Postdoctoral Associate

I am Sofia Bruni, and I hold a Ph.D. in Biology and Chemistry. I did my Ph.D studies at the Instituto de Biologia & Medicina Experimental from the National Research Council of Science & Technology (IBYME-CONICET, Buenos Aries, Argentina), where I studied the impact of soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha on the antitumor immune response in breast cancer, particularly on macrophages and NK cells (2018-2024). During my training, I gained expertise in a diverse number of techniques regarding molecular biology, cell culture, and preclinical models of breast cancer. I also hold a position as a professor at a secondary school, where I prepare students for the Biology IGCSE international examinations.

Now, I joined Dr. Rivas's lab to further develop myself as a researcher and expand my fields of expertise by focusing on the impact of chromosomal architecture on the immune response against tumor cells in lymphoma and breast cancer. 

I come from Argentina, where tons of food, loud music, and everlasting conversations are part of every gathering. I love hanging out with friends, drinking mate and playing football.

Education

Postdoctoral Associate. Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Miami, FL. 2024–ongoing.

Ph.D., Biological Chemistry. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2018-2024.

B.S./M.S., Biological Sciences (Major in molecular biology). Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2012-2018.

Ph.D. Student

Funded by Faculty for the Future - Schlumberger Foundation

My name is Betty Nugba. I have an MSc in Biotechnology and currently looking forward to starting a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I worked in the area of tumor angiogenesis and biosensing during my master’s. I have an interest in 3D genome architecture, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor metastasis. 

I love food and exploring new restaurants on weekends, and I love playing video games. 

Education

Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Miami, FL. 2023–ongoing

M.Sc., Biotechnology. Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology. Alexandria, Egypt. 2023.

B.Sc., Medical Laboratory Science. University of Ghana. Accra, Ghana. 2019.

Ph.D. Student

Funded by The Saudi Arabian Cultural Office - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education

My name is Abdulraof Alqrache (Raof). I'm a lecturer at the Clinical Biochemistry Department at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. I have a bachelor's in medicine and surgery and a master's in biomedical sciences (clinical biochemistry). My master's research studied the effect of genetic alterations on the overall survival in colon cancer patients.

I am interested in the effect of genetic alteration on cancer development and survival and in developing targeted treatments. I love spending time with my family (wife and two boys), traveling, and playing video games. Food is a big part of my life; I like cooking and trying new types of food.

Education

Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Miami, FL. 2023–ongoing

M.S., Biomedical Sciences (Clinical Biochemistry). University of the West of England. Bristol, UK. 2022.

M.B.B.S., Medicine & Surgery. King Abdulaziz University. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 2011.

Ph.D. Student

I am Diomedes Trejos, holding a B.S. in Biochemistry and Cellular/Molecular Biology. With a wealth of experience in diverse fields such as Stem Cells, Neuroscience, and Oncology for Breast and Ovarian cancer, I have a great interest in immunology and chromosomal architecture. I am always striving to expand my expertise in these areas.

I am originally from Panama. I love to travel and explore new environments. I also love to workout and try new restaurants.

I previously worked as a research associate in the Rivas lab where I am now pursuing a PhD. 

Education

Ph.D. Student, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Miami, FL. 2024–ongoing

B.S., Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology. Lindenwood University. St. Charles, MO. 2022.

Master's student

I am Laurent Garchitorena, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with the goal of eventually earning a PhD in the field. After several years in clinical research, I joined Dr. Rivas lab to deepen my expertise, particularly in the areas of epigenetics and cancer. I’m eager to contribute to ongoing research and gain a comprehensive understanding of lab techniques and processes.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy discovering new restaurants, traveling, spending time at the beach, and creating memories with my family and friends.

Education

M.S., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. University of Miami. Miami. FL. Expected completion August 2025.

B.A., Psychology. Florida International University. Miami, FL. 2021.

Undergraduate Student

My name is Gareth J. Robbins. I am an undergraduate at the University of Miami pursuing a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Marine Science. My interests involve genetic and epigenetic factors in disease, specifically cancer. I am planning to attend graduate school and eventually receive my Ph.D. in molecular sciences. I am excited to learn as much as I can as I move forward with my educational career.

Outside of the lab, my interests include acting and film, both of which are expressed through my position as an officer in the UMiami film organization DKA.

Education

B.S., Biochemistry & Marine Science. University of Miami. Miami, FL. Expected completion December 2024.

