• Manage research team focusing on providing a productive and enjoyable work environment. • Spearheaded development of new gene editing technology based in intron modification of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) from ideation to proof of concept (PoC) in immunodeficient mouse model.• Generated PoC for treatment strategy for lysosomal storage diseases using gene therapy in HSC, including conceptualization, nucleases on- and off-target validation, vectors design, in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays to evaluate efficacy.• Dynamically adapt research strategies in response to evolving experimental outcomes, demonstrating agility and drive to ensure optimal results.• Forge key collaborations with public and private sector partners. • Lead regular project update meetings, delivering succinct updates and offering strategic go / no-go recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring informed decision-making at critical junctures.

• Troubleshot molecular biology assays (NGS, ddPCR, IVT) for ongoing company’s projects.• Optimized gene editing protocols for HSC, including timeline, cell culture, transfection and transduction methods.• Established in-house in vivo platform for HSC gene editing that was critical for generating data to drive decision making for multiple preclinical programs. • Experienced translating research-level experimental procedures to GMP standards.• Generated non-clinical reports to support IND filing.• Contributed to cross-team research, generating reagents and building assays for projects across company.• Recruited, trained, and managed research team, including level II PhD scientists.

• Developed optimal gene therapy platforms for HSC and T cells based on ZFN nucleases and AAV vectors, from molecular characterization to in vivo testing. • Drove HSC gene editing projects towards combinatorial gene therapy for HIV, developing optimal delivery vehicles for nucleases and donor templates, and increasing gene editing frequencies by altering cellular DNA repair machinery.• Optimized editing protocols for lymphocytes based on concentrated transduction with AAV. • Participated in the development of an inhibitor of 53BP1 that increased 5-fold HDR-based gene editing in primary cells. • Developed a safer mouse model to study the HIV reservoir and characterized main HIV latency contributors. • Led collaborations between academic lab and multiple industry partners, including Sangamo Therapeutics, Synthego, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Maxcyte.

• Worked on projects towards increasing homing of gene edited HSC after transplantation and reducing DNA sensing of donor templates used for gene targeting by homologous recombination.• Implemented new tools / technologies used in multiple projects within research team such as ddPCR assays (disruption and gene editing frequencies), optimized in vitro mRNA production, evaluation of multiple electroporation devices for enhanced gene delivery, and toxicity assessment in-depth.• Mentored undergraduate and graduate students.• Fully supported by fellowship from California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

• Implemented genotypic tropism testing for the safe prescription of maraviroc (CCR5 antagonist) in the clinical setting.• Instructor in workshops to train medical staff on the use of new diagnostic technologies, including genotypic tests for HIV patients.• Fully supported by prestigious national fellowship (Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria)