Andrea Ruiz
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dedicated and highly skilled professional possessing a BSc in Biological engineering complemented with extensive training in molecular biology and genetics. Demonstrates a proven three years of practical experience in molecular biology Laboratory techniques such as PCR reaction set up and purification, qPCR reaction assembly and data interpretation, Nucleic acid quantification by spectrophotometry and fluorometry, electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing and Next-generation Sequencing (NGS). Proficient in Illumina DNA sequencing library construction workflows. Experienced using LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), SnapGene, Vector NTI, and FinchTV. Willing and highly motivated to learn new techniques and technologies, proven excellent organizational and time management skills and a natural ability to work independently and meeting deadlines with meticulous and detail-oriented. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a team environment.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Laboratory Technician
Public Health Ontario
11.2020 - Current
- Developed expertise in Real time RT-PCR, electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) procedures for Molecular Diagnostics, and Virus detection departments
- Performed sequence analysis for Influenza mutations using bioinformatics software including SnapGene, Vector NTI, Ugene, FinchTV, and MEGA
- Participate in surveillance projects for 2022 and 2023
- Monitoring respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, FLU-A-H1/H3, Adenovirus, Enterovirus, and MonkeyPox
- Skilled validating and operating DNA/RNA Extraction systems Chemagic, BGI, Emag
- Create and innovate script for Automated Liquid Handlers Eppendorf epMotion 5075, for DNA sequencing (AMPure cleanup step) and Lysis Buffer aliquoting
- Performed extensive validation project with research scientist to upgrade testing protocol from 7500 PCR system to QS5 PCR system for Varicella and Herpes Virus detection
- Successfully prepared and executed experiments for validation project with research scientist for Measles Vaccine PCR detection
- Participated in protocol development of qPCR for testing EBOLA and MonkeyPox
- Troubleshoot, operate and maintain Automated Liquid Handlers Eppendorf epMotion and Janus, DNA/RNA extraction systems, Sanger sequencers 3730, PCR systems QS5, and 7500
- Engaged in effective communication with other team members to collaborate with reagents preparation and purchase of supplies as process demanded
- Performed routine maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment to produce accurate results
- Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures
- Documented and reported equipment malfunctions to supervisor for fast resolution and maintenance
- Recorded and maintained accurate data to facilitate tracking of results
- Maintained strict aseptic fields when collecting biological samples, minimizing staff, and patient infection risks
- Analyzed and interpreted data, accurately identifying and reporting laboratory results
- Helped management optimize laboratory processes for maximum efficiency and performance
Microbiology Analyst II
Bureau Veritas Laboratories
12.2017 - 11.2020
- Completed all training proficiencies for pathogen team in short period achieving promotion from
- Analyst 1 to Analyst 2 within 10 months in company
- Acquired expertise in isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria regulated by Health Canada, FDA, and USDA from food and environmental swabs
- Conducted serotyping experiments for Salmonella spp, and biochemical reactions to identify Listeria Monocytogenes, Vibrio spp, Shigella spp, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica
- Collaborated with scientific Specialist team to conduct investigations aimed to address potential low-risk positive samples, and environmental contamination
- Reported near hits for pathogen area providing safe environment for team members and quality for all samples tested -Conducted team meetings and distributed workload among team members to meet deadlines, worked overtime and extensive shifts to accomplish projects and completed daily load of samples
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment
- Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments
Biological Engineer
Truchera la Candelaria, Fish Industry
06.2013 - 06.2014
- Successfully achieved identification and spread control of pathogenic bacteria causing massive infection affecting Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) production
- Created successful treatment plan to prevent infection's recurrence using probiotics as part of daily supplements, increasing immune response against pathogenic bacteria
- Accomplished cost saving in antibiotics and water treatment expenses enabling augmented budget towards cleaning and disinfection process to effectible prevent recurrence of infection
- Implemented and enhance water pressure system to increase oxygen dissolution within each fish pool improving immune response of Rainbow trout
- Formulated comprehensive cleaning and disinfection strategy, while providing training to team members assigning them different responsibilities to prevent infection from spreading
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines
- Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
Laboratory Assistant
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
02.2012 - 05.2013
- Conducted research to maximized enzymatic extraction of pectin from fruit waste -Acquired experience preparing media culture and reagents, sterilization process for all tools required for inoculation of 5 liters bioreactor
- Executed fermentation process to produce pectinases from filamentous fungi, followed by quantification of active units utilizing Buriet method with standard calibration curve
- Executed enzymatic extraction of pectin in batch-type fermentation with fruit waste as substrate under different experimental conditions, and purified extracted biopolymer
- Maintained records of experimental outcomes in logbooks and generated reports including comparative analysis of yields achieved within both extraction process, and detailed description of reagents and media culture preparation.
Education
Certificate - Programming For Everyone, Python Data Structures
University of Michigan
Online Certification04.2023
Certificate - • Bioinformatics Methods I
University of Toronto
Online Certificate02.2023
Certificate - Engineering Project Management
Rice University
Online06.2021
Advanced Diploma - Fast Track in Biotechnology
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Scarborough, ON08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biological Engineering
Universidad Nacional De Colombia
Colombia09.2013
Skills
- Analytical and Scientific data analysis
- Lab Automation
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
- Bioinformatics Tools
- Nucleic Acid quantification
- qPCR
- Troubleshooting lab equipment
- Willingness to learn new techniques
Timeline
Medical Laboratory Technician
Public Health Ontario
11.2020 - Current
Microbiology Analyst II
Bureau Veritas Laboratories
12.2017 - 11.2020
Biological Engineer
Truchera la Candelaria, Fish Industry
06.2013 - 06.2014
Laboratory Assistant
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
02.2012 - 05.2013
Certificate - Programming For Everyone, Python Data Structures
University of Michigan
Certificate - • Bioinformatics Methods I
University of Toronto
Certificate - Engineering Project Management
Rice University
Advanced Diploma - Fast Track in Biotechnology
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Bachelor of Science - Biological Engineering
Universidad Nacional De Colombia
Similar Profiles
NARMADA JEGANATHAN NALININARMADA JEGANATHAN NALINI
Laboratory attendant II at Public health OntarioLaboratory attendant II at Public health Ontario
Marley ChobotiukMarley Chobotiuk
Laboratory Attendant 2 at Public Health OntarioLaboratory Attendant 2 at Public Health Ontario
Jaipreet KaurJaipreet Kaur
Laboratory Technician at Public Health OntarioLaboratory Technician at Public Health Ontario
Pooja RaiPooja Rai
Accounts Payable at Public Health OntarioAccounts Payable at Public Health Ontario
Anmol FarishtaAnmol Farishta
Tutor at TutorTutor at Tutor