Diego Verastegui Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, CA, US

• Oversaw the maintenance of a BSL2+ laboratory and managed the inventory of critical reagents by setting up inventory protocols.
• Performed a wide range of cellular and molecular biology techniques, including cell culture, Western blot, DNA isolation, transfections, and more.
• Conducted drug treatment experiments on cultured cells to assess cytotoxicity and drug efficacy, using cell viability and colony formation assays.
• Conducted transfections to introduce genetic material into 293Ts to generate oncogenic virus capable of overexpressing or knocking out genes in target cell lines and proper biohazard disposal.

• Managed and maintained a robust computer infrastructure comprising 30+ systems, overseeing hardware, software, and network operations for optimal functionality.
• Spearheaded the technical support initiative during the seamless transition of the department to a fully online environment, providing essential assistance to 75+ professors, faculty, and graduate students.
• Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues on desktops, laptops, and peripheral devices.
• Collaborated seamlessly with UCSB's Letters and Science Information Technology team, contributing expertise to resolve advanced technical challenges and enhance overall system performance.

• Performed regular quality control of 8 in-house MACSQuant Tyto instruments and 2 MACSQuant Analyzers.
• Isolated, stained, and fixed peripheral blood mononuclear cells from leukoreduction system chambers and buffy coats, demonstrating expertise in cell isolation and sample preparation techniques.
• Executed cell culture operations following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in sterile environments to preserve the health and viability of cell cultures, supporting ongoing research projects.
• Managed inventory and stocked the laboratory with appropriate reagents and materials, optimizing workflow and ensuring a well-equipped research environment.
• Prepared biweekly technical presentations and documentation, communicating findings, updates, and innovations to colleagues within the company, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Assisted 50+ patients daily with prescriptions and information through various channels, including phone, drive-through, and front counter interactions.
• Demonstrated meticulous organization skills by filing and managing over 150 hardcopy prescriptions, proactively notifying the pharmacist about narcotic prescriptions for heightened vigilance.
• Served as a crucial communication bridge between Spanish-speaking patients and the pharmacist, translating medication directions, addressing symptoms, and facilitating effective dialogue.
• Ensured strict adherence to regulatory requirements, including compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, insurance laws, and narcotics laws.

Research focused on young Mixteca women and their use of Spanish, English and the Mixtec language to construct their identities. Processed interviews and audio recordings of Mixteca women. Transcribed recordings from Spanish to English using ELAN software.