Curriculum Vitae

RHIANNON GUZMAN__________________________________________________________

University: CSU Chico
Chico, CA
Email: rguzman23@mail.csuchico.edu                                            

Phone:      (916)628-3333



RESEARCH___________________________________________________________________

My research interests lie within genetics and how certain genes may make people more susceptible to disease. Susceptibility may be a result of defects within the genes or within the regulation of those genes. Recent research has shown that micro-RNAs play an integral role in the regulation of genes. Micro-RNAs are small single stranded RNAs that bind to mRNA to block translation. I am specifically looking at micro-RNA 375 (miR375) has been shown to be involved with the release of insulin in the pancreas. By understanding the role of miR-375 in the insulin pathway, new opportunities for potential treatments of diseases such as type II diabetes can be developed.



PROJECT COMMITTEE_________________________________________________________

Dr. David M Keller - Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Day - Committee Member
Dr. Andrea White - Committee Member



EDUCATION__________________________________________________________________

2012-present                       CSU Chico - Master’s Program
                                               Chico, CA
 

                                               -Gained more lab experience with basic techniques such as electrophoresis and plasmid transformation
                                               -Assisted in designing protocols for experiments
                                               -Performed experiments falling under my master’s thesis



2009-2012                          UC Davis - BS in genetics
                                              Davis, CA
 

                                              -Groundwork for basic techniques such as PCR and electrophoresis
                                              -Designed an experiment to identify an unknown plasmid using electrophoresis, mini prep, cultures, and restriction digests
                                              -Worked with D. melanogaster to map gene locations, create stocks of certain genotypes, and recognize many phenotypes

2005-2009                          Sierra College
                                              Rocklin, CA



TEACHING EXPERIENCE_______________________________________________________

Fall 2012                              Teaching Associate for Natural Science 102  -  CSU Chico

                                              -Teaching lab sessions to undergraduate students
                                              -Holding office hours to further aid students with their studies
                                              -Evaluating and grading exams, assignments, lab notebooks, and presentations
                                              -Attending meetings to discuss the course and lab sessions
                                              -Instructing students on following procedures and the basic principles of science



WORK EXPERIENCE___________________________________________________________

2012-present                      Keller Lab - CSU Chico

                                              -Restriction Digests
                                              -Gel Electrophoresis
                                              -PCR reactions
                                              -Transfection
                                              -siRNA

                                              -Western Blot
                                              -Helping to design protocols and carry out experiments



2003-2012                          Golden 1 Credit Union - Member Relationship Specialist

                                              -Multi-tasking
                                              -Effective time management in order to achieve set goals
                                              -Working with technology that is constantly improving and changing
                                              -Teaching new employees about computer systems and procedures
                                              -Interacting with customers and fellow employees  in a professional manner



AWARDS_____________________________________________________________________

California Scholars Federation recognition
Governor’s Scholarship recipient
Regent’s Scholarship recipient