-- Resume --

Siena Rivera's Skills:

• Programming Languages and Tools: Java, MATLAB, Python, Jupyter Notebooks, R, Visual Studio Code, Microsoft FLOW Automate

• Website Development: Javascript, HTML, CSS, Markdown, Jekyll, Github Pages, Ruby Gems, Google Sites

• Data Science: Pandas, NumPy, Kaggle, Microsoft BI

• Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Resilience, Reporting Progress, Customer Service, Patient Connection

• Research: Academic Writing, APA, GCP Certified, IATA Certified, Source Creation, Patient Outreach, Clinical Trial Preparation

• Lab Machinery: Accessioning, qPCR Extraction, ITB Genetic Transportation, Centrifuges, PPE, Hamilton, Freezers, Troubleshooting

• Medical Knowledge: ICD-11, DSM-5, Disorders & Diagnoses, Dermatology, Cosmetology, Vitals, EKG/ECG, UPT Analysis

Work Experience

West Dermatology Research Center

Clinical Research Assistant

• Assists with participant recruitment by posting flyers around San Diego, cold calling potential patients, and updating the company’s Facebook Page with current and upcoming studies
• Pre-screens potential participants for Clinical Trials in accordance with trial protocols and schedules initial screening and future appointments
• Works as the primary RA in charge of the Research Laboratory and organizes materials and investigational products as well as doing daily temperature logging, in addition to disposing of expired study kits in accordance to Site SOP when requested
• Helps drive more productivity and by making custom scripting programs for helping create a more automated work environment that allows for more efficiency and less human mistakes
• Prepares assistance with procedures for patients such as taking vitals, performing EKG/ECGs, and helping assess bloodwork and UPTs
• Prioritizes the act of collecting and preparing materials for submission to sponsors and regulatory services (IRB, FDA, etc) using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) to fulfill Supervisor’s expectations

Illumina Inc. San Diego Location

Lab Aide Contractor (Through PlanetPharma)

• Works in collaboration with other full-time Illumina employees to help support the BSL Production laboratory including the ability to prioritize the efficiency of BSL’s productions making sure to keep return time as quick as possible
• Is responsible for accessioning of genotyping samples and has the ability to perform the use machines to perform different DNA/RNA extractions such as using qPCR Technologies
• Communicates effectively with coworkers and fellow lab-members, making sure all issues and problems are dealt with accordingly, and in accordance with Illumina guidelines and Good Clinical Documentation (GDP)

Career Break

Health and Well-Being

University of California, San Diego ; Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Education Assistant

• Delivered well over 300 lectures on educational content on marine biology, honing skills in clear, engaging communication of complex scientific concepts, which translates to effectively communicating daily findings
• Assisted and accommodated diverse audiences, developing empathy and patience, both crucial for working with others whether that be clients, patients, or participants
• Mentored children and visitors, and as such, fostered a love for the ocean and sea life. Helped make tiny changes to produce more awareness for Climate Change and Global Oceanography

Private Tutor

• After graduating High School, began teaching students from San Diego and neighboring cities several topics including Mathematics, Java, and English
• Was referred around the city to many different students and families as a private tutor and was highly regarded for being accommodating to diverse brains and unique studying habits
• Worked primarily in person until the COVID pandemic. Learned how to quickly shift from an in-person teaching dynamic to one over Zoom and Discord

San Diego Community College District

Senior Tutor

• Met with up to 5 students each shift to support in mastering mathematics concepts, leading to improved grades and increased confidence with learning
• Collaborated with different mathematics professionals to support students struggling with various subjects.
• Understood how each student thinks independently and unique of one another, and learned how to best help their individual needs
• Commonly used Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences to understand and work with students from all different intelligence types

San Diego Community College District

Volunteer Tutor

• Volunteered as a Mathematics Tutor in the Math Lab at her school. Worked with students from her college on different math courses. Learned to practice patience and empathy with those she worked with. 

Scripps Miramar Branch Library

Arts Coordinator Volunteer and Tutor

• Taught children and adolescents' different skills as well as helped correct homework and tests. Worked primarily with mathematics and English/grammar. Practiced how to manage time efficiently, to be able to make as many people happy as possible.

Education Background

University of California, San Diego

Bachelor's of Sciences Degree in Cognitive Science w/ Specialization in Clinical Aspects of Cognition

3.8 Graduating GPA

• Early 2023, I applied for a volunteer position at MIAC. I was chosen to take upon the role of the "Operations Coordinator" where I facilitate communication with members and board members alike. 
  • I regularly look at emails and work with the other board members to set up weekly GBMs (Club Meetings) where members draw and participate in fun conversation.
• Awards: Provost Honors
• Graduating GPA: 3.8 | Department GPA: 3.83
• Relevant Coursework: PSYC 124, Clinical Assessment/Treatment; COGS 108, Data Science in Practice, COGS 107B, Systems Neuroscience; COGS 172, Brain Disorder and Cognition; COGS 116, Developmental Cog Neuroscience

Miramar College, San Diego

Associate's of Arts Degree in Mathematic Studies

3.76 Graduating GPA with High Honors

• Activities and societies: Joined the "Girls Who Code" club on campus, aimed for individuals who identify as girls, or non-binary folx who do not fit the standard CS or Maths student.

• Awards: Dean’s List and High Honors Standing
• Graduating GPA: 3.75
• Relevant Coursework: MATH 245, Discrete Mathematics; MATH 255, Differential; MATH 254, Linear Algebra; CISC 190, Java Programming; CISC 179, Python Programming; PSYC 255, Psych Research
• Relevant Project: PSYC 255: This course hosted a project created an introductory research paper based on a survey in a selected topic a group chose for the course. Included is the original hypothesis: Since early ages of technology, scientists and researchers have pondered the association between media or television usage and quality of sleep. Our team hypothesized that Technology and Media Usage Patterns have an association with Sleep Quality