Kaytlin Alzugaray
I am a diligent and dedicated life--long learner passionate about translational cancer research. In the future, I look forward to becoming a physician--scientist devoted to investigating alternative pharmacological treatment options for cancer patients. My passion to help others has evolved and become an integral part of the educated, diversified, and motivated Hispanic woman I am today. I carry with me the perspectives, conviction, and knowledge I have gained from various research and clinical experiences. Overall, I am continuously reminded of my willpower, love for life-long learning, and dedication to unify our world through science.
Education
August 2016 - July 2021
Florida International University - Honors College
Bachelor of Science: Biological Sciences with Honors (GPA: 3.93)
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology (GPA: 4.00)
Double Major: Natural & Applied Sciences - Medical Track
Minor: Sociology/Anthropology
Undergraduate Certificates: (1) Women and Gender Studies, (2) Occupational Therapy, (3) Physical Therapy
September 2018 - November 2019
American Medical Academy
Licensed Emergency Medical Technician (GPA: 4.00)
Licensed Paramedic (GPA: 4.00)
August 2014 - June 2018
Felix Varela Senior High School
Superintendent’s Diploma of Distinction — Valedictorian (GPA: 5.20)
Research Experience
June 2021 - August 2021
Harvard Medical School - Cell Biology Research Scholars Program
Course: Online Workshop in Experimental Design (Mentor: Dr. Seth Johnson)
Critically analyzed the scientific method, studied how to successfully submit a research grant, and strengthened my ability to communicate scientific research.
Out of 600 applicants, I was 1 of 20 selected to join the summer program in Boston. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned to a virtual platform for 2021.
Composed an original research proposal and presented at a symposium hosted by the Harvard Cell Biology Department.
June 2020 - July 2020; June 2021 - August 2021
Weill Cornell Medicine - Gateways to the Laboratory Program
Project: Obesity-Related Dysfunction in Breast Cancer (Mentor: Dr. Kristy Brown)
Investigating the correlation between obesity, dysregulated cellular metabolism and breast cancer.
​Out of 400 applicants, I was 1 of 15 selected to join the summer program in New York City. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned to a virtual platform for 2020 and 2021.
Composed an original scientific research paper and poster for presentation at the Leadership Alliance Symposium.
August 2018 - June 2021
Florida International University - MARC U*STAR Program
Project: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Mouse Models for Testing the Therapeutic Properties of RXFP2 (Mentor: Dr. Alexander Agoulnik)
Investigated different OI mouse models to determine the best model for testing anabolic effects of RXFP2, a small molecule agonist of INSL3.
Mastered DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping, histological staining, western blots, and maintained mice in the animal facility ethically.
Composed an undergraduate thesis with the Biological Sciences Honors Department and MARC U*STAR Program.
May 2019 - July 2019
University of Miami - SURF Program
Project: Regulation of Oncogenic Stress Response in Gastric Cancer (Mentor: Dr. Alexander Zaika)
Investigated oncogenic stress response, a persistent anti-proliferative response initiated by the inactivation of a tumor-suppressor gene.
Created a model system, known as TetOne-kRas, to examine the specific metabolic pathways affected and proteins involved in gastric tumorigenesis.
Mastered PCR purification, gel electrophoresis purification, ligation, cell culture protocols, and analyzing DNA sequences.
June 2017 - August 2017
University of Miami - HHMI Program
Project: Role of GSTA2 in Ovarian Cancer (Mentor: Dr. Sophia George)
Investigated GSTA2, a novel antioxidant enzyme that stabilizes and sequesters various chemicals to prevent the formation of malignant cells in fallopian tube epithelial cells.
Examined early-genetic events leading to lethal fallopian tube epithelial transformation through lentiviral-mediated RNA interference.
Created an original 'Ovarian Cancer' pamphlet to educate and destigmatize the topic of women's reproductive health.
June 2016 - July 2016
Fairchild Botanical Garden - Challenge Summer Program
Project: Relationships of Mycorrhizal Fungi Among Encyclia Tampensis & Pleopeltis Polypodioides
Evaluated the mutual relationship between Resurrection Ferns and endangered Butterfly Orchids on live Oak trees.
