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Nicole Rivera-Espinal

Applicant

My Target Schools

New York University - MS/PHD

Applying

Full-time

North Carolina

Applying

Cornell University - MS/PHD

Applying

Full-time

My Education

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Bachelor

6/2014 - 6/2019

My Extracurricular Activities

School Affiliated

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Biology mentor for freshman students

12/2018 - now

I provide academic mentoring to new students in the biology department. I help them with: study methods, time management and everything that involves the transition to university life

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Beta Beta Beta Zeta-Epsilon Member

8/2014 - now

Active member of the organization since my first year at university

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

RISE Program

8/2018 - 8/2018

During the freshmen year you will learn how to read and handle scientific literature, prepare an annotated bibliography, write a review paper (equivalent to the background and significance of a proposal) as part of a scientific literature course, and to present an article in a journal club. The writing component will include individual instruction as well as lectures on proper scientific research, writing and presentation methods. The second semester instrumentation workshops will provide different techniques so you will be better prepared for research experiences at the sophomore level. At the completion of the training, there are opportunities for qualified students to participate in research internships. Some of the research experience will be in Puerto Rico during the semester; others will be in the USA during the summer. Students will have the opportunity to present the results of these investigations and some will be invited to travel to national universities, work with national/international scientists and learn about graduate schools, health-related postgraduate fellowships and scholarships.

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Research: Evaluating how perturbations in LuxO quorum signaling affect bioluminescence in Vibrio fischeri

5/2016 - 7/2018

The Hawaiian Bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes has a remarkable symbiotic relationship with a species of marine bacteria named Vibrio fischeri that can produce light by a controlled chemical reaction known as quorum signaling. In this reaction, bacteria communicate by the diffusion of chemical signaling molecules that are known as autoinducers. This signaling molecule allows bacteria to distinguish between high and low cell population density in order to control gene expression. Our investigation looked into the function of LuxO, a response regulator that integrates outputs from various signaling systems, ultimately controlling specific traits like bioluminescence.

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Student Council

8/2017 - 6/2018

I was executive secretary of the General Student Council. My duties consisted in the organization and planning of ordinary and extraordinary meetings. In addition, I was in charge of writing the certifications and approving them according to the regulations.

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Research: Molecular phylogenetic analysis of plant Genomics regions Amplified using PCR.

8/2015 - 5/2016

In this research we intend to study the evolutionary history of interesting genomic regions in various plants by cloning and analyzing them.

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

ABRCMS 2015 symposium, Washington Seattle.

9/2015 - 9/2015

Poster presentation of the investigation: Effect of Gypsum Addition on Soil Aggregation in a Silt Loam Soil in  Wooster, Ohio

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Effect of Gypsum Addition on Soil Aggregation in a Silt Loam Soil in Wooster, Ohio

5/2015 - 8/2015

The agricultural community has become increasingly interested in using gypsum as a soil amendment to improve soil quality. We hypothesized that synthetic gypsum from coal-fired electricity producing power plants, called flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, can decrease soil bulk density and improve soil porosity. Silt loam soil samples from Wooster, Ohio were collected. This soil is similar to many soils in Ohio and is representative of the large areas that could potentially benefit from FGD gypsum use in the state.

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

Research: Characterization of the infectious process of a virus and its bacterial host.

10/2014 - 3/2015

I found an unknown bacterium in the soil of the municipal landfill in Cayey, Puerto Rico. In this research, my responsibilities were to make sure that preparation, conduct, and administration were properly followed.
Non-School Affiliated

University of Puerto Rico, Cayey University College

classic ballet

7/2012 - 5/2015

Mastery of classical ballet dance for several years

My Experience

CAE T5 program

Biology Mentor

12/2017 - now

I provide academic mentoring to new students in the biology department. I help them with: study methods, time management and everything that involves the transition to university life

Interests & Passions

  • Investigation
  • problem solving
  • helping people around me, self-improvement, educations, women's self empowerment
  • politics
  • ballet

Interesting Tidbits

I can memorize songs extremely fast :)

Career Mission

I want to be able to enter a good graduate school program in order to reach my goal of obtaining a PhD in my area of interest. After having gone through the Hurricane Maria process on the island, I understood that by reaching that goal I will be able to open many doors for people with my same background.

What I Do Well

  • Problem Solving
  • Communicating
  • Team Work
  • Take initiative
  • sociable

Top Places

  • New York
  • Seattle
  • Europe
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico

Languages

  • Spanish (Native)
  • English (Advanced)
  • Italian (Basic)
Nicole Rivera-Espinal avatar

Target Schools

Intended Majors

  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology and Immunology

Target Industries

  • Don't Know