Rebecca Rivera

Experience

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  Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayaguez

  Aug 1998 - Dec 2000

  Undergraduate Research Assistant, Genetics

  Summary: Research concerning the ascendance of Puerto Ricans by the analysis of mitochondrial DNA. Consisted in collecting hair samples in 872 households distributed in 28 municipalities, chosen through the stratified sampling method using the 1990 Census. Once the sample was acquired it was transported to the laboratory and the mtDNA was analysed to give it the proper morpho and haplogroup. Techniques: Sample collection, clean and extract DNA, PCR, and studies with restriction enzymes, preparing and using agarose gels to analyze results, store and report data. Show less

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  Ponce School of Medicine

  Jan 2001 - Mar 2001

  Research Assistant (volunteer), AIDS Research Program

  Summary: Under Dr. Yasuhiro Yamamura's supervision, collect and analyse samples from HIV-1 and Hepatitis C virus positive patients. Selected Techniques: Immunological and molecular biology assays and tissue culture techniques.

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  University of Puerto Rico, Recinto de Ciencias Medicas

  May 2001 - Aug 2001

  Research Assistant, Diabetes

  Summary: Summer research assistant for a quantitative cyto-pharmacology laboratory focused on the role of T cells in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Techniques: Lab upkeep and tissue culture.

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  University of California, Davis

  Sept 2001 - Sept 2006

  Researcher and PhD Student, Vaccines

  Researcher and PhD Student, University of California, Davis Campus. Dissertation Title: Immunogenic Properties of a Synthetic Peptide Mixture Derived from the Hypervariable Regions of HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein gp120. Main areas of work: HPV, HIV-1, HTLV-1 and Heart Worm peptide based vaccine development.Selected skills and techniques: Human and animal specimens’ collection and processing. Safety officer, human and animal protocols approval, medical, chemical and radioactive use inventory and waste management, undergraduate and visitors scholars training aid, reagents and equipment ordering and maintenance. Show less

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  Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

  Sept 2006 - May 2012

  Scientist II / Lab Manager, Diagnostics

  Research Biologist, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Research Scientist I/ Lab Manager and Research Scientist II/ Lab Manager for the Center for Marine Mammal Virology at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute San Diego, CA (HSWRI). Summary: Between four key collaborators, $4.3 million were secured from the Department of Defence (DoD) for the identification, characterization and isolation of marine mammals viruses using traditional and molecular techniques in a brand new laboratory. Along with a veterinarian, I acquired all the equipment and consumables necessary plus designed and troubleshot diagnostic tests. Aided in the hiring process of our first two technicians and a postdoctoral fellow and by 2010 became the main point of contact and support to the Navy Marine Mammal Program, SeaWorld and other partners. Selected skills and techniques: Projects, time, emails and data management, team building, prioritizing, coordinating, collaborating, effective communication, budgets, manuscripts and proposals writing. RNA and DNA extractions from a varied range of specimens (blood, feces, semen…), primer design, PCR, sequencing, tissue culture and ELISAs. Show less

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  National Marine Mammal Foundation

  Jun 2012 - May 2014

  NRC Research Associate, Biosurveillance

  National Research Council (NRC) Postdoctoral Associate at the Navy Marine Mammal Program San Diego, CA funded by Chemical and Biological Defence Washington, DC.Summary: Identified experts from around the World to study the need for biosurveillance of ocean-borne pathogens. A working group of 20 experts was formed and included collaborators from NHRC, CDC, Stanford, Columbia, among others. Available scientific literature was reviewed and key samples were identified. I was able to persuade collaborators to run diagnostic tests with little or no budget in exchange for coathorship. Honourable mention: Travelled to Paris for an Emerging Infectious Diseases Conference at the Pasteur Institute, April 2014. Selected skills: Strategic planning. Networking. Show less

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  Institute of the Americas

  Jul 2016 - Aug 2016

  Biology Instructor for Latin American high school teachers at the University of California, San Diego's (UCSD) Institute of the Americas. STEM education at “Science Instructors Professional Workshop.” Designed to promote science and innovation teaching techniques. August 15-19, 2016. Biology class and laboratory instructor for Latin American high school students at the University of California, San Diego's (UCSD) Institute of the Americas.STEM education at "Camp Ciencia". Topic: Global Warming. July 11-22, 2016.

  • Biology Instructor

    Aug 2016 - Aug 2016

  • Biology Instructor

    Jul 2016 - Jul 2016