacaville,CA

Summary

I bring a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, complemented by hands-on experience in laboratory settings. I’ve contributed to both basic and translational research, including presenting at state-level conferences and helping refine a clinical manuscript that is now being prepared for publication. I thrive in collaborative environments, and I take the initiative to deepen my understanding through feedback, mentorship, and curiosity-driven learning.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Volunteer Research Assistant

Sacramento VA Medical Center – Dr. Ron White
Rancho Cordova, CA
05.2025 - Current
  • Contribute to a clinical research project investigating the use of stellate ganglion block to reduce postoperative emergence agitation and delirium in veterans with PTSD.
  • Conduct literature reviews, contribute to manuscript editing and revision, shadow procedures in the OR, and participate in team discussions to develop next steps.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – Dr. Elena Keeling
San Luis Obispo, CA
03.2022 - 06.2025
  • Investigated Wnt gene expression in colonial ascidians to understand its role in whole-body regeneration.
  • Performed dissections, extracted DNA/RNA, designed gene-specific primers, conducted PCR/qPCR, and ran gel electrophoresis.
  • Trained new students and helped troubleshoot/optimize experimental protocols.
  • Presented research at the CSU Biotechnology Symposium (2025), WCBSURC at LMU (2023), and Cal Poly’s Student Research Conference (2022–2024).

Education

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA
06.2025

Skills

  • PCR and qPCR
  • Gel electrophoresis
  • Microscopy
  • Micropipetting
  • DNA and RNA isolation
  • Protein assays
  • Flow cytometry
  • Primer design with Benchling
  • QuantStudio
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • R programming

Affiliations

Medical Assistant Volunteer, Vituity Cares Free Clinic – San Luis Obispo, CA | June 2024 – Present

  • Assist with intake and vitals at monthly pop-up clinics serving uninsured and underserved patients in the community.

Emergency Department Volunteer, Dignity Health – San Luis Obispo, CA | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025

  • Provided patient support during long ED wait times; assisted with room turnover, specimen transport, and collaboration with nursing staff.

Soccer Camp Leader & Coach, College, Club & Recreational Level – CA | Jun 2021 – Jun 2025

  • Co-led Division 1 Identification camps and evaluated over 250 players to support Cal Poly Women’s Soccer recruitment.
  • Volunteer coach for Davis Legacy Soccer Club, including athletes with developmental disabilities; led recreational training for 200+ youth players.

Teacher’s Assistant, California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, CA | Jan 2023 – Jun 2025

  • Graded assignments and proctored exams for a class of 300+ students; supported academic success through peer advising and feedback.

Accomplishments

  • Summa Cum Laude – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2025)
  • FROST Summer Research Scholarship – Cal Poly (2023) Awarded $4,500 stipend to conduct research on early embryonic patterning under Dr. Elena Keeling.
  • Division 1 Athletic Scholarship – (2021-2025) Awarded by the Cal Poly Women's Soccer team.
  • Big West Scholar-Athlete of the Year – (2024) Awarded to one male and one female athlete university-wide for excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
  • Chi Alpha Sigma Induction – (2023) To be inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma, a student-athlete must attend a four-year accredited college or university that is a member of the NCAA, NAIA, NCCAA, or USCAA. The honoree must achieve at least junior academic standing by the fifth semester or seventh quarter, as determined by the certifying institution, and must have achieved a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Honors – (2022-2024) Recognized as one of five student-athletes for outstanding performance and dedication in both the classroom and on the pitch. Criteria: Maintain a 3.50 GPA, have a minimum of one year completed at the current institution, and be a starter or key reserve player.
  • Big West Conference Fall All-Academic Team (2022-2024) Recognized for maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA while actively competing in at least 50% of the team's competitions.

References

Dr. Elena Keeling Ph.D.

  • Cellular Biology Professor at California Polytechnic State University
  • Undergraduate Research P.I

(805) 756-2175

ekeeling@calpoly.edu

Dr. Mallary Greenlee-Wacker Ph.D.

  • Immunology Professor at California Polytechnic State University

(805) 756-2135 mcgreenl@calpoly.edu

Alex Crozier

  • NCAA Division I Head Coach of Cal Poly Women's Soccer

(805) 704-8794‬

acrozier@calpoly.edu

Timeline

Volunteer Research Assistant

Sacramento VA Medical Center – Dr. Ron White
05.2025 - Current

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – Dr. Elena Keeling
03.2022 - 06.2025

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences

California Polytechnic State University
Pejalyn Balanon