Jessica Rivera-Perez

Experience

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  University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras

  Aug 2010 - May 2012

  Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Led an island-wide environmental water quality assessment project. Conducted field investigations, collected and processed >500 water samples. Assessed samples for fecal indicator bacteria and bacteriophages, as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria. • Conducted Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry, HPLC and PCR analysis on samples, strictly adhering to SOPs to ensure optimal results.• Collaborated alongside multiple universities to study microorganisms isolated from 100-million-year-old amber, resulting in a paid summer internship, 2 peer-reviewed scientific articles, and numerous conference presentations.• Prioritized activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as appropriate.• Conducted routine equipment inspection and calibration to ensure research excellence. Show less

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  University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras

  Aug 2012 - May 2017

  Laboratory Supervisor and Ph.D. Candidate

  • Supervised and managed BSL2 laboratory operations ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.• Designed and led metagenomic research characterizing the fecal microbiomes and viromes in Puerto Rican ancestral groups resulting in 4 peer-reviewed publications and 3 book chapters. Responsible for sample registration, preparation, DNA extraction, metabarcoding, data analysis, and project write-up. • Cleaned and analyzed Big Data from NGS datasets. Interpreted results, identified trends, and presented potential insights to team members and collaborators.• Developed and published a method to identify the diets of ancient specimens using its fecal virome.• Contributed ideas to improve standard laboratory protocols and daily upkeep routines.• Followed departmental work instructions, SOPs, DFT, OSHA safety regulations and cGMPs to perform assigned tasks.• Communicated with institutional services, vendors, and sales representatives to order supplies and maintain safety standards.• Trained lab personnel and undergraduate/graduate students.• Performed routine equipment calibrations and function checks to certify accuracy. Show less

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  Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research

  Aug 2017 - Feb 2021

  Postdoctoral Research Scientist

  • Designed and executed metagenomic research to characterize DNA preserved in ancient biological samples, resulting in 2 publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.• Co-developed a unique method to assess bird fitness using metagenomics, leading to a proposal for a $7M multi-organizational project and improved stakeholder relations.• Responsible for specimen registration, processing, and molecular diagnostics. Generated large datasets via NGS, and conducted data mining, data entry, cleaning, and statistical analysis.• Followed laboratory standard operating procedures and ensured aseptic technique when performing complex research in ISO-5 clean rooms. • Optimized two sample processing SOPs to obtain 60% higher DNA yield from fastidious samples.• Operated equipment used in high-complexity molecular tests. Conducted daily/weekly/monthly maintenance schedules for laboratory equipment and instrumentation. • Prioritized activities and assignments, adjusting priorities as appropriate.• Tracked inventory and maintained lab stocked with supplies, consumables, reagents, and materials.• Liaised with collaborators from different fields to provide quality research. • Efficiently communicated results and insights by writing well-documented SOPs, DFTs, and lab records. Show less

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  Bragato Research Institute

  Mar 2022 - Dec 2022

  Laboratory Supervisor and Molecular Technician

  • Oversaw and managed ISO-7 laboratory operations ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, CLIA, CAP, GMP, and other regulatory standards.• Led a team of laboratory personnel, provided necessary training, performance feedback, and career development.• Identified and tested novel target genes with the potential to improve the evolutionary fitness of grapevine variants in New Zealand using PromethION sequencing, methylation profiling and plant phenotyping.• Maintained and propagated plant tissue and plant embryo cell cultures.• Supervised quality control and quality assurance protocols, implementing corrective and preventive actions as needed.• Calibrated and maintained laboratory equipment/instrumentation.• Communicated with other departments and across teams to ensure seamless operations.• Participated in audit and inspection activities, and fixed non-conformance issues. Show less

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  Princeton University

  Jun 2024 - now

  Laboratory Manager