Camila Gaspar Quinonez, PhD

Camila Gaspar Quinonez, PhD has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Camila is currently working as an Assay Development Scientist at Epoch Biodesign. Prior to this, they were a Contributor at ValleyDAO. In 2023, they worked at iGEM Startups as the Regional Head of EMEA, where they were responsible for recruiting participants, organizing bioentrepreneurship sessions, and fostering partnerships in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions.

Before joining iGEM Startups, Camila worked at Better Dairy as a Senior Scientist in Synthetic Biology from 2021 to 2022. In this role, they conducted research and development in synthetic biology.

Their academic background includes a position as a Doctoral Student at the University of Westminster from 2017 to 2021. During this time, they focused on synthesizing and testing new inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis metabolism. Camila also gained experience at Dr. Eoh's lab at Keck Medicine of USC, where they were a Visiting PhD Student from 2019 to 2019.

In terms of their involvement in competitions, Camila served as an Advisor for the iGEM Competition in 2017, where their team achieved a silver medal for modifying the toluene pathway in E. coli. Camila also took on the role of Team Leader in the iGEM Competition in 2016, leading a team of 14 students and organizing a synthetic biology conference.

Earlier in their career, Camila worked as a Microbiology Society Harry Smith Vacation Studentship at Microbiology Society. Camila also gained experience through a summer internship at Bimeda Ireland.

Camila's work experience showcases their expertise in assay development, synthetic biology, team leadership, and scientific research. Camila has demonstrated strong skills in protein expression, enzyme assays, medicinal chemistry, X-ray crystallography, microbiology, and qPCR.

Camila Gaspar Quinonez, PhD, has a diverse education history. Camila obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy from the University of Westminster from 2017 to 2020. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Research (MRes) degree in Systems and Synthetic Biology at Imperial College London from 2016 to 2017, specializing in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Before their MRes, Camila completed their undergraduate studies at the University of Westminster, earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biochemistry from 2013 to 2016. In 2012, they attended UCL, where they pursued a UPCSE (University Preparatory Certificate in Science and Engineering) focused on Chemistry, Biology, Academic English, and Science and Society.

Camila also has some additional qualifications and certifications to enhance their knowledge and expertise. Camila took a short course in Fashion/Apparel Design at the University of the Arts London in 2012 and completed a summer course in Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in 2010. Camila also had private arts tutoring in Illustration from 2008 to 2010.

Apart from their formal education, Camila has obtained several certifications. Camila completed the "Gut Check: Exploring Your Microbiome" course offered by Coursera in May 2020. In March 2019, they received BSL3 Training from UC Irvine and participated in the Viral Vectors Training Program offered by the University of Southern California. Camila was also awarded the Biochemical Society Prize for Best Overall Performance in Biochemistry in July 2016. Additionally, they have completed courses such as "The Brain and Space" in June 2014, "Vaccines" in November 2013, and "Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression" in August 2013, all through Coursera. Camila has also obtained a National BSL-3 Training Program certification, although the specific month and year are not provided.