Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Consuelo J. Alvarez
September 2011
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Date at appointed: 15 August 2002
Rank at Appointment: Assistant Professor
Present Rank: Associate Professor
I. EDUCATION and EMPLOYMENT DATA
A. Academic Preparation
1. University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, IL
Graduate Program in Biochemistry from 1990 – 1996
Earned Ph.D. in 1996
2. University of Illinois, Urbana - Champaign, IL
Graduate Program in Biochemistry from 1990 – 1993
Earned course work Masters in Biochemistry in 1993
3. Universidad Central, Quito - Ecuador
Undergraduate Program in Chemical Sciences from 1981 - 1988
Earned Doctorate in Biochemistry and Pharmacy, 1988
(Doctorate degree in Ecuador is not equivalent to a Ph.D. in the U.S.)
B. Title.- Master Thesis
Earned by course work thus not applicable.
C. Title.- Doctoral Dissertation
1. Ph.D. Thesis: “Sequences and Factors Required for 5’ Splice Site Selection in
Schizosaccharomyces Pombe Introns”
Dr. Jo Ann Wise, Research Director
2. Doctorate Thesis: “T3 y T4 serico en disfunciones tiroideas por metodos RIA”
Dr. Roberto Chediak and Dr. Francisco Vallejo, Research Directors
D. Academic Degree Programs or Special Courses of Study in Progress
Not applicable.
E. Professional Licenses
Not applicable.
F. Academic Employment
1. Longwood University, Farmville, VA
August 2002 – Present
Associate Professor in Biology teaching undergraduate courses in general Biology
for majors and non-majors, general Chemistry for non-majors. Teaching Evolution,
Genetics and Biochemistry courses for biology majors.
2. Longwood College, Farmville, VA
August 2001 – July 2002
Lecturer in Biology teaching undergraduate courses in general Biology for majors
and non-majors. Teaching Genetics and Biochemistry courses for biology
majors.
1
3. Universidad San Francisco De Quito, Quito, Ecuador
1996 – 1998
Full-time Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry teaching
biochemistry and general chemistry in Spanish and seminars of molecular biology
and science discussions in English.
4. Universidad Central, Quito, Ecuador
1988 - 1990
Instructor at the College of Veterinarian Medicine teaching Biochemistry and
during summer sessions, teaching general Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.
G. Related Experience or Employment
1. Post-Doctorate Research, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA 2000 - 2001
Post-Doctoral Fellow doing research on Glycinamide Ribonuclease Transferase
(Gart) gene and protein expression, function and regulation. Three different
approaches in Molecular Biology were used.
2. Post-Doctorate Research, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
1999 – 2000
Post-Doctoral Fellow performing research on the visna retrovirus. Studying viral
protein-RNA interactions using modern technology such as BIACORE.
Developing wild type viral RNA competitors for protein binding assays using
Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX).
3. Post-Doctorate Research, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 1996
Post-Doctoral Fellow performing research related to the identification of
molecular DNA similarities and differences among other characterizations for
several human colon cancer cell lines.
H. Honors, Biographical Listings, Honorary Societies
1. Elected member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society on March 23, 2011.
2. Nomination on February 2010 for the Maria Bristow Starke Faculty Excellence Award
and Recipient of this award on September 2010.
3. Recipient of the Acclaimed Commitment to the Excellence of Student-Athletes
(A.C.E.S.) Faculty Award for 2008-2009 given by the Student-Athlete Advisory
Committee (SAAC).
4. Nomination on February 2009 for the Maria Bristow Starke Faculty Excellence Award
5. Recipient of Who’s Who Among American Teachers & Educators in the 11th edition,
2008
6. Received a commendation by Longwood student organization CHI on April 25th, 2007
7. Recipient of Marquis Who’s Who of American Women in the 27th edition, 2007
8. Received appreciation diplomas from the LU Athletic Department on spring 2005, 2006
and 2007 during the athletics academic award banquet
9. Fulbright-LASPAU Scholar from 1990 – 1996
10. Best award Gold Medal Undergraduate student of the class 1988
11. Four best student awards (while in College)
12. Best player awards in basketball and volleyball tournaments locally and nationally in
Ecuador
I. Membership in Learned Societies or Professional Memberships
1. Genomic Education Partnership (GEP) member since June 2007 - present
2
2. Virginia Academy of Sciences since March 2004 - present
3. Chief Health Professions Advisor for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
February 2004 - present
4. Genome Consortium Academic Teaching (GATC) member since January 2003 - present
5. RNA society member since 1995 – present
II. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
A. Professional responsibilities
1. Department:
a. Curriculum issues.
Support curriculum revisions in classes that I have taught in order to enhance the overall
department curricula.
Mentor first-year tenure-track faculty members: on 2010-2011, Drs. Adam Franssen and
Dale Beach and on 2011-2012 Dr. Amorette Barber.
Train to use DNA sequencer on August 2005 and to use Microsatellites and AFLP on
August 2006 in order to help other faculty to incorporate Molecular Biology laboratory
experiments in their classes.
Set practice tests like MCAT and GRE’s for students preparing for professional school
entrance examinations.
Help editing the department Biology brochure used for the Admissions office and
contributing to the Cormier Honor College brochure too.
Help with the General Education Goal related to internships, I have been able to provide to
fourteen different students, 15 opportunities to do research work under my
supervision.
Participate in the assessment process of general education science courses.
b. Committees.
Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) from Longwood to NCAA; thus, chair of both the
Intercollegiate Athletic Council (IAC) and the Compliance Review Committee
(CRC), 2010-present
Chair of the Biology Curriculum Committee and representative of our department to the
CCCASCC, 2010-present
Search Committee Member for hiring Head coaches and Assistant coaches for the athletic
department, 2010-present
Awards Committee Member, 2005-2006 and 2010-present
Chair of the Biology Search Committee for 1 position: Genetics (2010-2011) (hired Dr.
Amorette Baber)
Member of the International Studies Academic minor, spring 2010-present
Chair of the Biology Search Committee for 3 positions: Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology
and Microbiology (2009-2010) (hired Dr. Dale Beach and still interviewing)
Space Allocation Committee, 2009-2010
Intercollegiate Athletic Council faculty member, 2008-2011, appointed by Dr. McWee
Faculty advisor for athletes in our department, 2009-present
Search Committee Member, Field Hockey Coach Position, 2008 (hired Mr. Iain Byers)
Search Committee Member, Developmental Biology/Genetics Faculty Position,
2006-2007, 2007-2008 (unsuccessful in both times)
Curriculum Committee Member, 2009-2010, 2006-2008, and 2004-2005
3
Search Committee Member, Department Chair/Genetics Faculty Position, 2005-2006
(hired Dr. Glenn White)
Member of the Advisory Committee for International Students (ACIS)
Search Committee Member, Neuroscience Faculty Position, 2004-2005 (hired Dr. Melissa
Zwick)
Advising Pre-Medical students, 2002-present
c. Teaching.
Courses Taught (all courses required new preparations, only because in some cases textbook
changes were needed after 3-4 years but also to keep the pace of scientific discoveries)
Fall 2002
BIOL 101, 07-08 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 45 students enrolled, 180 student-credit hr
BIOL 324, 01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hr Laboratory), 24 students enrolled, 96 student-credit hrs
Spring 2003
BIOL 101, 08-09 (3 hr Lecture and 2 hr Laboratory), 47 students enrolled, 188 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412, 01-02 (3 hr Lecture and 3 hr Laboratory), 36 students enrolled, 144 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 496, 50 Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, 6 hrs contact per week, Training in the area
of molecular biology using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.
Fall 2003
BIOL 101, 13-14 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 48 students enrolled, 192 student-credit hrs
BIOL 324, 01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 21 students enrolled, 84 student-credit hrs
BIOL 496, 51 Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 6 hrs contact per week, Detection of GMO
by using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.
Spring 2004
BIOL 101, 03 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 24 students enrolled, 96 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412, 01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 26 students enrolled, 104 studentcredit hrs
Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credits, 6 hrs contact per week, Preparation of research material
for Virginia Academy of Sciences presentation.
Fall 2004
BIOL 121, 50 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 15 students enrolled, 60 student-credit hrs
Develop for this honors class an extensive and all molecular biology based laboratory project.
BIOL/CHEM 412, 01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 21 students enrolled, 84 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 496, 02 Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 3-4 hrs contact per week, Design 3-D
models that illustrate DNA-protein interactions.
BIOL 496, 04 Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, 4-6 hrs contact per week, DNA Microarray
analysis with UV.
BIOL 496, 52 Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 3-4 hrs contact per week, Universal oligos
for GMO detection by PCR.
Spring 2005
BIOL 324, 01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 29 students enrolled, 116 student-credit hrs
4
BIOL 399, 01 (3 hrs Lecture that includes computer exercises), 23 students enrolled, 69 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 496, 08 Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, 6-8 hrs contact per week, Preparation of
research material for Virginia Academy of Sciences presentation.
Fall 2005
BIOL 121, 50 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 13 students enrolled, 52 student-credit hrs
Continue the all molecular biology based laboratory project started a year ago but now, students can
use the DNA Analyzer.
BIOL/CHEM 412, 01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 32 students enrolled, 128 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 496, 06 Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 3-4 hrs contact per week, DNA sequencing.
BIOL 496, 07 Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 3-4 hrs contact per week, DNA sequencing
and PCR.
Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credit, 4-6 hrs contact per week, DNA Microarray analysis with
phthalates.
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credits, 1-2 hrs contact per
week, Design a new DNA microarray project.
Spring 2006
BIOL 324, 01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 38 students enrolled, 152 student-credit hrs
Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credit, 2-3 hrs contact per week, DNA Microarray analysis with
phthalates.
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credit, 4-6 hrs contact per
week, DNA microarray with wood preservative reagents.
Summer 2006
BIOL 496-50 Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 8-9 hrs contact per week for
1 month, DNA microarray with wood preservative reagents and data analysis.
Fall 2006
CHEM 101, 03 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 24 students enrolled, 96 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412-01, 02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 23 students enrolled, 92 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 492, 08 Goal 15, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 1 hrs contact per week, Health Management
at Hospitals.
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credits, 2-3 hrs contact per
week, Preparation of research material for Honors’ student regional conference (poster).
Spring 2007
BIOL 324, 01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 23 students enrolled, 92 student-credit hrs
BIOL 101, 04 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 23 students enrolled, 92 student-credit hrs
BIOL 390, 01 (2 hrs preparation work and 2 hrs Laboratory), 1 student enrolled, 2 student-credit hrs
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credit, 4-6 hrs contact per
week, DNA microarray with wood preservative reagents.
Fall 2007
BIOL 101, 03 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 23 students enrolled, 92 student-credit hrs
5
BIOL/CHEM 412-01, 02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 24 students enrolled, 92 studentcredit hrs
Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, 6-8 hrs contact per week, Genomic Education project
with annotation of Drosophila sequences.
Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, 4-6 hrs contact per week, GMO by using Real Time PCR.
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credits, 2-3 hrs contact per
week, Continue project and preparation of research material for a regional conference talk.
Spring 2008
BIOL 324, 01 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 16 students enrolled, 64 student-credit hrs
BIOL 425, 01 (6 hrs Lecture/ Computer Laboratory), 4 students enrolled, 16 student-credit hrs
Research and Teaching Assistant, 1 student enrolled for 3 credits, 6-8 hrs contact per week,
Genomic Education project with finishing and annotation of different Drosophila species
sequences.
Teaching Assistant, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 4-5 hrs contact per week, setting Genetics
laboratory experiments.
Internship mentoring, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 1 hrs contact per week, student was at SSCH.
President Cormier Citizen Scholar Research, 1 student enrolled for 0 credits, 4 hrs contact per week,
Continue project and preparation of research material for a regional conference talk.
Fall 2008
BIOL 121, 50 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 11 students enrolled, 44 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412-01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 20 students enrolled, 80 student-credit
hrs
BIOL 498-50, 1 student enrolled for 3 credits, 6-8 hrs contact per week, Senior Honor Thesis
laboratory work.
Research, 1 student enrolled for 2 credits, goal 15 internship during winter break.
Spring 2009
BIOL 324, 01/50 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 22 students enrolled, 88 student-credit hrs
BIOL 425, 01 (6 hrs Lecture/ Computer Laboratory), 5 students enrolled, 20 student-credit hrs
BIOL 499-50, 1 student enrolled for 3 credits, 6-8 hrs contact per week, Senior Honor Thesis
writing and defense.
Summer 2009
BIOL 495 F01, (21 days), 5 students enrolled Special Topics: Ecology in Ecuador
Fall 2009
BIOL 121, 50 (3 hrs Laboratory), 17 students enrolled, 51 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412-01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 39 students enrolled, 156 studentcredit hrs
BIOL 496-01, 2 students enrolled for 1 credit each one, 6-8 hrs contact per week, GEP projects.
Spring 2010
BIOL 324, 01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 18 students enrolled, 72 student-credit hrs
CHEM 101 (3 hrs Lecture and 2 hrs Laboratory), 23 students enrolled, 92 student-credit hrs
CHEM 496-02, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 4 hrs/week, 3D protein analysis.
CHEM 492-01, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 3 hrs/week, TA for chemistry laboratory.
6
BIOL 492-04, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, 4 hrs contact per week, TA for genetics laboratory and
work in the GAPDH project.
BIOL 492-10, 1 student enrolled for 1 credit, internship at Southside Community Hospital.
Fall 2010
BIOL/CHEM 412-01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 31 students enrolled, 124 studentcredit hrs
Spring 2011
BIOL 324 Lab, 01 (3 hrs Laboratory), 10 students enrolled, 10 student-credit hrs
BIOL 425-01 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 6 student enrolled, 24 student-credit hrs
One student without a course as a volunteer to initiate Synthetic Biology work, 2 hrs per week
Another student-worker to make an inventory of chemicals, 2 hrs per week
Fall 2011
BIOL/CHEM 412-50 (2 hrs Laboratory extra to the 3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 3 students
enrolled, 12 student-credit hrs
BIOL/CHEM 412-01-02 (3 hrs Lecture and 3 hrs Laboratory), 30 students enrolled, 120 studentcredit hrs
Efforts to improve teaching
 Attended training in Synthetic Biology workshop to start a multidisciplinary project that
involved faculty and students from the department of Chemistry & Physics and Mathematics
& Computer Sciences.
 To sustain in our department the current progress of the genomics field, Modern Genetics
(Biol 425) was offered for the first time spring 08 and continue spring 09 Thereafter, the
class is being offered every other spring semester year but individually internships could be
done every semester.
 Two proteins models were assembled during spring 08 in order to start using them in
Biochemistry classes. In addition, to assist and guide students with their practice problems,
every chapter posted in blackboard contains an outline, glossary and examples to follow.
For exams, a review sheet that highlights topics and exercises is also posted on blackboard.
 For Chem 101, biotechnology tools were used as much as possible such as forensic DNA,
blood and fingerprint analysis among others.
 For Biol 399, since I offered it as a Molecular Evolution course, I included computer
activities that were done during some lecture times and finished as homework, since there
was not laboratory period assigned to it.
 Identify appropriate CD-ROM animations and Internet material that further illustrates the
subject material. For Biol 121 and Biol 324, I was able to use a Genomics Media Book
(GMB) prototype available to me through a partnership with the Genomic Consortium of
Acting Teaching (GCAT). Also, through GCAT, Biol 324 was able to participate in a
virtual tour of the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center. A quiz and some
practical work were given as a follow-up of the material learned using these methods. This
spring 2010, the 3 newest sequencing methods will also be presented in genetics class.
 I invited Tammy Hines and Liz Kocevar (librarians) to teach my freshmen students of the
Biol 121 Honors class about the searching tools needed to fulfill their molecular biology
laboratory project.
7
 For each chapter to study, lecture notes I prepared are available, on Blackboard, in advance
to students.
 Prepare laboratory handouts for students and make them available at least one week in
advance of performing the experiment.
 Use a variety of delivery methods such as oral, body language (gestures and movement),
transparencies, Power point, models, demonstrations, and before colored chalk but now
color markers.
 Use existing and create new diagrams to illustrate complex concepts, reactions, and
pathways.
