Resume

• 2011

  Master of Science (MSc)

  My projected consisted of computing the niche space and dietary overlap of the two- Choloepus hoffmanni and three-toed Bradypus variegatus sloths. The work was conducted in an organic cacao farm located in northeast Costa Rica

  which is fragmented into three major habitats; cacao farm

  riparian forests and pastures which is surrounded by monocultures. I used observational data

  spatial and molecular tools

  to quantify niche size and overlap of these two species in a fragmented ecosystem. (Advisers

  Dr. Jonathan Pauli and Dr. Zachariah Peery).

  Wildlife Ecology

  SCIMED GRS PROGRAM - Outreach Committee

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

• 2010

  Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

  Enterococcus faecalis has the ability to grow in adverse environments

  including an innate and acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. The ability to survive the oxidative burst of non-professional phagocytic cells during infections is considered a key virulence attribute of E. faecalis. The Spx global regulator has been shown to function as a positive transcriptional activator of oxidative stress genes in Gram-positive bacteria. I investigated the role of Spx in stress tolerance and virulence of E. faecalis and my work in the Δspx strain will help identify the genetic network under Spx control and to evaluate the role of Spx in virulence using a non-mammalian model. Different molecular and genetic approaches were implemented for this project including deletion of spx coding region using a markerless genetic exchange system. In addition a combination of in vitro and in vivo methods were used to characterize the Δspx strain. (Mentor Dr. Jose Lemos).

  Microbiology and Immunology

  University of Rochester

• 2009

  Intern

  The research focused in evolutionary ecology of birds by constructing phylogeographic trees from bluebird species in the woodlands across North America. Skills learned in the ten-week program included extracting DNA from tissues

  hydrosheared DNA

  sequencing DNA

  and designing and testing primers (Mentor: Dr. Scott V. Edwards).

  Harvard University

• 2008

  Research Intern

  Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program

  Fieldwork at Konza Prairie involved using radio telemetry to study habitat requirements and behavioral ecology of Upland Sandpipers and Common Nighthawks

  collecting blood samples and taking measurements of the birds (Mentors: Dr. Brett K. Sandercock and Rebecca Lohnes).

  Ecology

  Kansas State University

• 2007

  Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

  Biology

  Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO)

  Multicultural Honor Society

  Bridges to the Future

  Developing Scholars Program (DSP)

  McNair Scholars Program

  Kansas State University

• 2005

  Associate in Science

  Biology

  General

  League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

  Student Support Services Tutor (Math)

  Newman Club

  Garden City Community College

• Reaching out to our youth across racial

  ethnic and socioeconomic lines and guiding them so they may fulfill their potential in becoming caring

  giving

  productive and responsible citizens.

  Real Men Real Leaders

  Outreach Committee

  Expose underrepresented students of all age levels to STEM fields by engaging in relevant scientific discussions and hands on demonstrations in order to highlight the importance of scientific research throughout our community.

  SCIMED GRS PROGRAM

  Docent

  Present formal and informal programs to the public using live animals and biofacts.

  Lee Richardson Zoo

  Founder / Organizer

  Promote intellectual conversation in the community in an interesting

  fun and/or comical manner.

  Nerd Talk

  R

  Evolutionary Biology

  Science

  IT Management

  Conservation Biology

  ArcGIS

  Grant Writing

  Mammalogy

  Research

  Education

  Program Coordination

  Ornithology

  Statistics

  Public Speaking

  DNA

  Ecology

  Molecular Biology

  Stable Isotope Analysis

  Landscape Ecology

  Microbiology

  Resource use by the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) differ in a shade-grown agro-ecosystem.

  Resource use by the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) differ in a shade-grown agro-ecosystem.

  The Spx Regulator Modulates Stress Responses and Virulence in Enterococcus faecalis.

  A syndrome of mutualism reinforces the life-history of a sloth.

  Science for a Social Revolution: Ecologists Entering the Realm of Action

  Examining the uncertain origin and management role of martens on Prince of Wales Island

  Alaska.

