Carlos Vanegas Torres

EDUCATION

College / University

School of Chemistry, National Autonomous University of Mexico (2012 - 2018)
University of California, Santa Cruz (2016)

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Biochemistry & Microbiology

Country

Mexico

Lab Experience

Ample experience working with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells as well as with viral strains. Well-versed in basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA, RNA and protein extraction, quantification (UV-Vis spectrophotometry, band densitometry), separation (acrylamide and agarose gel electrophoresis) and identification (Western blotting, PCR/RT-qPCR). Experience with immunostaining methods, ELISA, optical/fluorescence microscopy, yeast transfection and mutant screening.

Projects / Research

02/2017 – 06/2018: "Evaluation of the Influenzavirus A(H1N1)- induced expression of adhesion molecules in A549 cells and its effect on the adherence of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia", Department of Virology and Mycology, National Institute for Respiratory Diseases
11/2015 – 5/2016: "Post-translational modifications as stress responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae", Laboratory 101-East, Department for Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico
04/2012 – 10/2012: "Purification and overexpression of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides HAD enzyme", Laboratory 223-North, Department for Molecular Genetics, Institute for Cell Physiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico

Scholarships / Awards

2018 – 2019:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2017 – 2018	Graduation Scholarship for Research Projects, National Autonomous University of Mexico
2016:	International Exchange Program, National Autonomous University of Mexico – Secretariat of Public Education
2015 – 2016	Support Program for Research Projects and Technological Innovation, National Autonomous University of Mexico
2013 – 2015:	Undergraduate Scholarship Program for High-Performing Students, National Autonomous University of Mexico

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

Multiple fields within the Life Sciences appeal to my interests including Immunology, Epigenetics and particularly Virology. I am fascinated by the different mechanisms through which viruses exert control over their cellular hosts and how they, in turn, respond to this takeover by signaling neighboring cells as well as the immune system. It is my goal to more deeply understand the interactions between viruses and other biological phenomena during different phases of their replication cycles, either as non-living particles or as living “virocells”. In order to achieve this, I seek to broaden my knowledge in Molecular Biology by rotating through research groups of my interest to ultimately apply the gained expertise in my chosen field.