Bianca Ynez Ruiz Smith

As an NSF Fellow, provided my own funding for graduate thesis project. Actively trained as an independent researcher by cultivating experimental, computational and professional skills.

Designed and implemented platforms for production of protein variants via chemical and genetic perturbations, applied multiplexed biochemical selections, analyzed by MS to identify consequential changes in structure or function. Integrated large-scale proteomics datasets to develop pipelines that informed experimental design, applied data processing and statistics to extract biological insights, interpreted and summarized results through descriptive figures. Drove dynamic collaborations within an interdisciplinary group of genomics and proteomics scientists to approach project objectives, craft solutions, and quickly deliver actionable results as a team.

Developed and optimized assays to monitor drug incorporation in live mammalian cells via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy.

As a scholar in this program, I participated in rigorous curriculum of classes, gained experience in research labs at Cal State Fullerton and UW, and developed skills in scientific writing and presentation.

Designed microbial competition assays to assess the adaptive properties of manganese oxidation by Pseudomonas putida GB-1.

Implemented methods to combine cryogrinding with chemical cross-linking in order to examine proteome interactions via mass spectrometry.

Performed data entry, worked with management to oversee projects, maintained communications with vendors and customers. Facilitated cooperation between multiple departments to consistently meet company deadlines.