 Encourage student involvement by asking questions and requesting them to perform
exercises on the blackboard during class. In order for all the class to get engage, I call
students by name within one week from the beginning of the semester.
 Create laboratories experiments that parallel lecture topics, field research and keeping up the
pace of scientific discoveries.
 Actively offer suggestions and assistance during laboratory experiments. However, I
encourage them to make their own educated guesses and make decisions based on the theory
we have studied. In addition, if the experiment does not work for a particular group in the
class, the students is required to discuss/troubleshoot the experimental difficulties.
 Encourage students to read scientific literature from journals Longwood library received as
well as online references I provide them according to the class taught in that particular
semester.
 Lecture exams and quizzes are a combination of original questions, in all formats, based on
the emphasized material, lab experiments, and exercises from the back of the textbook and
different web sites. All materials are edited every semester.
 Every time we meet in all classes for Laboratory, there is a quiz. In addition, depending on
the class audience either there is a lab report or "fill in data sheet" with questions/problems
to answer/solve after the lab experiment is concluded. For example the non-majors biology
has a data fill sheet while genetics (spring 2003) has a lab report. Lab quizzes re-enforce
important lecture subjects. During the academic year (2004-2005), students were required
to have a lab notebook to keep updating every week lab work and questionnaire. In addition,
I assessed the replacement of cumulative final lab exams instead of weekly lab report. This
worked out well because students were tested and understood the overall picture and
importance of the lab work close related to the lecture portion.
 Grade all exams and quizzes within two class periods (students obtain the grades in less than
five days). For laboratory, quizzes and lab work grades are back the next week. All
students’ evaluations (exams, quizzes and homework) are given to students for them to keep,
review and study for the final exam.
 Every student regardless of her/his status (majors or non-majors) does an oral presentation
of a specific subject related to class at the end of the semester.
 Although a grade is not given when students come to my office to ask questions, I make sure
that not only the question that they came with is understood but also any other material
related. When applicable, students solve problems on the board or on paper. This method
assures me that they are able to perform well in test and quizzes.
Out of class interaction with students
 Participation in some Biology club (BBB), Chemistry club and Athletic activities.
 Extended interaction with students when we chat in order to prepare a letter of
recommendation for them as a document required for Graduate school, Internships,
8




Sororities, Ambassadors, RA, and other campus activities.
Give interviews to students when I was chosen by a student to be the Professor he/she would
like to talk about in his/her sociology class (9 occurrences so far).
Help students from non-science majors when, as part of a survey project for their classes,
they have questions about rain forest control and preservation issues in South American
countries.
Assist students from other Universities of Virginia in their cell molecular biology class
survey with questions related to molecular biology and genetic subjects.
Due to my background knowledge of the Spanish language, I helped students who are
Science majors and Spanish minors practicing spoken Spanish and with translations for
internships in Spanish speaking countries.
I believe that my enthusiasm and motivation in both the lecture and the laboratory enhances student
learning. I have received feedback from students indicating that they appreciate my hard work both
in class and in the laboratory when introducing them to new and challenging tools/activities. Many
of these activities have never before been performed at Longwood University. When related
subjects to my research interests are covered in class, I like to update my students with the latest
results I have obtained or any troubleshooting activities we are attempting.
d. Service
McCorkle #117 and Science Center #320 Laboratory areas
 Coordinate the purchase of equipment that is necessary in the area so that money from the
equipment trust fund could be beneficial to more than one professor in the department.
 August 2006, I was one of the 3 faculties who receive training in the use of the DNA
Analyzer to perform Microsatellite or Fragment Length Polymorphism analysis (AFLP).
 During spring 2006, I received training for two new equipments: Real Time PCR and
Densitometer.
 Pack from room #117, unpack and organize all laboratory equipment and glass ware in room
#320.
 As part of the Planning Committee for the opening of the new Science building, Dr. Lutz
and I designed the DNA ribbon used as a symbol of our department. We have had several
meetings with the different members of the University (Art department faculty, Publicity
office, President Events’ office, and financial department) to reach this goal. Two students,
Iliana Diaz and Ellen Simpson, helped in the construction of this model.
 In preparation for the move to the new science building, I did the inventory and clean all the
laboratory area at McCorkle #117.
 Clean and defrost the –80oC freezer and -20oC freezer. All samples and solutions in the cold
room (4oC) were organized and placed in plastic containers for easy transportation and to
avoid contamination.
 As needed, I disinfected and cleaned the four water incubators in McCorkle lab #117.
 I organized all the chemicals that belong to the molecular laboratory that are in the shelves
of McCorkle #115 store area. This will facilitate the inventory of chemicals that Mr. Ray
Heindrich needs to do before our move to the new science building.
Advising
 Collaborate with the career service to bring on February 28, 2009, professional admission
practice tests, for free, for students with different interests to take them. The test areas are
related to medicine, graduate school, law and business. Now, these types of tests are given
9











to students once every semester.
Starting on spring 2009, I am the faculty liaison from our department to the athletic
department for athletes majoring in biology.
Participate in the March 11th, 2008 UVA and in the February 24th, 2007 VCU advising
programs intended for Faculty with Health/Management candidates.
Former science students are invited back every academic year to give a talk to our students
about their experiences in professional careers or in graduate programs.
As part of the HIV awareness program running in the University, a presentation given by Dr.
Mark Ryan, MD.FAAFP.PHASE member took place last fall semester. It was geared to a
wide audience coming from Longwood as well as Farmville community.
