PRSM Board of Directors

As a microbiologist specializing in molecular, structural, and biochemical biology, Rafael Maldonado-Hernández obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR). Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at UPR, where he oversees microbiology courses. He manages a laboratory at the Molecular Sciences and Research Center and advises student chapters such as the TriBeta Biological Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Maldonado-Hernández has helped establish several student chapters of Microbiology in Puerto Rico and has had the opportunity to collaborate actively with the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiology, serving as treasurer on the previous board of directors.

Angélica Rosado-Quiñones holds a BA in Molecular Biology with a History minor from The University of Texas at Dallas. She began her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico, researching antiplasmodial drug development in mice. Angélica has authored several publications in peer-reviewed journals and is an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Angélica is currently an ORISE Health Equity Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, examining factors contributing to disparities in commercial tobacco use and promoting health equity through detailed assessments.

Luz V. Arroyo-Cruz is an Assistant Professor at the Biology Department of the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Campus. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Campus in 1993, followed by a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Universidad Metropolitana-Cupey Campus in 2007, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences with an emphasis on Biology from Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Gurabo Campus in 2020. Luz also holds certifications in Biotechnology, Distance Education, Data Science, and Neuroeducation. Her work experience includes roles as a postdoctoral researcher in cancer biology at the School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, lecturer at various educational levels, curriculum specialist, and process control technician in the pharmaceutical industry. Arroyo-Cruz' current research interests focus on the tumor microbiome (oncobiome) related to breast cancer, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology. She is an active member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists (PRSM), and the International Organization for Mycoplasmology (IOM). Luz has been recognized with poster awards and several travel fellowships. Additionally, she has held leadership roles as secretary and vice-secretary of the PRSM (2021-25) and served as ASM Young Ambassador to Puerto Rico (2022-2023).

Albersy Armina-Rodríguez is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology at the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus and is the Puerto Rico ASM Young Ambassador. Currently, she works under the mentorship of Dr. Ana Espino focusing on a recombinant Fasciola hepatica fatty acid binding protein as an anti-inflammatory treatment for sepsis. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in science communication and outreach. Engaged with the community through her role in 'Vistazo A La Ciencia', she emphasizes the importance of diversity and culture in STEM fields.

Natalie M. Meléndez-Vázquez is a microbiologist with an interest in understanding the role of the microbiome in modulating cancer therapy response. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a second degree in General Biology from the UPR-Humacao Campus. During her undergraduate studies, she worked with isolation of nematophagous fungi as a biological alternative to fight nematode infections in plantain crops. This allowed Natalie to present in local and national meetings, during which she was awarded with the Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Scholarship for two consecutive years. In 2019, she began her Ph.D. at the Microbiology and Medical Zoology Department at the UPR-Medical Sciences Campus (MSC), where she assessed the role intestinal microbial communities have in viroimmunotherapy efficiency used to treat solid tumors. Natalie has presented at local, national, and international symposiums; becoming a fellow of the NIGMS-RISE program. Natalie has published abstracts, a review article, and research articles as first-author/co-author in peer-reviewed journals. She is very active, observed highly through her leadership in professional activities, including the presidency of the UPR-MSC Microbiology Chapter. Recently, Natalie completed her doctoral degree and will begin postdoctoral research assessing the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer in Puerto Rican women.

Christopher A. Sambolín-Pérez earned his bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico (lAUPR)-San Germán Campus, and master's degree in Plant Biotechnology from the Barranquitas Campus. Sambolín-Pérez is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Biotechnology at lAUPR-Barranquitas where he studies plant-microbe-insect interactions with the 'Université Catholique de Louvain' (UCLouvain) at Belgium, under the guidance of Dr. Thierry Hance. Christopher also teaches part-time at IAUPR-Barranquitas and has published in international journals. He integrates his passion for bonsai with science, using it to teach botany and inspire students, showcasing his commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.