Meet the Research Group!


Osvaldo Avatars

Osvaldo D. Rivera, PhD
Principal Investigator
Learn More , Contact


Active Research Students


Sebastián Rosario
Undergraduate Researcher
Cancer Biology

Verónica Defilló
Undergraduate Researcher
Cancer Biology

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Katherine Carrasquillo
Undergraduate Researcher
Skin Biology

Paola N. Aponte
Undergraduate Researcher
Biomedicine Commercialization


Alumni & External Contributors


Carla N. Cintron, BS
Aging Biology

Damian E. Santiago, BS
Computer Science & Bioinformatics

Emmanuel Franceschini, BS
Pharmaceuticals

Alejandra M. Bandelier, BS
Biomedicine

Ian Berrios, BS
Biomedicine

Jose I. Reyes, BS
Biomedicine


Actively Recruiting Undergraduate Students

Contact the PI to schedule an interview!


The newly established lab is looking for prospective undergraduate students to contribute to pilot investigations. The lab aims to decode the intricate molecular landscapes that shape cell biology and disease by leveraging bioinformatics methods and computational algorithms to integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data. The lab is also interested in investigating the current landscape of biotechnologies and biomedicines, offering research opportunities in market analysis and communication. See the Projects page for more information.

Students interested in pursuing a research opportunity must send a one-page letter describing their background in molecular biology and/or computer science, career goals and aspirations, and how RNA biology and bioinformatics fits into your agenda. Students may also opt to send their Resume and/or Curriculum Vitae for evaluation and consideration.


Key Partners

RIVERA Initiatives Inc. is committed to developing the next generation of STEM professionals by providing students with real-world experience, mentorship, and professional development. Through our collaborative engagement with the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), we support workforce development initiatives like Juvempleo, which connects students with industry opportunities to enhance their skills and employability.

Our related for-profit entity, Ozcorp Scientific LLC (ozcorp.io), further serves to expand students’ exposure to emerging technologies by integrating them into high-impact industry projects and early stage deep tech entures. Through Ozcorp’s network, students engage in hands-on research and development opportunities, including bioinformatics services with GENOS.bio, a company dedicated to making complex data analysis accessible, as well as other companies curently in stealth mode.

Additionally, RIVERA-OMICS supports undergraduate STEM training through programs like the Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (PR-LSAMP), which aims to increase the number of students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Through these partnerships, RIVERA Initiatives Inc. fosters a multidisciplinary ecosystem that prepares students for careers in research, industry, and entrepreneurship.

DDEC Juvempleo Logo
Ozcorp Scientific
GENOS
PR-LSAMP Logo

Collaborators


Dra. Beatriz Zayas-Rivera
Profesor and Director of ChEMTox
Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Cupey

Dra. Diana Gómez-Garzón
Professor of Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Cupey

Dr. Yoseph Barash
Associate Professor of Genetics and CIS
University of Pennsylvania

Dra. Kristen W. Lynch
Chair, Professor of Biochemistry
University of Pennsylvania