Bioscience Internship: Andino Lab, UCSF
Internship Mentor: Dr. Michel Tassetto
Poster: Targeted protein degradation system to study viral protein function
Biotech Beat Podcast: Listen to Artemisa's journey
TikTok Video: Un dia de trabajo en el laboratorio
Prior to joining the CCSF Biotechnology Program I was working as an office manager. I have a Master's Degree in Marine Biology from my home country and I wanted to go back to working in the sciences. I was exploring job opportunities when I learned that CCSF had a biotechnology program. Upon reviewing the curriculum it was clear that the program would be a solid platform from which to return to science and hopefully find a job in the booming SF Bay biotechnology sector.
I completed my CCSF Bioscience Internship in the Andino lab at UCSF which studies RNA viruses. My internship project was focused on developing a cell culture based protein degradation tool set in which specific RNA viral proteins could be degraded individually to determine the effect on viral replication and virulence. To do this I employed multiple molecular biology techniques including DNA cloning, PCR, mammalian cell culture, transfection, Western Blot, plaque assays, and reporter assays. This protein degradation system will provide a powerful tool for scientists in the Andino lab and beyond to better understand RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and identify specific proteins as targets for future therapies. Throughout the internship I was able to hone my technical and analytical skills, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the research I was involved in. I’m excited to add these skills and experiences to my tool set for the next steps in my scientific career.
Artemisa with her internship mentor, Dr. Michel Tassetto in the Andino lab at UCSF.
Artemisa Flores Torres - Targeted protein degradation system -Spring 2022 CCSF Bioscience Internship.pdf