Mayra P.

Experience

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  Parque Explora

  Mar 2014 - Jul 2014

  Exploradora

  • Communicated scientific concepts to individuals and groups of all ages• Executed science experiments with children, adults, and guided groups

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  Universidad de Antioquía

  Sept 2015 - Apr 2016

  Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Assisted graduate students in catalyst preparation and evaluation for photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange and methylene blue using TiO2 catalysts and FTIR spectroscopy

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  Universidad de Antioquía

  Jan 2017 - Oct 2017

  Undergraduate Researcher

  • Performed aqueous phase reforming of glycerol over Ni-Sn-Al hydrotalcites for hydrogen production• Prepared and evaluated catalysts using a pressurized Parr reactor and gas chromatography• Executed independent decision making and research documentation leading to a scientific paper

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  Auburn University

  May 2018 - Aug 2018

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • Designed and performed experiments for production and evaluation of catalysts for oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutene for hydrogen production• Produced modified boron nitride-based catalysts with improved characteristics by using ball milling and characterized them by BET and XRD assays• Operated and maintained a gas chromatograph and a jacketed glass reactor and updated the safety and operation protocols for proper disposal of gas reaction products

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  Auburn University

  Nov 2018 - Dec 2021

  Graduate Research Assistant

  • Advanced research projects for development and evaluation of materials for cardiovascular regeneration (cell capture) and wound healing (cell delivery)• Synthesized, purified, and characterized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and PEG-Fibrinogen using BCA assays, NMR characterization, lyophilization, and dialysis purification• Optimized polymer acrylation protocols and achieved a 60% reduction in time required for purification and a 30% overall yield increase• Synthesized and evaluated peptides and grafted hydrogels for endothelial cell migration and performed statistical analysis for a grant application• Performed mammalian cell culture, microscopy imaging, platelet-rich plasma preparation, and platelet adhesion assays to support the evaluation of peptide-grafted hydrogels• Achieved an increase of 15% in cell viability of encapsulated equine MSCs by establishing and optimizing an encapsulation protocol• Established protocols for platelet labeling and platelet adhesion assays using thorough literature analysis, critical thinking, decision making, and troubleshooting• Designed and performed experiments with proper controls to evaluate the strength of adhesion of human cells (ECFCs and SMCs) on peptide-grafted hydrogels utilizing a microfluidic device• Led and documented the research group meetings and trained undergraduate students in experimental techniques and data analysis• Organized outreach events and designed outreach activities suitable for different audiences• Performed calibration of micropipettes, RO/UP water system maintenance, regulated waste handling, and chemical supplies purchase Show less

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  Eurofins ARCA Technology

  Feb 2022 - Sept 2022

  Product Development Research Associate

  • Evaluation and selection of DNA templates for target-enriched multiplex qPCR diagnostic assays• Facilitate experiments in a BSL-2 laboratory, including handling of infectious agents• Manufacture qPCR assay mixes • Develop quality control protocols and specifications for manufactured qPCR assay mixes• Assessed thermo-structural simulation software for an efficient and cost-effective methodology to design medical diagnostic devices • Maintain accurate documentation of experiments and prepare project-oriented deliverables• Facilitated planning and execution of experiments for characterization and troubleshooting of microfluidic devices• Established protocols to clean microfluidic devices and led the selection, acquisition, and installation of the required equipment• Assessed potential advantages and disadvantages of microfluidic setups while considering thermal requirements, flow conditions, and complying with biosafety measures• Assisted in risk management assessment during product development of medical diagnostic devices Show less

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  Synthekine

  Nov 2022 - now

  - Perform protein expression at different scales using HEK and CHO cells- Optimize expression protocols for cost-effective protein production- Assist the development of automation protocols for protein expression

  • Senior Research Associate

    Jul 2024 - now

  • Research Associate II - Mammalian Cell Culture

    Nov 2022 - Jul 2024