Soraya Villaseca Herrera

Established and nurtured networks to connect Chilean postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, enhancing collaboration and knowledge transfer through "Ciclos de Seminarios Online"

Organized shared spaces for intellectual exchange, promoting interdisciplinary discussions and strengthening community ties within the Developmental Biology field.

Developed the bimonthly bulletin "Devoletin", designed to inform members, feature interviews with leading developmental biology scientists in Chile and abroad, and promote national and international events in developmental biology.

Investigated TNC cell migration mechanisms and nuclear deformation in highly confined environments using Zebrafish Neural Crest Cells (in vivo) and Xenopus laevis (ex vivo) models.

Utilized spinning disc microscopy, photoablation, and photoconversion systems to precisely manipulate microtubule cytoskeleton.

Executed complex microinjections in both Zebrafish and Xenopus, including transgenic generation and explant/transplant procedures for CNC and TNC cells.

Performed advanced quantitative image analysis using Fiji, MATLAB, and Napari to derive critical insights into cellular processes.

Facilitated engaging discussions and Q&A sessions, fostering a collaborative and inclusive academic environment within the department.

Managed speaker schedules and introduced presenters, ensuring smooth operation of weekly seminars.

Contributed to the department's diverse and evolving research culture by promoting active participation and knowledge dissemination.

Mentored MPhil student Minjia Pan in advanced biological research, providing guidance on thesis development, experimental design, and scientific analysis.

Oversaw research investigating the role of microtubules in nuclear deformation during confined cell migration in vivo.

Provided expert guidance on data analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication to support successful completion of an MPhil thesis.

Will instruct and supervise students in genetics laboratory techniques, fostering practical skill development and adherence to protocols.

Will provide real-time assistance and clarification during experiments, enhancing student learning and problem-solving abilities.

Will contribute to a dynamic learning environment by facilitating hands-on engagement with genetic concepts.

Mentored MSc student Maria Jose Ruiz through the entire thesis process, from experimental design to data interpretation.

Designed and taught engaging curriculum for Biochemistry and Cell Biology, impacting student comprehension and academic performance.

Conducted hands-on laboratory sessions, providing practical experience in key biochemical and cellular techniques.

Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback, contributing to their scientific development.

Assisted in laboratory sessions, guiding students through complex experiments and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

Provided group tutoring, clarifying challenging concepts and improving student understanding.

Contributed to the preparation of course materials (seminars) and grading, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

Guided undergraduate student Gabriel Romero in conducting research on Ric-8A/Gaq's role in cranial neural crest cell migration.

Provided mentorship on experimental methodology, data analysis, and scientific literature review for thesis completion.

Assisted in teaching biochemistry principles relevant to health sector internships, bridging academic knowledge with practical clinical scenarios.

Mentored students in understanding biochemical processes critical for health diagnosis and treatment.

Facilitated learning experiences that prepared students for real-world applications in medical and health-related fields.

Executed qPCR analysis for a viral panel, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis of infectious diseases including respiratory viruses, HPV, and HIV.

Validated diagnostic protocols, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of molecular testing within the hospital's Molecular Biology Division.

Contributed to public health surveillance by providing precise laboratory results for critical viral pathogens.

Delivered online assistance for Biomedical Sciences courses, adapting teaching methods for effective remote delivery.

Provided virtual support and resources to students, enhancing their learning experience and academic success.

Contributed to the development of engaging online content and interactive learning activities.