Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Position
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Valeria Perez

Durham,United States

Summary

Detail-oriented Research Associate with experience in leveraging data analysis to drive research outcomes. Skilled in high-throughput screening, assay development, and data interpretation, with proficiency in tools such as JMP, Excel, and Power BI. Experienced in conducting in vitro and in vivo bioassays, image analysis, and molecular techniques. Strong collaborator known for integrating cross-functional expertise to streamline processes and deliver impactful results with quality and efficiency.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Discovery Biology Research Associate II

Greenlight Bioscience
06.2022 - Current
  • Collected and analyzed data for fungal and entomology projects, employing software such as JMP, LIMS, Power BI and Microsoft Excel
  • Generated comprehensive reports integrating data insights to illuminate project findings and facilitate decision-making
  • Operated an imaging station to capture data on plant defoliation, canopy area, and fungal growth, utilizing Image J for analysis
  • Conducted high-throughput in vitro bioassays to evaluate RNAi fungicide products, capturing fungal growth reduction using Biotek Cytation 5 plate reader
  • Optimized and adopted in vivo fungal and entomology bioassay protocols to screen RNA sequences and assess gene knockdown
  • Maintained fungal cultures, including media preparation, plate inoculation, establishing liquid cultures, and spore isolation
  • Reared insect species to support ongoing research and ensure availability of healthy biological materials
  • Executed microinjection techniques to introduce genetic material into target insect species
  • Cross-trained and collaborated across entomology, fungal, and herbicide teams to conduct experiments effectively and adhere to project timelines
  • Reviewed and refined Standard Operating Procedures, crafted Work Orders to support assays, and tracked project outcomes in an electronic notebook.

Plant Pathology Undergraduate Research Assistant

North Carolina State University
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Led an independent project aimed at identifying the presence of resistance genes in a lineage of tomato plants against Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)
  • Executed rub inoculation of plants with TSWV, collected leaf samples for ELISA analysis various days post-inoculation, and monitored phenotypic changes in plants
  • Managed the rearing and health monitoring of various insect colonies, including plant hoppers, aphids, and thrips
  • Performed daily plant care tasks, including watering, transplanting, and planting seeds for ongoing experiments involving tomato, corn, wheat, and oat crops
  • Operated laboratory equipment such as PCR machines, centrifuges, NanoDrop Spectrometers, incubators, microinjectors and autoclaves
  • Collaborated with senior researchers to design and execute experimental protocols.

Daycare Assistant Teacher

Everbrook Academy
05.2019 - 08.2021
  • Engaged children in activities and relayed material related to their appropriate developmental milestones
  • Effectively reported documented behavioral issues or incidents with parents to minimize future problems
  • Complied with strict safety policies and regulations while following appropriate procedures
  • Managed classrooms alongside the director and resolved issues in a timely manner.

Arthropod Zoo Intern

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
05.2018 - 08.2019
  • Tasked with overseeing the maintenance of 10+ arthropod colonies, encompassing a diverse array of species such as stick bugs, crustaceans, roaches, scorpions, moths, and more
  • Engaged in a community-focused initiative aimed at enhancing museum outreach and interaction
  • Gained comprehensive understanding of arthropod biology and optimal living conditions through hands-on experience.

Education

B.S Biological Sciences: Human Biology -

North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
06.2022

Skills

  • High-throughput screening
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Data Interpretation
  • Data Collection
  • JMP Excel
  • Power BI
  • Image J
  • In-vitro and In-vivo Assays
  • RNAi Bioassays
  • Adaptability
  • Fast Learner
  • Microsoft Office

Position

Research Associate II

Certification

  • Foundations of Project Management Certificate, Coursera - November 2023

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Discovery Biology Research Associate II

Greenlight Bioscience
06.2022 - Current

Plant Pathology Undergraduate Research Assistant

North Carolina State University
08.2021 - 06.2022

Daycare Assistant Teacher

Everbrook Academy
05.2019 - 08.2021

Arthropod Zoo Intern

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
05.2018 - 08.2019

B.S Biological Sciences: Human Biology -

North Carolina State University
Valeria Perez