Advancing STEM Research and Education: Semester Recap for the RIVERA-OMICS group
May 27, 2024 - Authored by: Osvaldo D. Rivera
As we wrap up a successful academic semester at RIVERA-OMICS, we are thrilled to share the highlights and achievements from our concluding lab meeting. In an in-person session, led by Founding President and Principal Investigator, Dr. Osvaldo D. Rivera, the group marked significant milestones and set the stage for future advancements in academic research and educational endeavors.
Photo: The RIVERA-OMICS research group. (https://riveraomics.org/team)
RIVERA-OMICS is a molecular biology research group focused on omics science, therapeutics, and other related tangible biotechnologies with commercial potential [Learn more]. Importantly, OMICS is a branch of RIVERA Initiatives Inc. (riverainc.org), a Puerto Rico based 501(c)(3)-recognized Private Foundation focusing on STEM student education and professional enhancement. Through the resources allocated to the RIVERA-OMICS initiative, active undergraduates can develop and push research interests in singular and collaborative mentored programs either independently or in collaboration with their accredited resident institutions of higher education. Additionally, alumni & external contributors are welcomed to design research projects leveraging our resources and community of scientists.
Overall, the RIVERA-OMICS research group is designed to expand in proportion to the scientific curiosity and active engagement of its student members, alumni, and contributors, thereby fostering a dynamic and evolving scientific community and learning environment. PI Dr. Rivera is committed to identifying and developing local scientific talent, ensuring that the initiative advances scientific knowledge and contributes to the growth and professional development of our members and scientific trainees.
As we look forward to the next semester, we remain dedicated to research productivity and organizational transparency, seeking to nurture a collaborative and innovative academic and professional development environment. We invite all interested students, alumni, and external collaborators to read more below and to join us in our journey to excellence and scientific impact.
As defined by raw research productivity.
As defined by changes in team size, collaborative procedures and program execution.
Photo: Paola Aponte presenting her work at our concluding meeting. Sebastián Rosario rushing to finish his slides. Ian Berrios devouring the sandwichitos de mezcla. Veronica checking out when it will be time for cake.
As defined by ongoing professional development and focused career progression.
We have several exciting initiatives on the horizon including:
(1) continuation of open research opportunities in bioinformatics, market research, and scientific writing;
(2) remote lab meeting starting July 2024 with an initial journal club session;
(3) establishing and solidifying external research collaborative agreements for wetlab support;
(4) submission of significant grant proposals for research & education program development;
(5) development of Co-Op for non-traditional scientific roles such as Scientific Writers and Biotech Analysts.
The RIVERA-OMICS academic group was thrilled to have had such a productive academic semester! Every venture was an opportunity to connect with local leaders and learn about new science! We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our exciting projects and strengthening our collaborations. The RIVERA-OMICS team remains committed to advancing scientific research, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of its student members. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and push on the boundaries of our scientific initiatives.
Authored by:
About RIVERA-OMICS:
Photo: The RIVERA-OMICS research group. (https://riveraomics.org/team)
RIVERA-OMICS is a molecular biology research group focused on omics science, therapeutics, and other related tangible biotechnologies with commercial potential [Learn more]. Importantly, OMICS is a branch of RIVERA Initiatives Inc. (riverainc.org), a Puerto Rico based 501(c)(3)-recognized Private Foundation focusing on STEM student education and professional enhancement. Through the resources allocated to the RIVERA-OMICS initiative, active undergraduates can develop and push research interests in singular and collaborative mentored programs either independently or in collaboration with their accredited resident institutions of higher education. Additionally, alumni & external contributors are welcomed to design research projects leveraging our resources and community of scientists.
Overall, the RIVERA-OMICS research group is designed to expand in proportion to the scientific curiosity and active engagement of its student members, alumni, and contributors, thereby fostering a dynamic and evolving scientific community and learning environment. PI Dr. Rivera is committed to identifying and developing local scientific talent, ensuring that the initiative advances scientific knowledge and contributes to the growth and professional development of our members and scientific trainees.
