Name: Greta Kcomt Del Rio
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Hobbies: Reading, Watching Formula 1
What do you study?
I have a bachelor’s in general biological sciences and a master’s in biotechnology. I received both my degrees from Cal State San Marcos. After undergrad, I joined a biotechnology company that works on DNA Vaccines. There I worked in the infectious diseases department conducting cell-based immunoassays. I now work as an operations coordinator for another biotech company in San Diego.
Why is it important?
DNA Vaccines, in theory, are more stable than traditional attenuated virus and mRNA vaccines. This stability means they do not need to be kept at extreme temperatures and therefore can be distributed to remote parts of the world. Vaccine accessibility = improved global public health
What piqued your interest in science?
When I was in middle school, I was first introduced to biology. I saw what science could do for others and I knew I wanted to be a part of something that could improve people’s lives.
What do you like about being a scientist?
I like that most people already are scientists, without even knowing it. Being a scientist means using the scientific method to solve problems. Although many might not realize it, when we are trying to solve everyday problems, we are probably using the same, if not a similar way of thinking.
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
Immunology, Cells, DNA, Virus
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research?
Antibody, Cytokine, T- Cells, ELISPOT, ELISA, Flow cytometry
Book: Immune: A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive by Philipp Dettmer