Research Associate II

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 for 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.

Education

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

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.

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.

Undergraduate student

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.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF)

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.

Summer intern

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.

Summer intern

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.

Volunteer

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.