Years of laboratory experience
SOFIA GUERRA
Summary
Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in Neuroscience and Microbiology, and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Overview
5
5
Work History
Teacher's Assistant for Cell Biology Lab
Smith College
09.2024 - Current
- Responsible for preparation of materials before lab (pipettes, chemicals, etc.)
- Supervises 16 undergraduate students during a 3 hour lab session every week
- Assists the instructor with assignment grading
Neuroscience Honors Candidate
Vriezen Lab, Smith College
09.2024 - Current
- Independent senior honors thesis that investigates the role of Akkermansia Muciniphila on the gut-brain axis in the context of neurological disorders
- Exploring gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for neurological disorders by designing an in-vitro simplified gut biome using 96 well plates
- Utilizing ELISA and western blot to determine production of neuroendocrine-related secondary metabolites within simplified gut environment.
Special Studies Research Assistant
Vriezen Lab, Smith College
09.2022 - 07.2024
- Collaborated with Dr. Chris Vriezen to perform a screen for novel antibiotic resistance in 152 soil microbes
- Indicator lawn of S. Epi or E. Coli was used to test the isolates for antagonist properties
- Routinely prepared various types of agar plates for these experiments (100% TSA, 10% TSA with NaCl, Pyruvate, DNase, etc.)
- Trained incoming lab members on antibiotic resistance assay procedures
UROC Minimizing Health Disparities Intern
University of Arizona
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Partnered with Dr. Wulfila Gronenberg to dissect Olios spider brains and perform brain slicing using a microtome
- ImageJ, Adobe Photoshop, and Excel were utilized to determine that female spiders had greater brain size, neuron density, and total body size compared to male spiders
- Findings were presented at the UROC Undergraduate Research Symposium
Education
BA in Neuroscience -
Smith College
Northampton, MA05.2025
Skills
- Antiseptic technique
- PCR
- Western blot
- BLAST
- DNA extraction
- ELISA
- Geneious Software
- Rstudio
- MATLAB
- ImageJ
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Office Suite
Extracurricular Activities
Lead percussionist in Smith College Jazz Ensemble, Social Outreach Coordinator for Smith College Running Club, Get Fit Smith Instructor
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
American Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant for Cell Biology Lab
Smith College
09.2024 - Current
Neuroscience Honors Candidate
Vriezen Lab, Smith College
09.2024 - Current
UROC Minimizing Health Disparities Intern
University of Arizona
05.2023 - 07.2023
Special Studies Research Assistant
Vriezen Lab, Smith College
09.2022 - 07.2024
BA in Neuroscience -
Smith College
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