Continue a permanent all year round contact with all my advisees as well as the Pre-Medical
candidates for whom I am officially their advisor. My messages contained material I receive
regarding open houses, internships, workshops, MCAT test deadlines and practice tests, etc.
Dr. Erin Dolan, a Professor from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, has
accepted an invitation to present her Biochemistry research as well as the education
opportunities for our science and education majors.
On March 4th, 2006, for students interested in the medical area, I set-up a practice MCAT
test and a follow-up session with results and suggestions to improve students scores.
On February 6th, 2006 I invited the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Recruiter
for an informational visit.
During fall 2005, I invited Donna Jackson, VCU outreach program Director, to give a talk to
our students who are interested in Health programs.
I helped undeclared and new biology majors students coming to Longwood during their
August 2005 registration program.
I organized a presentation on October 13, 2004 for Captain Pittman to share information
about the Army Health Care Scholarships.
2. College:
a. For an English major, I served as a co-guide of him to write a grant, my
mathematician colleague and I submitted.
b. For students taken English 400 who are interested in genetic issues, I guide them
to reach their goals.
c. I was asked to participate on the 2005-2006 Annual Gift Fund Program at
Longwood as a representative of CAS.
d. I helped with the opening ceremony of the new Science Center.
e. I actively participated in meetings related to the transition of our old science
building to the new Science Center.
f. I am invited to present a talk in the Mathematics and Computer Colloquium.
g. As a member of the Senior Honors Research Committee (2003-2006), I have
chaired 4 thesis defenses of science students in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
3. University:
a. Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) from Longwood to NCAA, 2010-present
appointed by Presidents Cormier and Finnegan.
b. I was asked by Allison Wright, Women Golf Coach, to be the Faculty Mentor for
her team starting fall 2006. I accepted this honor and responsibility. I do
continue with it until present.
c. I am invited as the Latino Faculty liaison to students for multicultural events.
10
d. I participated in the Hispanic/Latino Awareness Program and Celebration
panel discussion on September 20th, 2005.
d. I was a member of the senior honors research committee from 2003-2006.
e. I am a Member of the Advisory Committee for International Students (ACIS).
f. I participated in the research about Collegiality in Higher Education conducted
by Stephen Keith.
g. I participated in the Mathematics and Computer Science Colloquiums.
h. I have attended all Academic Honor Ceremony for freshman, all Convocation
Ceremony for seniors/juniors and all Commencement Ceremonies since I started
working at Longwood.
4. State:
a. I participated as a representative of Longwood in the VirginiaFirst Vex
tournament on December 9th at Prince Edward County Middle School.
b. I was a reviewer for research proposals submitted to the Jeffers Trust during
fall 2005.
c. I attended the 82nd, 83rd, 84th, 85th, 86th, and 87th annual Virginia Academy
Science meetings at the end of May. During all, except on the 84th meeting, my
research student at that time presented her/his work, respectively.
5. Region:
a. I started the fall 2008 and still continue with a paper recycling program for the
public elementary and middle school in Prince Edward County. This is an
educational opportunity for both institutions. In addition, Longwood is able to
extend and outreach its sustainability program.
6. National/International:
a. By invitation, a member of the faculty recruitment force for synthetic Biology
workshops’ grant by NSF and HHMI for the years 2012-2014.
b. On June 15-17, 2010 at Missouri Western University, I will participate in the
Synthetic Biology workshop with my colleagues Drs. Lunsford and Beach.
c. On July 7-10, 2010 at Davidson College, I will participate in the Synthetic
Biology workshop.
b. On May 25-28, 2010 at North Carolina, I will be the instructor of the computer
data analysis of DNA Microarrays and Gene Expression: A Hands-On
Workshop.
c. The summer of 2009, at Morehouse College in Atlanta, I was an instructor for
the 3rd consecutive year for the GCAT NSF Workshops. I was invited to be part
of the teaching team for the first time on 2007.
d. I assisted and edited the translation to Spanish of the computer software MAGIC
Tool. This program is freely available for academic uses in the GCAT home web
site and it is used in microarray analysis. In addition, I translated to Spanish all
laboratory protocols used during the 2008 summer workshops.
e. I attended the training for the Genomic Education Partnership program sponsored
by the Washington University at Saint Louis and the Howard Hughes Medical
Institute (HHMI). I attended on August 15-17th, 2008 an alumni meeting to
report our students’ experiences with the spring 2008 projects. I was the leader
faculty for the assessment discussion. I returned on May 31-June 02 with the
11
information of the spring semester class.
f. I have helped filling up the appropriate assessment related to the use of the
genetic tool Genomics Media Book (GMB) prototype used by our LU students.
g. I provided RNA extraction data to create a web page by the Genomic
Consortium of Active Teaching as a troubleshooting approach to all
microarray users. The link is:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/GCAT/protocols/RNA/RNA_methods.html
h. The area of Biology in the BES Department was been linked to the web page of
the Genomic Consortium of Active Teaching. See the following link:
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/GCAT/members/main.html
(Click right on the mouse bottom and select play. Choose the Farmville dot location)
i.
I edited all animations translated to Spanish to be used in a new Spanish
edition of a Biology textbook.
j. I have helped students from non-science majors when, as part of a survey
project for their classes, they have questions about rain forest control and
preservation issues in South American countries.
k. I consider myself as an Ambassador from my country Ecuador, and therefore I
am ready to contribute on any instance about its ethnic culture and other
important first hand information. In addition, I make the initial contacts to
Spanish speaking students for either informal chatting or any help they may be
needed while at our University.
