Santiago Villarreal Desentis
Utrecht,Netherlands
Summary
- Dedicated research intern with hands-on experience in molecular biology, genomics, and neuroscience. Experience in PCR techniques (qPCR, genotyping), data analysis, cell culture, and microscopy, including immunofluorescence microscopy.
- Contributed to diverse projects such as characterising Arabidopsis mutants for thermomorphogenesis, designing computational enhancers for signalling pathways, and analysing DNA repair mechanisms in TDP-43-mutated cells.
- Skilled in seminar presentations and collaborative research efforts, with a foundation in genomic variant interpretation and molecular biology techniques. Aspires to advance scientific understanding through innovative research contributions.
Overview
5
5
Languages
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Intern Utrecht University
Plant Stress Resilience (Biology Department)
Utrecht, Science Park
05.2026 - 10.2026
- Attended and participated in group seminars and weekly lab meetings.
- Grew specific Arabidopsis plant mutants under specific temperatures to evaluate thermomorphogensis.
- Characterised Arabidopsis mutants with genotyping PCR and phenotypic analysis.
- Performed data analysis on hypocotyl lengths to understand phenotypic changes.
Research Intern Utrecht University
Genome Biology & Epigenetics (Biology Department)
Utrecht, Science Park
10.2024 - 10.2025
- Participated in research group meetings, offering insights and feedback on ongoing projects.
- Collaborated with the research team to design, plan, and implement experiments, enhancing project outcomes.
- Designed computational enhancers targeting WNT, Sonic Hedgehog, and Notch signalling pathways.
- Monitored gene expression in human neural stem cells (hNSCs) through qPCR.
- Cultured neural stem cells and fibroblasts (iPSC differentiation).
- Participated in Journal Club discussions.
Research Intern
Houston Methodist (Department of Neurosurgery)
Houston
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Attended conferences to learn about new research and how to present findings.
- Worked with TDP-43-mutated SH-SY5Y cells to characterise DNA repair in a mutated state.
- Analysed DNA damage using the Comet Assay and by monitoring DNA damage response (DDR) proteins through Western Blotting.
- Visualised TDP-43 localisation through immunofluorescence microscopy.
Student Intern
National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN)
Mexico City
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Learned about genomics, gene variant interpretation, and basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR and sequencing (Cardiovascular Genomics Lab).
- Participated in group seminars involving my own research and research from other members and groups.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biosciences
Monterrey Technological University (ITESM)
Mexico City 2024
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Zapopan, Jalisco2020
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart
Grand Coteau2018
Skills
- PCR (qPCR, genotyping)
- Data analysis
- Cell culture
- Microscopy
- Immunofluorescence microscopy
- Gel electrophoresis
- Seminar presentation
Languages
Spanish
First Language
English
Advanced
C1
Dutch
Beginner
A1
German
Beginner
A1
Portuguese
Beginner
A1
Certification
- Introduction to Statistics (Coursera)
- Student Mentor at the University (Kirón Student Organization)
Hobbies and interests
- Reading and Writing
- Quality time (family and friends)
- Animal Volunteering
- Excercise/Sports
- Language Learning
- Creative Endeavors (Poetry, Singing/Dancing)
Timeline
Research Intern Utrecht University
Plant Stress Resilience (Biology Department)
05.2026 - 10.2026
Research Intern Utrecht University
Genome Biology & Epigenetics (Biology Department)
10.2024 - 10.2025
Research Intern
Houston Methodist (Department of Neurosurgery)
08.2023 - 12.2023
Student Intern
National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN)
02.2023 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Biosciences
Monterrey Technological University (ITESM)
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
American School Foundation of Guadalajara (ASFG)
Certificate of Higher Education - High School
Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart