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Frank Urena

Research Scientist

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Frank Urena Ph.D

Science, Medicine, and Creativity

Professional Experience

2022-2023 Post-doctoral Research Fellow Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

 ·       We investigated the genetic markers of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by analyzing donated CAFs from patients. (Dr. David Lagares Group)                           ·       We investigated immune cells’ integration and genetic drivers in the lung epithelium, using human sample-derived organoids as a based model. (Dr. Benjamin Medoff Group)

2019-2022 Graduate Research Assistant John A. Burns School of Medicine Honolulu, HI, USA.

 ·       We developed a gain-of-function mouse model to study the overexpression of microRNA 16-1/15a and its role in T cell function and proliferation. (Dr. Peter Hoffman Lab)

 2019-2019 Scientific Assistant Washington State University Pullman, WA, USA.

 ·       Preparation of DNA and RNA guides for CRISPR Genome editing for costume Knock Out/In mouse models, Genotyping, and validation of transgenic mouse lines.

 2018-2019 Graduate Research Assistant University of Hawaii Cancer Center Honolulu, HI, USA.

 ·       Cell culture technician.

 2016-2018 Research Assistant III Wyss Institute/Harvard Medical School Boston, MA

 ·       Minor survival surgery in rodents. ·       Development of experimental in-vivo/ In vitro procedures (Rodents/Swine).
·       Necropsy of study animals.
·       Preclinical study design cross-platform consulting.
·       IACUC Study Protocol Development. ·       Immune-Materials/Biocompatibility Studies.  

 2015-2016 Research Associate (CRO): Toxicon Corp Bedford, MA, USA

 ·       Lead research associate for the ESRS department, surgical studies, in charge of surgical prep. Monitoring (Anesthesia, Analgesia).
·       TK/PK Studies, design of study protocols, SOP, and regulatory guidelines (IACUC, GLP, Non-GLP, GMP). ·       Generate, record, and report raw data for FDA validation preclinical studies.
·        I worked with diverse animal models (Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Swine, and Non-Human Primates.
·       Conduct daily health evaluations of research animals and arrange for veterinary care if necessary.
·       Collect blood and tissues (in-vivo and necropsy) for analysis and interface with the histology and clinical pathology labs.
·        Daily calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and instruments.  

2014-2015 Pathology Technician: Lahey Clinic and Medical Center Burlington, MA, USA

 ·       Laboratory Inventory Management. ·       Assistance during an autopsy.
·       Retrieval of tissue and fresh organs from the operating floor.
·       Accession and processing of surgical specimens for distribution to the Pathology Assistant’s team. Accession and urine processing for cytology and FISH test, as well as GYN ThinPrep pap smears.
·       I Performed other miscellaneous prep for the Histology and Cytology sections of the laboratory.  

 2012-2013 Laboratory Assistant: Converge Diagnostic Services. Peabody, MA, USA.

 ·       We performed automated/manual routine and STAT non-complex laboratory procedures in clinical chemistry and microbiology.
·       Analyzed laboratory findings, checked the accuracy of the results, interpreted data, compiled results, and promptly reported critical values throughout the appropriate channels.
·       Responsible for the operation, calibration, quality control, validation, and maintenance of equipment used in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of bodily fluids such as urine, blood, and bacterial cultures.
·       Kept accurate equipment maintenance records and documented daily statistical data on the company’s internal system.
·       I was responsible for GYN-pap smears tissue and DNA extractions for HPV testing. ·       Training and development of new hires.  

 2012-2012 Risk Reduction Counselor: Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Lawrence, MA

 ·       Counseling and testing for HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis.
·       Management and reporting of the Department of Public Health Epidemiological Data. Data-intensive, administrative, and analytical projects, research-based analysis of affected populations, and identification of high-risk groups.
·       General health education and outreach in public venues: local shelters, food pantries, the Department of Corrections, and public psychology centers.  

2008-2008 Chemical Reagent Coordinator (Summer intern): Joule Scientific Staffing Cambridge, MA

 ·       Received and managed all chemicals delivered to the laboratory by properly accessioning and labeling each chemical using the company’s proprietary tracking system.
·       Delivered the chemicals to their assigned staff scientists and helped solve any issues or discrepancies with their orders—coordinated chemical disposal with the environmental health and safety team.