Sophia Florea
Gainesville,Florida
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sun Laboratory, University of Florida, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine
03.2024 - Current
- Secured a competitive position in the prestigious Sun Laboratory, focusing on cancer and Alzheimer's disease research, selected as a freshman-a rare distinction.
- Contribute 12+ hours/week supporting ongoing research experiments and studies by performing techniques such as cell culture, cryosectioning, genotyping, metabolomic sample preparation, and data analysis.
- Independently designed and executed a study evaluating the effect of tissue thaw time on metabolite preservation in mouse brain samples, conducting cryosectioning and MALDI mass spectrometry analysis and interpreting m/z peaks and ion images using SCiLS Lab software.
- Perform quantitative analysis of cancer cell colony formation using ImageJ to compare proliferation under varying genetic and oxygen conditions.
- Currently developing a poster investigating how CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of genes involved in glycogen synthesis and breakdown alters glycolytic and TCA cycle intermediates in lung adenocarcinoma cells under differential oxygen conditions.
Clinic Volunteer
Helping Hands
01.2026 - Current
- Prepare, organize, and fill prescription medications in a high-volume free clinic, ensuring accurate labeling, inventory management, and timely distribution to uninsured and homeless patients.
- Support physicians by maintaining medication stock and assisting with back-office clinical workflow to promote efficient patient care.
- Advocate for patients by coordinating with diagnostic laboratories and pharmaceutical assistance programs to obtain pricing information and secure affordable or free medications, reducing financial barriers to treatment.
- Provide holistic patient support by assisting with clothing and essential supply distribution, addressing social determinants of health.
Emergency Room Volunteer
Saint Joseph's Main Hospital
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Supported the emergency department team by organizing and restocking medical supplies in patient rooms and on IV/suture carts.
- Promoted patient safety by identifying and removing expired items, reinforcing quality standards in a fast-paced clinical setting.
- Gained exposure to the workflow of an interdisciplinary healthcare team while developing familiarity with commonly used medical supplies.
- Contributed to patient-centered care by restocking linens and pillows, improving comfort and the overall patient experience.
Tutor
Wyzant
06.2023 - Current
- Provided one-on-one tutoring in math and SAT test preparation, assisting students with homework, clarifying complex topics, and preparing for assessments to improve their academic performance.
- Designed customized lessons and assignments tailored to each student's needs, helping them better understand their school curriculum and reinforcing key concepts.
- Maintained regular communication with parents, providing updates on student progress, discussing areas for improvement, and adjusting tutoring strategies to meet specific learning goals.
- Received consistently positive feedback from both parents and students for delivering effective lessons and driving significant improvements in academic performance and test scores.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Engineering
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida05.2027
Skills
Medical Skills: Medical Terminology, Laboratory Techniques, Data Analysis
Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Certified)
Programming Languages: Python, MATLAB, R
Languages: Romanian (Fluent), Spanish (Basic)
Clinical Shadowing
- Interventional Pain Specialist, Cape Fear Valley Clinic (41 hours)
- Emergency Medicine Physician, HCA Florida Brandon Hospital (21 hours)
- Cardiologist, UF Health Clinic & VA Hospital (18 hours)
- Emergency Medicine Physician, UF Shands Hospital (14 hours)
- Endocrinologist, UF Shands Hospital (8 hours)
- Radiologist, UF Shands Hospital (4 hours)
- Gastroenterologist, Countryside Meade Hospital (3 hours)
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine Nurse, Saint Joseph's Main Hospital (5 hours)
Awards
- National Merit Finalist & Winner of National Merit College Sponsored Benaquisito Scholarship to the University of Florida
- Attended HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Leadership Conference in Florida, the second largest HOSA conference in the nation, to participate in the State Medical Terminology Exam (2nd place)
- 1st Place: HOSA Regional Medical Terminology Competition
- President's Honor Roll: Spring 2024
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Dean's List: Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Fall 2025
Timeline
Clinic Volunteer
Helping Hands
01.2026 - Current
Emergency Room Volunteer
Saint Joseph's Main Hospital
04.2025 - 08.2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Sun Laboratory, University of Florida, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine
03.2024 - Current
Tutor
Wyzant
06.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Engineering
University of Florida