Jesenia Jasmin Machicado Cadima
About me
As a newly graduated biotech engineer, I have a strong passion for molecular biology/disease research. My undergraduate thesis focused on the molecular detection of sexually transmitted diseases using PCR and hybridization techniques, based on real patient samples processed in the laboratory where I completed my internship. This experience allowed me to develop the technical skills necessary to work in a lab and use those skills to apply molecular biology to human health.
Currently, I work in a small supplement company in quality control where I have gained experience in analytical processes, quality control, and team dynamics in a manufacturing setting. At the same time, I still love scientific research and would like to further specialize in molecular biology, especially in the study of cancer and other human diseases.
As a Biotechnology Engineer with a degree from the Universidad Católica Boliviana "San Pablo" in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, I have a keen interest in molecular biology, biomedical research, and the health of humans. This has been my guiding motivation for pursuing an education and career in the fields that I currently pursue and have worked toward understanding how diseases develop at the molecular level and how biotechnology can be applied to help develop diagnostic tools and research studies.
During my internship with BIOGENESIS, a molecular diagnostics and research laboratory, I learned about the practical application of my education by working with actual patients’ clinical samples. I was responsible for carrying out DNA extraction, amplification by PCR, and molecular hybridization of the patient samples according to established laboratory methods and quality control standards. The technical laboratory skills and my enthusiasm for molecular biology research that I developed during my time at BIOGENESIS has encouraged me to continue my pursuit of molecular biology research.
For my undergraduate thesis, I examined the prevalence of STDs in patient samples from Biogenesis. I used molecular hybridization techniques to detect the prevalence of STDs in the samples. Through this study, I became more interested in the use of molecular techniques for disease detection, the use of molecular techniques for epidemiology, and the role that molecular techniques play in public health.
I currently work in the Quality Control and Research & Development departments of a small food and supplement company. My responsibilities include performing quality tests on raw materials and finished products, including using UV-Vis spectrophotometry to quantify total polyphenolic compounds. I used to be involved in the formulation and development of dietary supplements and have gained valuable analytic, organizational and problem-solving experiences through production environments.
Outside of my job, I have been actively involved in scientific and volunteer efforts such as being part of the Biotechnology Student Scientific Society (GENOMA), participating in the Nos Gusta la Ciencia initiative and volunteer work with young scientists.
Through further studies, my aim is to gain expertise in molecular biology and apply this knowledge in the study of cancer and other diseases afflicting humankind. I hope to continue to contribute to scientific discoveries that enhance the ability to diagnose, treat and improve public health for all.