Assisted in the collection, preparation and organization of plant specimens for the laboratory
Submitted original unit reports about plant species, sites, and habitat descriptions.​
Academic Presentations
Project: Osteogenesis Imperfecta Mouse Model for Testing Therapeutic Properties of RXFPR2
Location: MARC U*STAR Mini-Symposium at Florida International University (12/02/2020; Oral)
Awarded: 3rd Place for Outstanding Oral Presentation
Location: McNair Scholars Conference (11/20/2020; Poster)
Project: Regulation of Oncogenic Stress Response in Gastric Cancer
​Location: Life Sciences South Florida Undergraduate STEM Conference (04/10/21; Oral)
Location: Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (02/21/21; Poster)
Location: National Council on Undergraduate Research (04/12/21; Poster)
Location: Rockefeller University’s BioAcCES Undergraduate Conference: Zoom (10/03/2020; Poster)
Location: FIU's Undergraduate Research Conference (09/29/2020; Poster)
Location: The Leadership Alliance Summer 2020 Conference: Zoom (08/01/2020; Poster)
Location: Mayo Clinic’s SITDP 2020 Conference: Zoom (06/24/2020; Poster)
Location: BioXFEL Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico (01/28/2020; Poster)
Awarded: Full Travel Accommodations
Location: Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students in Anaheim, California (10/13/2019 - 10/16/2019, Poster)
Awarded: Full Travel Accommodations
Location: McNair Scholars Conference (10/18/2019; Poster)
Location: QBIC and MARC U*STAR Symposium (10/11/2019; Oral)​
Location: University of Miami 2019 SURF Research Conference (07/28/2019; Poster)
Awarded: Outstanding Poster Presentation
Project: Relaxin Receptor Agonist for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
Location: FIU’s 3rd Annual STEMConference (02/04/2019; Oral)
Location: McNair Scholars Conference (10/28/2018; Poster)
Project: Role of GSTA2 in Ovarian Cancer
Location: University of Miami 2019 HHMI Research Conference (07/28/2017, Poster)
Location: Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students: Zoom (10/09/2020 - 10/13/2020, Poster)
Project: Relationships of Mycorrhizal Fungi Among Encyclia Tampensis and Pleopeltis Polypodioides
Location: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Conference (08/01/2016; Oral)
Clinical Experience
February 2019 - March 2020
Licensed Paramedic (1,122 Hours)
Location: Hialeah Hospital & Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (Station #11 & #36)
Provided skillful medical care to revive and stabilize patients suffering from traumatic injuries, cardiac arrest, strokes, seizures, drug overdoses, hypothermia and other serious conditions.
Administered medications and communicated directly with physicians regarding patient care, patient behavior, and documentation.
Facilitated a team environment and consistently demonstrated high standards of performance and communication.
November 2018 - January 2019
Neurosurgery Shadowing (47 Hours)
Location: University of Miami Hospital (Physician: Dr. Ricardo Komotar)
Monitored complex surgeries including tumor removals, aneurysm clipping, and minimally invasive spinal surgeries.
Observed patient consultations and neuropsychological testing of patients with mild traumatic brain injuries, malignant/benign tumors, and spinal cord injuries.
September 2018 - December 2018
Licensed Emergency Medical Technician (208 Hours)
Location: American Ambulance Company & Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (Station #36)
Leveraged comprehensive knowledge of emergency medicine to assess, treat, stabilize and transport seriously ill or injured patients to local hospitals and trauma centers.
Provided effective emotional reassurance to patients/family members, therefore enabling the accurate documentation of crucial information (i.e. allergies, medications, pain levels, etc.) to aid in short-term treatments decisions.
July 2014 - August 2018
Pediatric Shadowing (521 Hours)
Location: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Gained firsthand experience on what responsibilities doctors, nurses, and administration staff encounter.
Elevated communication skills and developed meaningful relationships with patients, their families, and hospital peers.
Employment Experience
August 2019 - April 2020
FIU Honors Teaching Assistant
Course: IDH 1931 - Introduction to Honors (Professor: Dr. Veronica Diaz)
Adopted valuable teaching strategies, documented all classroom lectures, organized healthy group discussions, and graded academic assignments.
Effectively provided feedback on how to maintain positive academic progress in the course.
August 2018 - April 2020
FIUTeach K-5 Assistant Teacher
Location: Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary School (Course: SMT 2661 & 2662)
Provided instruction in different academic subjects and encouraged students to utilize critical-thinking and problem-solving skills during the classroom lecture.
Designed original lessons with detailed objectives to guide students toward understanding the lecture's primary purpose.
January 2017 - December 2018
Peer-Led Learning Leader & Supervisor
Location: FIU - PLTL Program
Instructed university-level students in (1) General Biology I & II, (2) Microbiology, and (3) Ecology as a PLTL leader for 2 years.
Discussed complex scientific topics and evaluated course progress through the distribution of weekly surveys, worksheets, and quizzes.
Fellowships
(1) MARC U*STAR (NIH) - Provost Fellow
(2) Biology Honors Thesis Program - Fellow
(3) FIU Honors ARCH Program - Fellow
(4) FIU Global Medallion Program - Fellow
(5) Marshall and Rhodes Fellowship - FIU Finalist
(6) Ronald McNair Scholar Program - FIU Finalist
(7) FIU's Student Life Awards - Scholar Award
(8) Millenn-
ium Program
- FIU Finalist
Technical Skills
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
SPSS
R-Studio
Contact
Email: Kalzu001@fiu.edu