Paola Cristina Correa Alfonzo
14264 Firewood Dr El Paso TX 79938
Education
B.S. Biomedical
University of Texas at El Paso
o Cumulative GPA. 3.65
o Relevant Courses: Biology I and II, Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, Genetics,
Microbiology, Cellular Biology, Toxicology, Medical Terminology, Ecology, Mammalian Physiology.
Research Experience
January 2018-Present
January 2017-September 2018
May 2016-August 2016
August 2015-May 2016
(787)-450-0217 pccorreaalf@utep.edu
(Expected Graduation Date May 2020)
Sex Differences in Nicotine Addiction
Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
Principle Investigator: Dr. Laura O’Dell
Substance Abuse and Neuroscience Research in UTEP’s Psychology
Department focused on Nicotine impact in vulnerable populations and
sex differences.
o Performed Animal Behavior Tests.
o Obtained Animal Surgical Training and Animal testing Certifications.
o Learned Immunofluorescence and Brain Tissue Collection.
Hemochromatosis genes in Amazona vittata and the study of
Translocations
Institution: University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus
Principle Investigator: Dr. Juan Martínez Cruzado
Study and Pinpointing of Genes involved in the development of
Hemochromatosis in Puerto Rican parrots and Translocations occurring
in Chromosomes 6 and 7.
o Learned to use bioinformatic software: NCBI, Gene Bank, TextPad,
Blat and Mendeley.
SMART-MIND Summer Research Program 2016
Institution: University of El Paso Texas
Principle Investigator: Dr. Sulka Roychowdury
Study of the Effects Caused by Nicotine on Differentiated PC12 Cells by
analyzing changes in their Cytoskeleton and Microtubule assembly.
o Gained Laboratory Experience in Molecular Biology Technics like
Electrophoresis and Western Blots.
o Studied of Neuron like Cells with Cell Culture Protocols and Confocal
Microscopy.
o Exposed Scientific Findings in UTEP’s Summer COURI Symposium.
Research-Predator-Prey Interaction and Distribution in Tropical
Streams, Luquillo Mountains, PR
 Institution: University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus/Zoology
Laboratory Principle Investigator: Dr. Omar Pérez Reyes
Study of the strange behavior shown during severe drought seasons by
the Macrobrachium crenulatum, a type of shrimp native to El Yunque.
o Conducted Behavior Experiments with Invertebrates.
o Developed Graphs and Animal Model Statistics.
Laboratory Skills

Immunofluorescence, Cell Culture, Electrophoresis, Western Blots, Animal Behavior, Confocal Microscopy,
Brain Sectioning, Perfusions.

Job Experiences

August 2019-Present On-Campus Employment-Undergraduate Research Assistant

Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
Employer: Dr. Laura O’Dell
Phone: 915-747-6565
Email:lodell@utep.edu

I obtained an undergraduate research assistant position. As part of my

job, I underwent extensive research training. Moreover, I learned to
design and conducted experiments to understand the effects of nicotine
on the brain. More specifically, the sex difference associated with
nicotine cessation. The experience taught me about the role of substance
abuse on health and helped improve my communication skills

June 2019-August 2019 Laboratory Manager/Coordinator

Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
Employer: Dr. Laura O’Dell
Phone: 915-747-6565
Email:lodell@utep.edu

After serving as a research technician at Dr. O’Dell’s lab, I was offered a

summer-long laboratory manager position. As part of my role, I ensured
staff compliance and promoted cooperation between colleagues and
departments. I oversaw instrument performance and arranged equipment
replacement, purchasing, and repair. Moreover, I supervised the
laboratory operations and assisted in the development and conduction of
experiments.

January 2018-May 2019 Research Technician III

Institution: University of Texas at El Paso
Employer: Dr. Laura O’Dell
Phone: 915-747-6565
Email:lodell@utep.edu

I worked under Dr. O’Dell whose focus is on the effects of nicotine in

vulnerable populations. My responsibilities included the design and
 execution of experimental procedures aid in understanding the effects of
nicotine in the brain. I used animal models and immunofluorescence
techniques to observe sex differences in nicotine withdrawal.

Conferences

November 13, 2019 Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students
November 16, 2019 (ABRCMS) 2019

Presented my work on sex differences in neuronal activation in the

interpeduncular nucleus during nicotine withdrawal.

November 3, 2018 Society for Neuroscience (SFN) 2018

November 7, 2018
Participated of the conferences and seminars at SFN 2018. Learned
about the advances in neuroscience and the new technologies and
research innovations in the field.

August 6, 2016 COURI Summer Symposium 2016

Presented my work on neuronal microtubule and actin assembly

disruption due to nicotine exposure at the University of Texas at El
Paso.

Volunteer Experiences

August 2018-Present Alpha Phi Omega Community Services

Supervisor: Charles Spencer

Email: upsiloeta@gmail.com

I have been part of different community services activities, like food

drives, health campaigns, local and national prevention, and awareness
projects. This organization focusses on developing leaders while
enhancing a personal sense of community. The activities range from
food drives, hospice, underrepresented communities and the
environment.

September 2018-May 2019 ROTA-Care Clinic

Supervisor:
Email:

The Rota Care Clinic is an initiative that provides free healthcare to

patients from underrepresented communities that do not have health
insurance. The experience allowed me to shadow medical professionals
and learn about the healthcare system. I helped the medical students and
 doctors that work at the clinic. My duties included: taking vitals, filing
patient histories and medical records and helping Spanish speaking
patients communicate with their non-Spanish speaking doctors.

September 2018-April 2019 Hospitals of Providence Memorial Hospital

Supervisor: Theresa Isaacs

Phone: 915-577-6011

I worked as a volunteer at a local hospital alongside the hospital’s

occupational nurse. I helped with the filing and organization of medical
records and patient histories. I had the opportunity to take the patient's
vitals and interact with different healthcare providers. I learned about
hospital regulations, health risks, and vaccine policies.
Grants and Awards

June 2019 Spotlight for Students

The College of Science 4 Plus 4 Club is a distinct organization for

juniors and seniors who’s overall and major’s GPA is 4.0. I was
awarded this recognition. As part of this experience, I meet with the
College of Science Dean to discuss my academic and personal
achievements which included my volunteer experiences, my journey
through college and hardships along the way. My interview can be seen
in the college of science university page online.

November 2019 ABRCMS 2019 Travel Award

I was awarded a travel award that allowed me to present my findings at

the Annual Biomedical Research for Minorities in Science.

January 2018 NIH Diversity Supplement Grant

The National institute of Health awarded me a diversity supplement

grant that helped finance my studies and research endeavors for a year.