Postdoctoral researcher

Dr. Gabriel Borges Vélez, PhD

Dr. Borges has a Bachelor's degree in Biology with emphasis in Biomedical Sciences and Genetics at the University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla Campus. Later, he completed his Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico - Medical Sciences Campus, where he studied how the proteomic profile in placenta is disrupted by a Zika infection. Currently, he is a Post-Doctoral researcher in the Cancer Biology Division at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center, training under Dr. Josué Pérez-Santiago in Omic Sciences and clinical research. With expertise in virology, cell culture and proteomics, Dr. Borges aims to understand viral infection driven cancers and how the microbiome and their products influence oncogenesis.

Fun Fact: Dr. Borges’ favorite comfort food is spicy ramen

Lab Manager

Lic. Jeannette Salgado Montilla, MT MS

Jeannette is a Medical Technologist with a master's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences with experience in clinical laboratory and molecular laboratory research. She has worked as a Research Assistant in several fields, including Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, Dengue virus vaccine development, exercise physiology and prostate cancer. At JPS’s Lab she performs initial sample processing, sample storing and shipping, manages cell lines culture, accomplishes administrative laboratory tasks, and enforces safety regulations, thus ensuring laboratory safety standards compliance.

Fun fact: She also loves cats (especially her own!).                                                                                           

Lead Study Coordinator

Jurelis Torres Reyes, MS

From Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, Jurelis has a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical sciences, UPR Ponce and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at UAGM Carolina.  Currently working at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Puerto Rico with Dr. Perez Santiago at JPS Lab contributing her excellent administrative & laboratory skills.

Fun fact: She loves management & accounting but is not a fan of managing her own finances.

Project Manager 

Juliana Serrano Rodríguez, MS

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Juliana has a bachelor's in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Ana G. Méndez University - Cupey and a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from UAGM - Carolina. She plans to continue within academia, interested in HIV, HPV, cancer and bioinformatics research. In JPS’ Lab, Juliana  assists in sample processing and Lab logistics as one of our project managers.

Fun fact: An avid reader, Juliana thoroughly enjoys a good book, especially if its not work related!

Recruiter

Yairé N. Rodríguez Avilés, BSc

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."

Data Analyst

Mayra Sofía Haedo Cruz, BSc

From San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mayra holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico to build the foundation for her computational biology research career. Mayra joined JPS’ research lab to learn systems biology and data analysis in a translational biomedical environment. After graduating, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Bioinformatics and enter the field of biomedical research.

Fun fact: Mayra loves a good hike!

Medical student

Carlos A. Solá Morlá, BS

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!

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Undergraduate Students

Angel  J. Amaral Maisonet

Ángel is currently an undergraduate 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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Undergraduate Student

Amanda Prats Marrero

From Caguas, Puerto Rico, Amanda is a cellular molecular biology sophomore at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. She is currently interning 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. 

Undergraduate Student

Samira B.F. Abdullah Vargas

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