About
Summary
Research assistant at the Institute of Biofunctional Studies (Complutense University of Madrid). Biomedical engineer, specialized in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine with more than 3 years of experience working in a lab. I have experience in cellular and molecular biology techniques such as cell cultures, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot, immunofluorescence, etc. My research training has been centred in the fields of regenerative medicine and biomaterials for the last three years. My current research project (Master's thesis) is focused on the use of biopolymers and the incorporation of nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering applications. Nevertheless, after my degree, I started to be quite interested in neuroscience because there is so much more to be understood in the field, and there is a lot to unravel about the functioning of the brain and neural circuits. The thought of applying all of my knowledge regarding cell biology toward the discovery of the roles of different proteins and genes in underlying nervous system pathologies excites me.
Positions
Research Assistant Jun 2016 -
Biofunctional Studies, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
▪ Production of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rh-BMP2) from the ancestral family. Subsequent activity evaluation in in vitro assays. Participation in all production phases: genetic engineering (cloning, transformation and E.Coli culture), obtention and purification of inclusion bodies, folding and purification through liquid column chromatography and dialysis. Additionally, I have used SDS-PAGE for protein identification, and UV-Vis for quantification.
▪ In vitro evaluation of protein's osteogenic activity: cell cultures with rh-BMP to study their osteogenic activity on different cell lineages: pre-myoblasts (C2C12), pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3), macrophages (RAW 264.7). Quantification of protein activity through Alkaline Phosphatase assay, Bradford, and mineralization assay (Alizarin Red S). I have also performed immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence staining (Actin-Hoescht, bone markers: OCN, OPN).
▪ Initiation of a new research line in the lab: study of small molecules to produce endogenous BMP-2 in in vitro models.
▪ Biocompatibility evaluation of different biomaterials as scaffolds for tissue regeneration: synthetic polymers (VCL, VP, PS, PCL...), by means of a collaboration with the group FUPOL of the Institute of Polymer Science and Technology (ICTP-CSIC). I have performed quantification assays of metabolic activity (Alamar Blue), immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and evaluation of cell sheet detachment.
▪ Development of topical creams and gels for skin regeneration and study in a rat-skin second-burn model. I am a member of the in vivo study in collaboration with the Getafe University Hospital of Madrid.
Apart from the scientific tasks, I have participated in the group meetings, and lab maintenance. I also have expertise in contacting with sales agents to make orders.
Research Assistant Mar 2016 - Apr 2016
Biofunctional Studies, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
▪ In vitro studies to test biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of ceramic and metallic materials (Titanium).
Intern Sep 2015 - Dec 2015
Biofunctional Studies, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
▪ Production and control of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).
Intern Sep 2014 - Jun 2015
Biofunctional Studies, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
▪ Development of pharmaceutical formulations (topical creams and gels) for wound healing and burn therapy.
▪ Creation of an in vitro model for assessment of formulation's components.
Part of this work was used for the Bachelor Thesis
Intern Jun 2014 - Aug 2014
▪ Maintaining cell cultures with different cellular lines (C2C12-GFP, SWISS-3T3, C166-GFP).
▪ Evaluating the biocompatibility of ceramic materials (Bioglass) through in vitro assays such as Alamar Blue.
▪ Elaboration of Technical Instructions of Histology for the Control Quality System of the company.
▪ Control of materials and reagents of the laboratory on the R&D Department of the company.
Education
Carlos III University of Madrid 2016 - 2018
Field of study: Biomedical Technologies Management and Development
Degree: Master
I am doing it at part-time in order to compatibilize it with my work as research assistant at the Institute of Biofunctional Studies.
Thesis (in progress): Multifunctional hydrogels with nanoparticles of icariin incorporated for bone tissue regeneration.
Carlos III University of Madrid 2011 - 2015
Field of study: Biomedical Engineering
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Thesis: Characterization of the effect of a biopolymer in wound healing → Grade= 10 (maximum grade).
Skills
Communication skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, work in team, dissertations, responsibility, good organizative skills, leadership, experience in maintenance and management of a lab, knowledge on management of innovative organizations, translational research, motivation, passion, ability to grasp and learn new concepts, excellent written-skills for scientific articles, good organizative skills.
Professional interests
PhD in Neuroscience, PhD in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
CV
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Contact details
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