Graduate student in Javier E. Irazoqui, PhD, laboratory. Investigate host-microbe interactions using C. elegans• Self-motivated and flexible, with strong organization skills to meet research deadlines and complete volunteer responsibilities• Strong scientific writing and editing through coursework, publishing 1 first-author and 3 second-author manuscripts, and peer reviewing 2 manuscripts• Developed strong teamwork and collaboration skills • Strong ability to interpret, evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and communicate scientific research• Communicated with professionals from different fields to assess research findings and its impact • Developed strong attention to detail, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills• Served as the Immunology and Microbiology Program (IMP) Student Representative (2022-2024)Publications• Gonzalez X, Irazoqui JE. Distinct members of the Caenorhabditis elegans CeMbio reference microbiota exert cryptic virulence that is masked by host defense. Mol Microbiol. 2024 Apr 16. doi: 10.1111/mmi.15258.• For a complete list, see: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5546-8856

In Dr. Jacques Robert's laboratory, I investigated the interaction between MHC class I-like XNC10 and innate-like iVα6 T cells in Xenopus laevis during ranavirus infection.• Developed strong time management skills to perform research and complete coursework• Trained in scientific ethics and research integrity• Established the Annual Diversity in Science Seminar Series featuring invited speakers and URMC PREP alumni: Joseph Jackson, Ph.D.; Pamella B. Tijerina, Ph.D.; E’Lissa Flores, Ph.D. Candidate • Established the PREP Seminar: Transcending Limitations in Biomedical Sciences featuring invited speaker Dr. Peter Palese - Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY

Under Dr. Andrey Ryabinin I worked on the effects of chemogenetic manipulation of Ventral Tegmental Area Activity via DREADDs on c-Fos expression in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala.• 10 week internship in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience Ryabinin Laboratory• Fluorescence and brightfield Immunohistochemistry

Under Dr. Eli Meyer and Dr. Nathan L. Kirk I researched the differential aggression between aggregations of the clonal sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima on the Oregon Coast.• Experimented and analyzed animal fitness between warriors and reproducers• Dissected anemones and analyzed gonadal status using compound microscope• Library prep for illumina sequencing, restriction site associated DNA genotyping• Analyzed data and found that size made the more fit anemone not its caste

• 11 weeks in Molecular Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory• Worked collaboratively with laboratory personnel • Received training in karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, forensic genotyping sequencing for chimerism analysis, and PCR/qPCR analysis and interpreting results