Ronald Rodriguez Email & Phone Number

La Jolla, California

Conduct laboratory research that focuses on uncovering basic principles of cell biology using genome-minimized bacterial cells. • Construct minimal cell strains for high-resolution, fluorescent-visualization of DNA replication and cell division in collaboration with whole-cell computational researchers and mathematical modelers. • Construct minimal cell strains to examine chromatin interactions using chromosome conformation capture assays. • Transplant synthetic genomes into recipient minimal cells using CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering and yeast genetics. • Conduct laboratory research with summer intern students from diverse scientific disciplines. • Communicate scientific findings through grant writing, meetings, seminars, and conferences.

Berkeley, California, United States

Conducted laboratory research that focused on identifying genetic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium abscessus. •Conducted genetic screens to identify bacterial mutants with altered growth phenotypes in the presence of various antibiotics with distinct modes of action. •Collaborated with scientists to plan and perform experiments that examine antibiotic efficacy in mouse models of infection. •Genetically engineered bacterial strains to study gene function in the presence of antibiotics using antimicrobial susceptibility testing.•Communicated scientific findings through publications, grant writing, meetings, seminars, and conferences.• Mentored various undergraduate and graduate students on basic microbiology techniques, reading and presenting scientific data and literature, and biosafety training.

Berkeley, California, United States

Served as a teaching assistant for upper-level division courses in biochemistry and microbiology.•Prepared lesson plans, quizzes, and exam-preparation handouts for discussion sections using PowerPoint slide decks and chalk-talk formats.•Provided mentorship, academic guidance, and support to undergraduates on lecture and laboratory materials. •Trained students on how to perform basic microbiology laboratory techniques, including gram-staining, light microscopy, and preparation/cultivation of microbial samples using hands-on, group-building exercises.•Trained students on how to visualize yeast and bacteria in kombucha samples by light microscopy using hands-on, group building exercises. •Prepared recommendation letters for students applying to medical school and life-science undergraduate research programs.

Berkeley, California, United States

Participated in workshops that mentor aspiring entrepreneurs on how to organize, develop, market, and grow early stage startup companies.• Identified high-risk aspects of creating a life-science startup company based on CRISPR-Cas9 antimicrobials and evaluated competition within the antibiotic-resistance market.• Expanded on knowledge of business acumen and development by learning to navigate scalability issues commonly associated with early-stage startups.• Consulted and collaborated with patent lawyers on incorporating a startup company into a legal entity.• Evaluated the feasibility and logistics on working within the CRISPR patent space.• Assessed the value of a startup idea and developed a path to reach the target population in the antibiotic resistance market.

Pennsylvania, United States

Conducted laboratory research that focused on cell surface biogenesis in archaea using Haloferax volcanii as a model archaeon. •Utilized molecular cloning, phase-contrast microscopy, and protein purification methods to examine the role of Archaeosortase A (ArtA) in cell surface biogenesis. •Performed western blotting experiments to determine the cellular localization of ArtA and ArtA substrates.•Constructed plasmids and performed plasmid transformations to study ArtA function. •Communicated scientific findings through publications, meetings, and conferences.•Worked closely with middle school science students on how to perform basic microbiology techniques.

New York, United States

Characterized the role of Slp3p during stress exposure in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. •Utilized fluorescence-microscopy to examine the cellular localization of Slp3p under various stress conditions. •Examined yeast growth under various stress conditions using microplate assays. •Prepared yeast cultures and streaked many yeast strains on agar plates.•Executed appropriate aseptic techniques to control for microbial contamination in experimental samples. •Communicated scientific findings through publications, meetings, and conferences.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Microbiology

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Cell/Cellular And Molecular Biology