Research Trainee

Formerly: Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF)

Funded by NCI R25

I am Gabriela Alburquerque Orta, an undergraduate studying Biological Sciences at Florida International University with an expected graduation date of December 2024. Throughout my time pursuing this degree, I have grown interested in the laboratory techniques used in large-scale research projects; I have aimed to understand them alongside their updated versions with more complex engineering. I have worked in genotyping and machine testing using standard lab techniques and I hope to expand my field of knowledge with new methods here at the Rivas lab. My research interests lie in how changes in the epigenome are associated with the development of prion-like diseases. 

In my spare time, I enjoy crocheting and reading, as well as attempting new baking recipes to share with my loved ones. 

Education

B.S., Biological Sciences. Florida International University. Miami, FL. Expected completion December 2024.

Lab intern (2023-2024)

My name is Mikaela Spivak, I am a high school student at the School for Advanced Studies. With a keen interest in biomedical research, particularly in microbiology and immunology, I am determined to make meaningful contributions towards advancing the understanding of cancer.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I like to lead an active and well-rounded lifestyle, engaging in physical activities such as rowing and running. I also enjoy playing the piano.

Education

High School Diploma. School for Advanced Studies. Miami, FL. Expected completion June 2024.

Lab intern (2023-2024)

I am Mabel Lizarazu, and I am a botanist. For my Ph.D., I worked on woody bamboo's taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, and biogeography. During my postdoc, I researched the phylogeny and systematics of Compositae (Heterosperma and Bidens) in South America and Poaceae (section Panicum).

I'm happy to learn new techniques, molecular biology, and applications in the Rivas Lab; this area is very different from my previous experience and is a new challenge in my life, but not impossible to face. Professor Rivas has extraordinary human and professional qualities.

I love to travel, learn about new cultures, and experiment with new food and drink. In my free time–and to release stress–I like drawing fingerpaints with soft pastels and weaving two-needle knitted and hand-loom. I love to meet with my family and friends for dinner, drinking, and laughing because I love to see their faces relaxed and happy.

Education

Researcher. Darwinion Institute of Botany. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2015-2022.

Postdoc. Darwinion Institute of Botany. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2014-2015.

Ph.D., Biology. University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2013.

B.S./M.S., Biology. University of Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2007.

Undergraduate student (Spring 2024)

My name is Ella Keck. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Miami pursuing a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology. My interests include genetic factors and components in cancer and genetic disorders. I am planning on going to graduate school and getting my PhD in Genetics or Cancer Biology. I am very excited for this opportunity to work in the Rivas lab and to learn as much as I can. 

Some of my interests include reading as many books as possible, shopping, and going on random adventures around the city.

Education

B.S., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. University of Miami. Miami, FL. Expected completion May 2026.

Research Trainee (Summer 2023 & 2024)

My name is Ian Lumer. I am currently a high school student in 10th grade attending American Heritage School. I am taking specialized engineering classes and hope to pursue a career in biochemical engineering in the future. I have experience in mechanization through robotics and hope to further my knowledge in the science department. In my free time, I like to play sports with my friends and spending time outside.

Education

High School Diploma. American Heritage School. Miami, FL. Expected completion June 2024.

Research Trainee (Summer 2024)

My name is Danielle Gmyr and I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Biola University. As I have spent more and more time in the laboratory, I have developed an interest in cancer cell development and progression, and how modern biotechnologies like CRISPR-Cas9 can be used to experimentally manipulate genes associated with cancer. I am very excited to be a part of meaningful research in Dr. Rivas’ lab, and I am looking forward to learning as much as I can, gaining more professional experience, and practicing my existing laboratory skills. I am curious to see where my experiences may take me in the future as I plan to pursue a master's/PhD in molecular biology.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, traveling, spending time with family, and shopping at Michaels for my next arts and crafts project!

Education

B.S., Biological Sciences. Biola University. La Mirada, CA. 2024.

Research Trainee (Summer 2024)

My name is Roger Trajtenbroit. I am a sophomore at Nova Southeastern University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Exercise and Sports Science. I have a strong interest in the scientific process and in solving complex problems using biology, chemistry, and physics, especially those related to the brain.

In the lab, my focus is on learning as much as possible and deeply understanding the ongoing projects to be able to provide the best possible support to the team, thus contributing to research that can improve people's lives.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing the piano, playing padel, going to the gym, and reading non-fiction, always looking for new ways to expand my knowledge and skills.

Education

B.S., Neuroscience. Nova Southeastern University. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Expected completion June 2027.