ARMANDO ABARCA JR
San Diego
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven researcher with hands-on experience at California State University San Marcos. Proficient in SPSS and data analysis, I excel in cognitive research and experimental design. My strong interpersonal skills enhance collaboration, while my analytical mindset drives impactful insights in neuropsychological studies. Passionate about advancing knowledge in neuroscience.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Mind, Brain, and Adaptive Research in Cognition (MBARC) Lab
California State University San Marcos
06.2025 - Current
- Assisted with human neuropsychological research examining memory, cognition, and brain behavior relationships
- Conducted participant recruitment, survey administration, and cognitive data collection
- Supported data entry, auditing, and management using structured databases
- Assisted with manuscript development and applied SPSS for statistical analysis
- Gained experience with experimental design and longitudinal cognitive research
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Pharmacology and Neuroscience Lab
California State University San Marcos
03.2025 - Current
- Supported ongoing neuroscience and pharmacology research projects
- Trained in laboratory techniques including animal handling, and behavioral testing
- Assisted with literature review, data coding, and data analysis
- Gained exposure to translational neuroscience methods and lab workflows
Alzheimer's Community Outreach - Spanish Language
ALZ San Diego
San Diego
02.2025 - Current
- Supported Spanish language Alzheimer's outreach initiatives including Cafecitos community information sessions
- Engaged with older adults and families affected by cognitive decline in culturally appropriate settings
- Assisted with dissemination of Alzheimer's education and resources in Spanish
Independent Research Project - Circadian Rhythms and Athletic Performance
California State University San Marcos
01.2025 - Current
- Designed and conducted an independent study examining the immediate effects of circadian rhythm disruption on Major League Baseball player performance following trades
- Built and managed datasets and conducted statistical analyses using SPSS
- Expanding skills in Python for data handling and visualization
- Project intended for conference presentation and potential publication
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
San Diego
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Implemented structured behavioral intervention protocols and collected session level data
- Maintained accurate records and ensured data integrity for ongoing progress evaluation
- Worked directly with clients and caregivers while adhering to ethical and confidentiality standards
Data Analyst and Strategist
San Diego Mojo Professional Women's Volleyball Team
San Diego
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Analyzed human performance and behavioral data to identify patterns related to decision making, reaction time, and performance outcomes
- Applied statistical methods to evaluate variability and trends across athletes and competitions
- Presented data driven insights to coaching staff and athletes to inform evidence based strategy adjustments
- Developed standardized and replicable data tracking systems to support consistent performance assessment
Volunteer
Streets of Hope
San Diego
10.2022 - 04.2024
- Provided food and direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown San Diego
- Regularly interacted with adults facing mental health challenges and complex social needs
- Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills when working with vulnerable populations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Studies
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA12.2024
Associate of Arts for Transfer - Psychology
Grossmont Community College And Miramar Community College
El Cajon, CA05.2024
Skills
- SPSS
- Data entry and cleaning
- Descriptive and basic inferential statistics
- Quantitative methods
- Qualitative methods
- Cognitive and behavioral data collection
- Protocol adherence
- Confidentiality
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Access
- Python
- R
- Statistical analysis
- Experimental design
- Neuropsychological research
Clinical And Human Subjects Experience
Behavior Technician, Behavior Frontiers, San Diego, CA, 11/24, 03/25, Implemented structured behavioral intervention protocols and collected session level data, Maintained accurate records and ensured data integrity for ongoing progress evaluation, Worked directly with clients and caregivers while adhering to ethical and confidentiality standards
Community And Population Engagement
- Alzheimer's Community Outreach - Spanish Language, ALZ San Diego, Supported Spanish language Alzheimer's outreach initiatives including Cafecitos community information sessions, Engaged with older adults and families affected by cognitive decline in culturally appropriate settings, Assisted with dissemination of Alzheimer's education and resources in Spanish
- Volunteer - Streets of Hope, San Diego, CA, 10/22, Present, Provided food and direct support to individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown San Diego, Regularly interacted with adults facing mental health challenges and complex social needs, Developed strong interpersonal and communication skills when working with vulnerable populations
Professional Affiliations And Honors
- Society for Neuroscience Member
- Psi Chi International Honor Society
- Dean's List
- Pell Grant and Cal Grant Recipient
- First generation college graduate
Languages
- English
- Spanish - Fluent/Native
Research
- Undergraduate Research Assistant - Mind, Brain, and Adaptive Research in Cognition (MBARC) Lab, California State University San Marcos, Dr Lisa Graves Aragon, 06/25, Present, Assisted with human neuropsychological research examining memory, cognition, and brain behavior relationships, Conducted participant recruitment, survey administration, and cognitive data collection, Supported data entry, auditing, and management using structured databases, Assisted with manuscript development and applied SPSS for statistical analysis, Gained experience with experimental design and longitudinal cognitive research
- Undergraduate Research Assistant - Pharmacology and Neuroscience Lab, California State University San Marcos, Dr Francisco Flores Ramirez, 03/25, Present, Supported ongoing neuroscience and pharmacology research projects, Trained in laboratory techniques including animal handling, behavioral testing, and cell culture, Assisted with literature review, data coding, and data analysis, Gained exposure to translational neuroscience methods and lab workflows
- Independent Research Project - Circadian Rhythms and Athletic Performance, California State University San Marcos, 01/25, Present, Designed and conducted an independent study examining the immediate effects of circadian rhythm disruption on Major League Baseball player performance following trades, Built and managed datasets and conducted statistical analyses using SPSS, Expanding skills in Python for data handling and visualization, Project intended for conference presentation and potential publication
Affiliations
Professional Volleyball Player - Spartans, Mexico, 2020-2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Mind, Brain, and Adaptive Research in Cognition (MBARC) Lab
California State University San Marcos
06.2025 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Pharmacology and Neuroscience Lab
California State University San Marcos
03.2025 - Current
Alzheimer's Community Outreach - Spanish Language
ALZ San Diego
02.2025 - Current
Independent Research Project - Circadian Rhythms and Athletic Performance
California State University San Marcos
01.2025 - Current
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
11.2024 - 03.2025
Data Analyst and Strategist
San Diego Mojo Professional Women's Volleyball Team
10.2023 - 01.2025
Volunteer
Streets of Hope
10.2022 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Studies
California State University San Marcos
Associate of Arts for Transfer - Psychology
Grossmont Community College And Miramar Community College