B. Awards and Other Commendations
1. Funds and Grants:
a. A grant proposal for $32,000 was awarded from the North Carolina Biotechnology
Center (NCBC) to Drs. Santisteban, Lodhi, Rhode and Alvarez to run a DNA
microarray workshop at the end of May 2010.
b. The Dean’s Funds will provide the monetary support to pay the expenses to
present Matthew Wadsworth’s work at the National Conference of Undergraduate
Research (NCUR 2009).
c. The Dean’s Funds for Scholarship Excellence funded during 2006-2007 the
microarray projects (~$2300).
d. The Longwood Foundation provided the monetary support to pay the expenses to
present Madison Stevens’ work at the National Conference of Undergraduate
Research (NCUR 2007).
e. I was granted on spring 2005 monetary support ($450) from the Fund for
Students Research and Internships and Public History approved by Dean
Cordle. The money was requested for registration and traveling to Harrisburg,
VA, to present the microarray environmental research at the 83rd annual
meeting of the Virginia Academy Science, on May 19th.
f. I was awarded the Genomics Educations Matching Funds Program provided by
LI-COR Biosciences for the amount of $41,250.
g. I received funds for Students Research (CAS) to pay the expenses of Adrienne
Hampton who will present our PCR research in the 82nd annual meeting of the
Virginia Academy of Science in May 2004. They were for the amount of $370.
h. I received funds for Student Research (CAS) approved in February 2003 for
~$3,600.
i. Faculty Research and Development Grant approved in March 2003 for $1,660.
12
C. Attendance at Convention, Conference, etc
1. Instructor at the summer 2009 and 2007 Morehouse as well as at the summer 2008
Fullerton GCAT NSF Workshops.
2. Participant at the VAS on late May 2009 where Madison Stevens presented her work.
3. Participant in the June 2007 Genomic Education Partnership program sponsored by the
Washington University at Saint Louis and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. I
attended on August 15-17th, 2008 an alumni meeting to report our students’ experiences
with the spring 2008 projects. I was the leader faculty for the assessment discussion. I
will return on May 31-June 02 with the information of this spring semester class.
4. Participant at the NCUR 21st conference where Madison Stevens’ work was presented.
5. I attended a mini-workshop for DNA microarray data analysis at Davidson College on
July 17-18, 2006.
6. Participate in the spring CAS showcase, presenting a poster with the latest results of the
DNA microarray projects.
7. I attended the Longwood Foundation luncheon on March 7th, 2006 where my advisee
(Madison Stevens) presented her preliminary search information about her research
project for her Presidents Cormier Citizen Scholarship.
8. I provided Molecular Biology information in both English and Spanish languages to
Drs. Lily Goetz and Alix Fink who traveled to Venezuela to set-up an exchange student
program for not only the environmental area but hopefully the molecular biology area
too.
9. Present a poster at the Marcus 2005 (Seventh Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference
of Undergraduate Scholarship) on October the 8th 2005 at Sweet Briar College. This
poster contains the information accumulated in the collaboration project with Dr. Lutz
and David Walker about the chemical stress of yeast cells detected by microarray
analysis.
10. I participated in the Biology e-seminar conducted by scifinder on July 7th, 2005.
11. I attended the Banner demonstration for the Project BLISS website on May 24th, 2005
12. I attended the demonstration for the Web of Science presented by Thomson Scientific
on May 17th, 2005 at the Greenwood Library.
13. I attended the demonstration for the Web of Science presented by Thomson Scientific
on May 17th, 2005 at the Greenwood Library.
14. I participated in our department senior dinner on April 5th, 2005 organized to honor
senior science students graduating on May.
15. I was invited to participate in the Women’s and Men’s Leadership Symposium on
April 2nd, 2005.
16. I was invited by the SEAL members to participate in the 2004 Mountain Lake
Leadership Conference held on November 12th - 14th.
17. During the week of November 3rd 2004, I presented a summary of my 3
research projects in Dr. Patrick Crumrine’s LSEM Biology class. This is a way how
colleagues in the department promote undergraduate student interest and
involvement in teaching and research.
18. Participate in Chemistry seminars in September 23rd 2004 when Professor
Kuciauskus from VCU presented his work on “Energy transfer and photochromic
reactions in phospholipids bilayer membranes” and in February 8, 2005 when Ms.
Potter also from VCU presented her graduate work on “Chemometrics and its
applications to metabolic pathways and forensic toxicology”
13
19. Please refer to the file of August 2004 for other activities.
D. Other Travel
1. I attended the Faculty Athletic Representative Association (FARA) annual meeting at
Baltimore on November 10-12, 2010.
2. I attended the 87th annual meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science held at the
VCU, Richmond, VA on May 2009.
3. I attended the 86th annual meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science held at Hampton
University in Norfolk, VA on May 2008.
4. I attended the 85th annual meeting of the Virginia Academy of Science held at James
Madison University in Harrisburg, VA on May 2007.
5. I traveled with the Women’s Golf team this spring 2007 during their last away from
home tournament.
6. I attended the Plant Molecular Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics workshop
funded by the National Science Foundation at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University at Blacksburg, VA during the week of August 8-12, 2005.
7. I attended with David Walker the 83rd annual meeting of the Virginia Academy of
Science held at James Madison University in Harrisburg, VA on May 19th, 2005.
David presented a talk with the data we had about the environmental stress of yeast
cells detected by microarray analysis.
