Native to Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, Melissa has a BS in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. In JPS' Lab, she is quantifying vital differences in participants with and without HIV. Her future plans involve applying to PhD programs in immunology, and her research interests include virology, bioengineering and programming - a skill she's honing in-lab and in UPRM's new programming academy.

Fun fact: Melissa has been collecting vintage Japanese Harajuku fashion for more than 6 years!

From Bayamón, PR, Suaih is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine. She joined JPS’ Lab to enhance her skills in translational research, focusing on women’s health and omics-based studies. At the lab, she is working on a project related to Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which contributes to the understanding of maternal-infant health through glycomics in Puerto Rico.

During her time at the JPS Lab, Suaih aims to gain more experience in the wet lab and refine her techniques in translational research. Her long-term goals include pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship and leading research that bridges the fields of nursing, precision medicine, molecular science, and women’s health.

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Fun fact: Suaih and her husband raise various farm animals and a variety of food plants/ trees. They dream of building a self-sustaining farm powered by science and ancestral wisdom!

From Caguas, Puerto Rico, Mariangelys recently finished her bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico - Cayey. She recently completed her internship as part of the Recruitment team. At JPS'Lab, Mariangelys aspires to gain knowledge in cancer research, as well as deepen her understanding of microbial-host interactions. She aims to continue studying in a medical field, pursuing an MD.

Fun fact: Mariangelys has a boating license, and her favorite pastime is spending the day at the beach.

From Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, Yairé is a recent graduate in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez campus. Her plans include pursuing graduate studies in the dental field. Currently, she is assisting with lab organization and recruitment efforts while gaining knowledge in periodontal assessments, evaluations, and sample processing. As a former student-athlete, her teamwork skills have contributed to a cooperative and knowledgeable environment in the lab.

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Fun fact: Yairé has played basketball since the age of 5. She lived in the United States for 6 years, and those who couldn't pronounce her name would call her "Yeezy."

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Samira is an Interdisciplinary Sciences undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. She plans to pursue medicine after graduating because of her interests in public health and in contributing to the community. Currently, she is highly interested in topics such as oncology, proteomics and bioinformatics. As an Increasing Diversity in Genomics for the Next Generation (IDGeNe) fellow, she is currently part of the JPS’ lab, to acquire knowledge and experience in translational research science.

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Fun fact: Her favorite movie is Mamma Mia

From Caguas, Puerto Rico, Amanda is a cellular molecular biology junior at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. She is currently working at JPS’ lab to gain practical experience in translational research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Josué Perez, Amanda aims to enhance her understanding of molecular and cell biology, focusing on HIV and Cancer. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue medical school or dental school to be able to make a difference in the lives of people who need medical care.

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Fun fact: Amanda is a vinyl record collector. 

From Yabucoa - Puerto Rico, Michael is a Microbiology undergrad minoring in Biotechnology, at the University of Puerto Rico - Humacao. He completed his internship at JPS'Lab in our Recruitment team. He's developing​ a broader perspective on participant management and bioinformatics, so that he may make impactful research contributions in the future. He plans on pursuing a master's degree in biomedical engineering/biotechnology to advance personalized medicine. 

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Fun fact: Besides making headway in science, Michael wishes to become an opera vocalist!

From Isabela, Puerto Rico, Jaziel is a third–year Biology in Biomedicine undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico – Aguadilla. His interests are bacterial metabolism, oral microbiology, and their implications for periodontal health and the development of oral cancer. As an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant, he has spent five years streamlining clinical workflows and ensuring top-quality patient care. In the JPS Research Lab, he contributes to microbial and oral cancer cell culturing, proteomics, and molecular assays. He aims to refine his skills in sequencing and biochemical analysis. His goal is to earn a D.M.D. and return to western Puerto Rico as a community dentist, blending patient-centered care with scientific innovation.

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Fun fact: He has been a clarinetist for 14 years!

From Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, Isamarie is a fourth year Molecular and Cellular Biology undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras. Her interests lie in pharmaceutical chemistry, genetics, and pharmacology. As part of our Lab Management Team, she helps ensure that research runs smoothly and efficiently. During her time in the lab, she hopes to develop skills to make a meaningful impact in the future and help people through science. She aspires to pursue a PharmD and contribute to the world of healthcare and pharmaceutical research.

Fun fact: She loves dinosaurs(her fave is the T.Rex), but she thinks Jurassic Park is too scary!)

From Carolina, Puerto Rico, Allison is a fifth year human biology major at the University of Puerto Rico - Bayamón. She is part of our recruitment team and has a strong interest in research focused on infectious diseases, epidemiology, and women's health. She hopes to gain translational research experience to improve the health of local communities. Allison plans to pursue a career in medicine and is passionate about making healthcare accessible to underserved communities.

Fun Fact: As a child, she was an equestrian and participated in horseback riding competitions!

A Cellular and Molecular Biology graduate from the University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras, Carlos started working at JPS’ Lab due to his interest in HIV and cancer research.  As a member of the CAPAC program for summer 2023, he focused on studying the relationship between sociobiological risk factors and oral HPV infection among people living with HIV. Currently he is a second year med student at the Universidad Central del Caribe and plans to continue translational research after earning his medical degree.

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Fun fact: Carlos practices jiu-jitsu!​

From Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Alejandro earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez and is currently a second-year medical student at the University of Puerto Rico – Medical Sciences Campus. He joined JPS Lab through the 2025 CAPAC cohort to study how HPV status influences inflammation markers in people with HIV. Alejandro plans to complete medical school and pursue a residency in diagnostic radiology.

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Fun fact: He enjoys bird watching and practices origami in his free time.

Ángel is a  student at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus and is actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences. As part of his research experience, Ángel started working at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Puerto Rico with Dr. Josué Pérez with the end goal of gaining experience in molecular and cell biology in the context of HIV and Cancer. His current project, in collaboration with Dr. Esther Peterson at UPRRP, is aimed at finding the effects of bacterial products and short chain fatty acids on oral cancer cells to investigate how these factors can contribute to oncogenesis in the oral cavity. He plans to pursue a medical degree in the future while continuing translational research.

Fun fact: Bad Bunny used Angel’s cell phone to film himself at his last concert in Puerto Rico!

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From Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, Liah finished her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico - Río Piedras. She works with breast cancer cells at JPS'Lab for one of our translational research projects within our culture team, monitoring their development under various conditions for potential treatment routes. Currently she is a first year med student at the Universidad Central del Caribe.

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Fun fact: Liah's pomeranian, Nala, has one eye!