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César A. Villalobos
I have undertaken award-winning genetic engineering projects, researched novel bioprinting techniques, and even combated lichen growing in old churches!
Currently searching for a graduate program that allows me to work at the intersection of life science and engineering, leveraging my management and communication skills to develop impactful technologies and bring them to the people who need them the most.
Education
B.S., Biotechnology Engineering
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Monterrey, NL
2020 - 2016
- Specialization in Molecular Biology
- Grade average: 92%
- A five-year degree on biotechnology, engineering, and business in Mexico’s #1 university and #8 school worldwide for entreprenurial studies.
Data Science: Foundations Using R
Johns Hopkins University
N/A
2020
- Learnt data science tools and techniques applied to biostatistics, with a focus on R programming.
Introduction to Bioethics
Oxford University
N/A
2016
- Intensive course on contemporary concepts and dilemmas in bioethics. Credited with a defense of human reproductive cloning.
Research Experience
Undergraduate Researcher
Zhang Laboratory
Harvard Medical School
2020
- Designed and printed 3D cholangiocarcinoma chips through lithography-based biofabrication.
- Compiled and evaluated methods for the production of porous biomaterials.
- Optimized bioink production protocols for internal use. Reduced critical reagent use by 90%.
Research Assistant
NutriOmics (Dr. Silverio’s Lab)
Tecnológico de Monterrey
2019
- Assisted post-doc Dr. Laura Margarita López Castillo in her research on insect pests, maize, and their interactions.
Undergraduate Researcher
Shih Laboratory
Concordia University
2019
- Started a mutant E. coli strain library for later screening.
- Was consulted on for the design of an efficient microfluidic chip for directed evolution of enzymes.
- Trained a Master’s student on synthetic biology techniques (i.e. primer design, construct assembly, PCR, cloning, screening, etc.)
Undergraduate Researcher
Misiones Coloniales de Chihuahua, A.C.
Chihuahua, CH
2018
- Investigator in a microbial identification project to inform how to deal with biodeteriogens on cultural heritage.
- Designed a procedure for lichen identification, which replaced the ineffective culture of mycobionts, saving resources and time to a team of 16 researchers.
- Standardized and scaled zinc oxide nanoparticle production, in a non-specialized lab, to be used as antifungal solutions.
Lead Mathematician
iGEM Tec-Chihuahua
Tecnológico de Monterrey
2018
- Won a gold medal and was nominated to three special prizes, as judged by international experts in a synthetic biology competition.
- Developed a predictive diffusion model for the honeybee-mediated delivery of recombinant antimicrobial peptides for veterinary use.
- Troubleshot the team’s procedures; discovered and fixed a fundamental problem in the digestion process and the design of synthesized sequences.
- Created a report assessing ethical, legal, and social implications of the project.
Undergraduate Researcher
Tecnológico de Monterrey
San Cristobal, CS
2018
- Developed plant tissue culture media and hoods for use and reproduction in low-income rural settlements.
Industry Experience
I have worked in a variety of roles ranging from consultancy to product development. I like collaborative environments where I can learn from my peers.
Translator and Assistant
Consultoría Lingüistica Profesional
Chihuahua, CH
2019 - 2015
- Translated, reviewed, and synchronized multimedia content from Spanish to English and vice versa.
- Video editor for conference advertisement and online lessons.
- Data analysis and collection; creation of a client database from multiple sources.
Operations Intern - Consultant
Innovación y Competitividad
San Pedro, NL
2019
- Communicated scientific advances to private and public investors, familiar and unfamiliar with the subject matter.
- Evaluated patent requests with international IP databases to prove novelty.
- Wrote grant proposals and created project budgets for affiliated R&D laboratories.
Product Development Intern
Griffith Foods
Monterrey, NL
2019
- Won an internal competition to develop a novel plant-based foodstuff product for Griffith Foods (non-disclosure agreement).
Teaching Experience
I am passionate about education and outreach. I believe that we are all better off if everyone in our surroundings is scientifically literate and socially aware.
“Detrás de la Ciencia” Event Organizer
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Monterrey, NL
2021
- Organized the first edition of a series of talks on Philosophy of Science and plural epistemology.
Student Adviser
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Monterrey, NL
2020
- As a last-year student, helped younger students with homeworks, onboarding, and career advice.
Guest Lecturer
Universidad del Valle de México
Chihuahua, CH
2018
- Lectured high-school biology students on genetic engineering
Teacher Assistant
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Chihuahua, CH
2017
- Assisted a lab class to introduce high schoolers to common biotechnology protocols including: PCR, rat enzyme assays, and DNA extraction.
English Teacher
VIFAC
Chihuahua, CH
2016
- Volunteer english teacher at a local women’s shelter.
Selected Press
Chihuahuenses buscan salvar las abejas (Spanish)
Conecta
N/A
2018
- Tells the story of our project in the 2018 iGEM competition.
Selected Publications, Posters, and Talks
Selling your project: wiki design and the power of science communication
GENOMA Conference
N/A
2019
- Invited to give a talk on effective science communication and webpage design for undergrad scientists from across Mexico.
Antifungal properties of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles
TEC Nano 2018
N/A
2018
- Presented at an MIT nanotechnology conference in Mexico.
Biotechnological Solutions in Architecture
Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua
N/A
2018
- Lectured along with Eduardo Tarango and Cynthia Gónzalez, Ph.D.
Znap: A Start-up Proposal (Spanish)
Parque Tecnológico Orión
N/A
2018
- Runner-up pitch (outmatched 13 teams) in a biotech start-up hackaton. Awarded free guidance by a specialized incubator.
Biodeteriogens in Cultural Heritage (Spanish)
Revista CiBIyT
N/A
2018
- Authored with Alejandro Robles, Atzin Alcaraz, and Abril Natera.
- Accompanied by a poster.
Social Events Director (elected)
SAIBT 2018 Student Council
Chihuahua, CH
2018