Sonya

I am also proficient in Spanish. I am currently taking upper division science courses at UTRGV to apply to biomedical graduate programs and medical school. I have a Bachelors degree in Biology with a microbiology concentration. I worked as a research technician II for two years at Baylor College of Medicine. I have co-authored several biomedical research publications. I have a lot of interest in promoting and improving science education in the Rio Grande Valley.

Availability: I am available:
Monday -Friday after 530 PM
Saturday and Sunday- Anytime!

Willing to travel: 15 miles

Experience: I have worked with children since I was 16 years old. I was a lifeguard and camp counselor for the City of McAllen for 7 years. I am certified in CPR, AED and First Aid. While working as a research technician II, I was a guest scientist speaker at several career days for K-12 schools in Houston TX.


Research Technician II
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas
June 2016- August 2018
- Assisted PI and his collaborators in developing and performing experiments.
- Completed independent research projects to earn the title of co-author on published manuscri pts.
- Trained in cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunohistochemistry techniques
- Performed necropsies and processed tissues for histology of murine models.
- Made significant contributions to the laboratory’s development of a porcine model for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
- Worked together with team’s pathologists, pediatric intensivists and veterinarians during porcine telemetry implantation surgeries, overnight monitoring, necropsies and tissue processing.
- Presented research to colleagues and collaborators
- Attended weekly journal clubs and seminars to stay updated on current biomedical research


Microbiology Technician I
VRL Laboratories, San Antonio Texas
June 2015- November 2015
- Tested primate blood and fecal samples for presence of pathologic bacteria and parasites.
- Performed complete blood counts and chemistry panels on specimens.

Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of Texas at San Antonio
October 2014- May 2015
- Contributed to laboratory’s recombinant protein technology, identifying roles of ECM interactions on integrins in cell adhesion and apoptosis in degenerative articular joint diseases.
- Independent study project focused on TGF beta-1 expression from temporomandibular joint disc cells from affected baboons.

Research Assistant Intern
Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio Texas
May 2014- August 2014
- 1 of 5 undergraduate and graduate students chosen internationally for a competitive research internship.
- Successfully completed independent research project to generate a plasmid-based reverse genetics system for engineering recombinant Sudan ebolavirus.
- Presented research at conference at the end of the internship.

Senior Lifeguard
City of McAllen- Aquatics, McAllen Texas
May 2006- August 2011


Summer Camp Counselor
City of McAllen- Aquatics, McAllen Texas
May 2006- August 2011

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