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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.
Selected Positions
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%.
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.