Heidi Contreras

Heidi Contreras has a diverse work experience spanning various scientific and educational roles. Heidi is currently employed at Assembly Biosciences, Inc. as a Senior Scientist, starting in February 2023. Prior to this, they worked as a Scientist II at the same company from July 2021 to February 2023.

Before joining Assembly Biosciences, Heidi worked at City of Hope as a Staff Scientist from April 2018 to June 2021. Heidi also held the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow at City of Hope from October 2015 to April 2018.

Heidi's previous experience includes roles as a Biological Sciences Instructor at UC Irvine in June to September 2015 and as a Ph.D. Graduate Student at the University of California, Irvine from September 2009 to March 2015. During their Ph.D., they focused on studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its response to oxidative stress in macrophages. Heidi also served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of California, Irvine from March 2010 to March 2012.

In addition to their scientific work, Heidi has contributed to the nonprofit sector as a Board of Directors member for Cuties for a Cause. Heidi held this role from July 2010 to April 2013, raising funds and awareness for local charities through fundraising efforts and the art of cheesecake pinup.

Heidi's early career included a role as a PREP Scholar at Arizona State University from October 2006 to August 2009, where they focused on studying possible persistence mechanisms of the etiological agent of tuberculosis. Heidi also worked as a Teaching Assistant at Arizona State University from August 2006 to December 2006.

Prior to their scientific pursuits, Heidi worked as a Promotions Photographer at The Edge 103.9 fm/ Big City Radio from June 2003 to July 2004.

Overall, Heidi Contreras has an extensive background in scientific research, teaching, and nonprofit work, with a focus on tuberculosis and related areas.

Heidi Contreras pursued their higher education in a structured and disciplined manner. From 2000 to 2007, they attended Arizona State University, where they earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. This period of their academic journey allowed their to gain knowledge in both the scientific and literary fields. Building on these foundational degrees, Heidi later enrolled at UC Irvine from 2009 to 2015 to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Heidi'stime at UC Irvine was dedicated to furthering their understanding of these specialized subjects, ultimately leading to the completion of their doctorate. Through their academic pursuits, Heidi Contreras demonstrated a commitment to expanding their expertise and knowledge within the fields of microbiology, English literature, biochemistry, and molecular biology.