8. I participated in the workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation which
goal was to train undergraduate faculty to assess and improve the quality of
microarray analysis. It took place in Georgetown University, DC from July the 6th to
the 9th 2004.
9. I participated as a judge on the Medical Sciences session of the 82nd annual meeting for
the Virginia Academy of Science. It was on May 27th 2004 in Richmond, VA. At the
same meeting, Adrienne Hampton presented our PCR work.
10. I participated in Biotechnology Conference, from July 17th to the 21st. I attended the
7th Biotechnology 2002 Educator’s Conference at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
11. On October 26, 2002 (a Saturday) at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I attended a full day
science education workshop for Life Science and Chemistry. It was the 2002
Strategies Workshop.
III. SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES
A. Research
My research interests are diverse as I indicate them below.
1. Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis of genetically altered corn and soy-bean
food products (Adrienne Hampton, Sara Lee, Ellen Simpson and Kristen Hess)
2. DNA yeast Microarray analysis (David Walker, Madison Stevens and Ashley Swanby).
These projects started as collaboration with Dr. Lutz, then Dr. Lunsford and now also
with Dr. Poplin.
3. DNA cloning and sequencing (Iliana Diaz and Ellen Simpson)
4. Protein 3-D modeling (Stuart Bertsch and Michael Edwards). I have the support of Dr.
David Bevan from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University at Blacksburg.
5. I have done literature review and I have established some connections with a
university at Florida for a potential work related to environmental toxicity using fish
microarray experiments.
14
6. I have claimed sequencing annotation and finishing projects that will help to maintain
sharpen skill, so I can guide Longwood students when they use other projects in the
genomic classes. This is a collaboration with the Genomic Education Partnership (GEP)
at Washington University in Saint Louis, MO.
7. Sequencing of the Glyceraldehyde Phosphate Dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) of
unpublished plants species as molecular projects for students in the laboratory.
8. Collaboration with a computer science student to use the cluster system with our
sequencing data.
9. Starting the set-up material and stocks for the Synthetic Biology projects. I have
received DNA material from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
10. Member of the Genomics Online Text (GOT) committee developers.
In addition, to improve my research abilities, I have participated/attended the conferences indicated
on section “A-6”, “C” and “D” of II Professional growth. Please, refer to them.
B. Publications and manuscripts in preparation
Publications
1. Wolyniak M.J., Alvarez C.J., et.al. (2010). Building better scientists through crossdisciplinary collaboration in synthetic biology: A meeting report from the Genome
Consortium for Active Teaching (GCAT) Workshop 2010. CBE-Life Sciences
Education 9(4):399-404. Full access at: http://www.lifescied.org/cgi/content/full/9/4/399
2. The Genomics Education Partnership: Successful Integration of Research into
Laboratory Classes at a Diverse Group of Undergraduate Institutions by Shaffer C.D.,
Alvarez C., et. al., CBE-Life Sci. Educ. accepted January 2010, in press.
3. Genomics Education Partnership by D. Lopatto, C. Alvarez, et. al, Science 31 October
2008:Vol. 322. no. 5902, pp. 684 – 685.
Full access at: www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/322/5902/684/DC1
4. Development of a Cross-Disciplinary Investigative Model for the Introduction of
Microarray Techniques at non-R1 Undergraduate Institutions by David E. Walker,
Gary P. Lutz and Consuelo J. Alvarez. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2008 Spring; 7(1):118-31
http://www.lifescied.org/current.dtl#ARTICLES__SPECIAL_FOCUS_ARTICLES
4. A Comparison of Image Analysis Methods in cDNA Microarrays by Ashley Swandby,
M. Leigh Lunsford and Consuelo J. Alvarez, INCITE Journal of Undergraduate
Scholarship, Cook-Cole CAS, Longwood University, 1(1) April 2008:52-60.
5. Activation of a cryptic 5’ splice by Alvarez, C. J.; Wise, J. A. (2001), U1 RNA, Vol.
7, #3: 342-350.
6. Evidence for Splice Site pairing via Intron definition in Schizosaccharomyces
pombe by C. M. Romfo, Alvarez, C. J.; van Heeckeren, W. J., Webb, C J., and Wise, J.
A. (2000), Molecular and Cellular Biology, Vol. 20, #21: 7955-7970.
7. Prostaglandin synthase expression, Prostaglandin production, and proliferation in Human
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells by Parker, J.; Kaplon, M. K.; Krishnaswamy, G.;
Alvarez, C. J. (1997), Experimental Cell Research, 236, Article No: EX973741.
8. Mutational analysis of U1 function in S. pombe: Pre-mRNAs differ in the extent and
nature of their requirements for this snRNA in vivo by Alvarez, C. J.; Romfo, C. M.;
VanHoy, R. W.; Porter, G.; Wise, J. A. (1996), RNA, Vol. 2, #5: 404-418.
9. T3 y T4 serico en disfunciones tiroideas por métodos RIA by Alvarez, C. J.; Chediak,
R. (1988), Chemical Science School Magazine, No. 37-38.
15
Manuscripts in preparation
1. Glyceraldehyde Phosphate Dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) sequence from a variety of
different plants of student interest, to submit to the National Center for Biotechnology of
Information (NCBI) by Biology 121-50 students of 2008 - 09 classes and Dr. Alvarez.
2. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of DNA microarrays performed at GCAT summer
workshops 07 and 08 by Dr. Lunsford, Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Poplin.
3. Gene Expression of Saccharamyces cerevisiae Exposed to Commercial Wood
Preservatives by Microarray Analysis by Madison M. Stevens, Gary P. Lutz and
Consuelo J. Alvarez.
4. Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation in Yeast Cells by David E. Walker, Ashley Swandby,
Gary P. Lutz, Leigh Lunsford and Consuelo J. Alvarez.
5. Detection of Genetic Modified Food in Farmville stores by Adrianne Hampton, Sara Lee
and Consuelo J. Alvarez.
* Written recognition for correcting and reviewing the 4th edition of the Principles of Biochemistry
textbook by Horton et. al. This is the textbook we used in Longwood classes.
C. Contributions to the Arts
1. Design and construction of a DNA model used a s a ribbon for the opening ceremony of
the Science Center (December 6, 2005). Now, this model is used as a teaching tool in
the molecular lab. Collaborations of Dr. Lutz, Iliana Diaz and Ellen Simpson.
D. Workshop Presentations
1. Instructor of the computer data analysis of DNA Microarrays and Gene Expression: A
Hands-On Workshop at the University of North Carolina, Pembroke on May 25-28,
2010.
2. Instructor for 3 summers at workshops funded by GCAT NSF grant (07-09).
3. A flexible approach to introduce genomics to the class curriculum by Matthew
Wadsworth and Consuelo Alvarez. Poster presentation at NCU 23rd, spring 2009.
4. One of 20 faculty across USA participating in the June 2007 Genomic Education
Partnership program sponsored for the second time by the Washington University at
Saint Louis and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
4. Gene Expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Exposed to Commercial Wood
Preservatives by Microarray Analysis by Madison M. Stevens, Gary P. Lutz and
Consuelo J. Alvarez, Poster presentation at NCUR 21st, spring 2007.
5. Effects of Ultraviolet radiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using microarray analysis
by Alvarez, C.J., Walker, D.E.. Abstract of talks from the proceedings of the 83rd
Annual meeting of the VAS (Spring 2005), Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 56, No 1.
6. Analyzing local corn and soy consumer food products for prevalence of CRY1 and CP4EPSPS proteins by Alvarez, C.J., Hampton, A, R., Abstract of talks from the
proceedings of the 82nd Annual meeting of the VAS (spring and summer 2004),
Virginia Journal of Science, Vol. 55, No 1 & 2.
7. Activation of an unusual cryptic 5’ splice site in S. pombe by Alvarez, J. C.; Wise, J. A.
(1994), RNA Processing Meeting, May 24-29, Madison WI, (Oral Presentation)
8. The role of base pairing between U1snRNA and the 5’ splice site in Fission Yeast by
Alvarez, C. J.; VanHoy, R.; Wise, J. A. (1994), RNA Processing Meeting, May 2429, Madison, WI, (Poster Session)
9. Interaction of U1 snRNA and the 5’splice site in Fission Yeast by Alvarez, C. J.;
16
VanHoy, R.; Wise, J. A. (1993), RNA Processing Meeting, May 19-23, Cold Spring
Harbor, NY, (Poster Session)
10. 5’ splice site function in Fission yeast by Alvarez, C. J.; Romfo, C. M.; VanHoy, R. W.;
Porter, G.; Reich, C.; Wise, J. A. (1992), RNA Processing Meeting, May 27-31,
Keystone, CO, (Poster Session)
IV. SERVICE TO UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY/LOCAL COMMUNITY
A. Service to University Community
1. I assisted in the February 2009 and 2010 in the Special Olympics held at Longwood
University.
2. I assist the athletic teams when coaches need help answering or directing any question
that prospective students have that relates to science programs.
3. I participated in the Hispanic/Latino Awareness Program and Celebration panel
discussion on September 20th, 2005.
4. We, as a family, are part of the list of International Hosts for foreign students
in the University. In addition, we actively participate in a number of multicultural
activities organized in the University.
5. I have met once for breakfast with members of the Board of Visitors.
B. Service to Local Community
1. Paper recycling program for Prince Edward Elementary School (PECES), 2008-present
2. Reader volunteer at PECES for children with language barriers, 2007-present
3. Two months of Spanish classes (April-June 2005) to community helpers in St. Theresa
Catholic Church in the area who did not have the command of the language when
Spanish speaking workers are in trouble, jail, hospital, living care and other necessities.
4. Spanish volunteer teacher for Stepping Stones, Day Care since August 2002 - 2006
We strengthened children’s learning in three ways: English, Sign Language and
Spanish.
5. Eucharist Minister, Reader and Teller at St. Theresa, Farmville, VA since August
2001- present
6. Eucharist Minister at St. Michael’s, Richmond, VA during May 2000 - July 2001
7. Eucharist Minister, Usher, and Reader (in Spanish) at Miravalle, Quito-Ecuador
during 1996-1998
8. Eucharist Minister at St. Ann’s, Cleveland, OH during September 1993 – January
1996
9. Eucharist Minister, Usher, and Reader at Champaign, IL during January 1991 – 1993
V. OTHER INFORMATION
A. Languages
1. Spanish is my Native Language
2. Proficient in English
3. Intermediate in French
4. Beginner in Portuguese and German
5. Beginner in American Sign Language
B. Sports
1. Volleyball, Soccer, Golf, Basketball and Tennis. Team groups are formed with the
combination of Faculty, Staff and Students belonging to different departments of
17
Longwood.
2. Coach or Assistant coach for children teams of 5-8 and 8-11 year old that belong to the
Prince Edward County Youth Association.
3. Assist during Longwood University basketball and soccer games as well as during home
golf tournaments.
18