Robert Manuel Email & Phone Number

Oceanside, California, United States

Pomona, California, United States

Project Title: Testing Novel Genetic Systems Within the STIV Family of VirusesThis project consisted of two main facets: The first portion of my project utilized the Yeast-2-Hybrid (Y2H) system to screen lysis mutants from the archaeal virus Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus 1 (STIV-1). The Y2H system was chosen as it was theorized to be a more time and cost-effective way of screening these viral mutants.The other aspect of my project regarded the validation of a new genetic system constructed from the novel archaeal virus Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus 3 (STIV-3). To do this, viral mutants were constructed utilizing the STIV3 genetic system, transfected into their Sulfolobus host, and assayed via qPCR.

Pomona, California, United States

As a Teaching Associate, I provided classroom laboratory instruction and supervision for 24 college level students per section. Key aspects of my position were preparation of course materials, writing and administered examinations, writing and administering research projects, assessing student performance, and determining course grades.• Foundations of Biology: Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity Laboratory (Bio1220L) • Human Anatomy Laboratory (Bio 2340L) • Microbial Ecology Laboratory (Bio 4680L) • Basic Biology Laboratory (Bio 1150L)

Pomona, California, United States

Project Title: Exploring Similarities Between Archaeal Viruses Through Chimeric Gene ConstructsThis project expanded previous research on the similarities between lysis genes from two archaeal viruses, Sulfolobus Turreted Icosahedral Virus (STIV) and Sulfolobus islandicus rod-shaped virus 2 (SIRV2). Chimeras were created utilizing the lysis genes of each virus with the goal of determining if both viruses were able to replicate while harboring these chimeric genes.

Athens, Georgia, United States

Project Title: Influence of Mosquito Gut Microbiota on Susceptibility to Dengue InfectionDuring this 10 week fellowship, we tested the hypothesis that microbe-depleted Aedes aegypti mosquitos are more susceptible to Dengue (DENV) virus infection. To do this, we compared three different treatments of mosquitoes for levels of DENV virions. These three treatments consisted of axenic mosquitoes with no gut microbiota, gnotobiotic mosquitoes harboring only Escherichia coli, and conventional mosquitoes with a natural community of gut microbes.

Master Of Science - Ms, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biotechnology With A Minor In Chemistry