  Experienced Program Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in ArcGIS

  Molecular Biology

  Program Coordination

  Science

  and R. Strong research professional with a Master of Science (MSc) focused in Wildlife Ecology from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

  Jorge Eduardo

  Communities In Schools of Mid-America

  Noah's Ark Animal Clinic

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Kansas State University

  The Ohio State University

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  For Paws Blue Cross Animal Hospital

  Columbus

  Ohio Area

  STEM Exploration and Engagement Scholars Program Manager

  The Ohio State University

  Course covered animal physiology

  plant physiology and ecology. In addition teaching assistants are required to mentor and grade fifteen students in writing a research paper throughout the semester. My responsibilities included leading discussions

  grading assignments and assisting students with questions.

  Teaching Assistant for Introductory Biology (152)

  Madison

  Wisconsin Area

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  North Canton

  Ohio

  United States

  Stanton Summer Extern

  For Paws Blue Cross Animal Hospital

  Wood County

  WI

  Experience included

  capturing and radio-tracking porcupines and porcupettes. Additionally

  I assisted in surgeries to implant radio-tracking devices for pocupettes at Sandhill Wildlife Area in order to examine the interplay between changing climate and a reestablished predator

  the fisher Martes pennanti

  on porcupines Erethizon dorsatum) within a three-level trophic system. (Assisted MSc. John Pokallus).

  Wildlife Technician - Porcupine Research

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Garden City

  KS

  Provide students with basic needs and academic assistance in order to help them graduate high school and succeed in life. Some of the activities included

  introducing students to critical thinking by teaching different areas of science (e.g. biology

  microbiology

  neuroscience

  physics and engineering concepts) through lessons

  videos

  invited scientists

  and by building robots and hands on projects. In addition

  I have provided mentorship to students in scientific research that includes areas in ecology

  conservation and evolution by using software to analyze genetic sequences. Workshops to the students of the Garden City Alternative Education Center are also provided with the aim to provide enrichment and improve communication skills in oral and written mediums. Additionally

  I coach students with college

  scholarship and job applications.

  Site Coordinator

  Communities In Schools of Mid-America

  Course covered endangered species biology and management

  endangered species act

  definition of management units and evolutionary significant units

  and conservation planning for species of concern. My responsibilities included leading discussions

  grading assignments and assisting students with questions.

  Teaching Assistant for Extinction of Species

  Madison

  Wisconsin Area

  University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Manhattan

  KS

  Experience included studies on the novel role of eIF5 and its human mimic protein in Gcn2-dependent signaling pathway. The skills learned included the usage of ImageJ to compare measurement ratios in different types of microscope images of yeast cells

  bacteria cells

  and human cells (Mentor: Dr. Katsura Asano).

  Independent Undergraduate Research

  Kansas State University

  Colerain

  Ohio

  United States

  Noah’s Ark Extern

  Noah's Ark Animal Clinic

  The Ohio State University

  English

  Portuguese

  Spanish

  Catalan

  Distinguished Young Alumni Award

  The Distinguished Young Alumni program recognizes two Kansas State University graduates who are excelling in their professions and contributing to their communities.\n

  K-State Alumni Association’s Student Alumni Board and the board of directors.

  Rita G. Perez Exemplary Developing Scholar Award

  Kansas State University & the Developing Scholars Program

  K-State Hero Award

  Kansas State University Student Foundation

  James R. Coffman Award of Excellence

  Developing Scholars Program

  Student Support Services Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

  Student Support Service

  Biology H.H. Haymaker Award Nominee

  Division of Biology

  Outstanding Student Mentor

  \"Jorge-Eduardo Mendoza has been one of the most helpful and insightful faculty members I have had the honor of knowing during my sophomore year of college. He has pushed me and continues to push me in my involvement and success in the Honors & Scholars Program

  and in my undergraduate research. I am thankful for his constant attention to his scholars students in their engagement in the college both inside and outside of the classroom. His desire to get to know all of his students is something I wish of all of my professors and am forever grateful for. Thank you Jorge-Eduardo Mendoza. \" - Alayna Simison

  Towers Agricultural Honorary

  Multicultural Leadership Award

  K-State Alumni Association & the Multicultural Alumni Council

  Rita G. Perez Outstanding Multicultural Senior Award

  Multicultural Student Honor Society & The Saudi Club

  Certificate of Achievement

  K-State Alumni Association & the Multicultural Alumni Council

  Academic Excellence Award

  Student Support Service

  Outstanding Student Award

  Garden City Community College

  Commencement Speaker

  Garden City Community College

  University Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Student in Research

  Office of the Provost & Senior Vice President