As we look forward to the next semester, we remain dedicated to research productivity and organizational transparency, seeking to nurture a collaborative and innovative academic and professional development environment. We invite all interested students, alumni, and external collaborators to read more below and to join us in our journey to excellence and scientific impact.
Key Milestones : 2024-02 [Jan-May]
As defined by raw research productivity.
- Defined and advanced four core research pillars.
Bioinformatics || Cancer Biology || Aging Biology || Clinical Genomics - Conducted initial wetlab experiments through student-driven collaborations.
- Defined strategies for market research projects related to the core scientific pillars.
- Began establishment of cancer therapeutics project that leverages external research collaborative agreements.
- Initiated the writing of peer-reviewed papers covering critical topics such as mRNA expression and immune system regulation across cancers and aging progression.
Organizational Milestones
As defined by changes in team size, collaborative procedures and program execution.
- Expanded to a total of ten (10) team members, fostering a robust research, learning & professional growth environment.
- Expanded undergraduate research group throughout past semester to six (6) active research students! In 2025-01 to be reduced to four (4) active members since two (2) of the actives are graduating this summer! (Congratulations!🥳)
- Developed external collaborations with contributors who provided project materials, computing resources, and professional development support.
- Guided three (3) students on work-study programs to provide practical experience of research & teacher assistant roles.
Photo: Paola Aponte presenting her work at our concluding meeting. Sebastián Rosario rushing to finish his slides. Ian Berrios devouring the sandwichitos de mezcla. Veronica checking out when it will be time for cake.
Student Member Milestones
As defined by ongoing professional development and focused career progression.
- 6 students to graduate this June 2024!
- 1 student to begin this Fall2024 the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences! (Congratulations future Dr. Emmanuel Franceshini!)
- 1 student to begin venturing as independent software developer!
(First contract already in motion! Great Job Damian!) Coming soon: damianconsulting.com - 2 students have local entry-level job offers at clinics & labs!
- 1 student to participate in structured Summer Internship Program!
(at Purdue University! Safe Trip Seba!) - 1 student actively shadowing Medical Doctors! Alejandra is in the Network! While also writing a paper!
- 3 students officially on MCATs Prep timeline! Smash it!
- 5 students officially starting to collaboratively write papers for peer-review pubs!
- All students have engaged with professional development opportunities at local and national universities, research institutes and conferences!
(1 student coordinated a local ACS student chapter symposium!) - All students have reviewed Curriculum Vitaes! (and/or have started to Job Prep with the group!)
All RIVERA-OMICS affiliated students have done an excellent job in pursuing professional development growth this past academic semester!
I'm extremely happy with everyone's progress.
Excited to see what comes next for them.
– Os.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
We have several exciting initiatives on the horizon including:
(1) continuation of open research opportunities in bioinformatics, market research, and scientific writing;
(2) remote lab meeting starting July 2024 with an initial journal club session;
(3) establishing and solidifying external research collaborative agreements for wetlab support;
(4) submission of significant grant proposals for research & education program development;
(5) development of Co-Op for non-traditional scientific roles such as Scientific Writers and Biotech Analysts.
Concluding Remarks
The RIVERA-OMICS academic group was thrilled to have had such a productive academic semester! Every venture was an opportunity to connect with local leaders and learn about new science! We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our exciting projects and strengthening our collaborations. The RIVERA-OMICS team remains committed to advancing scientific research, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of its student members. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and push on the boundaries of our scientific initiatives.
Photo: (Top left) Katherine serving us her cake! (Bottom left) The omics-boiz posing with traditional hand signs (Right) Students basking on the Office Penthouse view.
To all students, and to our dear colleagues,
Happy Summer 2024!
– The RIVERA-OMICS Team -`♡´-
Authored by:
About RIVERA-OMICS:
OMICS (Omics Molecular Innovations and Commercialization Strategies), is an initiative built to develop omics-focused academic research projects and investigate the commercial landscape of novel biotechnologies and biomedicines. OMICS is a branch of RIVERA Initiatives Inc, a Puerto Rico 501(c)(3)-recognized Private Foundation that seeks to empower academia through comprehensive resources and collaborative research endeavors to advance educational excellence and innovation.
For inquiries, please contact:
research@riveraomics.org
