María L. Burgos-Garay
PhD, M(ASCP)CM
1095 N. Jamestown Rd. Apt. L Decatur, GA 30033
Cell: 610-207-3255, Work: 404-639-4866; manitam483@gmail.com
QUALIFICATIONS: A proven leader with experience managing a laboratory, training
personnel, and contributing to research development of the laboratory. Expertise in
molecular biology, microbial ecology, and statistics. Effective presentation skills and
good scientific writing. Active user of social media –LinkedIn and Scoop.it for networking
and dissemination of information.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Pennsylvania State University,
June, 2013
B.S. Microbiology, Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, May, 2004
RESEARCH AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Microbiologist IV, Chenega for CDC/OID/NCEZID (CTR)
(2014-Current)
Identified bacterial isolates including carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter
baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus (VISA, VRSA, MRSA), and
vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) using MALDI-TOF and VITEK2
Performed conventional techniques to identify antibiotic susceptible
isolates
o Kirby-Bauer, broth microdilution, Modified Hogde test, E-test
Performed molecular techniques (PCR and RT-PCR) to identify
antimicrobial genes associated to resistance
o IMP, KPC, NDM, OXA, and VIM
Supervised and trained junior scientists on all procedures
Determined the use of advanced molecular detection methods for
strain characterization
o MLVA, MLST, SNP, PFGE
Transferred results into laboratory information managements systems
(LIMS)
Postdoctoral Scholar, Penn State University
(2013- 2014)
Use recombinant DNA techniques to transform Pythium aphanidermatum,
Pseudomonas, and Bacillus isolates
Analyzed Pythium species for the production of cell communication molecules
Analyzed Pythium population diversity in recycled water reservoirs
Ph.D. Research, Penn State University
(2007-2013)
Characterized bacterial isolates that inhibited, promoted, and attached to three
pathogenic Pythium species hyphae
o Studied biocontrol effects on sporangia development
Studied bacteria changes in the presence of Pythium species using ARISA
Evaluated interactions bacterium-Pythium and the effect on growth and disease
development on geranium
Increased national awareness of the survival of Pythium and the complexity of
their interaction with bacteria
Supervised daily activities of lab tech and undergraduate student
Microbiologist II, Bureau of Laboratory
(2005-2007)
Analyzed clinical samples for the presence of Plasmodium spp; Cyclospora
cayetanensis; and Cryptosporidium spp.
Analyzed clinical and food samples for the presence of RSV, Influenza, West Nile
virus, Norovirus, Clostridium botulism, C. difficile, C. perfringens, Campylobacter
jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli 0157:H7, Salmonella spp; Shigella spp.,
Bacillus cereus, and Yersinia enterocolitica
o Subtyped Influenza virus (A or B) using cell line culture
Experience working with select agents (BSL-3) such as Bacillus anthracis,
Brucella spp., Burkholderia spp., Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, and ricin
toxin
Experience analyzing clinical samples for the presence of Mycobacteria spp.
Supervised and trained undergraduate students
o Developed teaching and training sessions, supervised research, assessed
learning and reported to the director
Implemented new analytical procedures
o Initiated the use of Multiplex (Luminex) and DNA sequencing for food
samples
Food Microbiologist / QC tech, Berks Packing Comp.
(2004-2005)
Analyzed environmental samples to establish quality control efficacy
Analyzed ready to eat, environmental, and raw samples for the presence of
Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhi
Inspected critical control points in accordance to regulations
QC technician, Wilbur Chocolate
(2004)
Analyzed raw material using nuclear magnetic resonance, fatty content, and
color test
o Prepared samples for HPLC and GC/MS tests
Transferred data into ACCESS database
Laboratory tech/ Microbiologist, MJ Reider Assoc. Inc.
(2000-2003)
Performed chemical tests to raw and drinking water
Analyzed drinking water for the presence of coliform and fungi
Analyzed dairy samples for the presence of antibiotics, bacteria, and fungi
Undergraduate researcher, Interamerican University of PR,
(1998-1999)
Analyzed environmental samples from contaminated and non-contaminated
mangroves for the presence of oomycetes
o Studied the impact of contaminants in oomycetes population
TEACHING AND SUPERVISING EXPERIENCE
Guest speaker, Fundamental of Phytopathology, Pennsylvania State University 2013
A lecture aimed to introduce undergraduate and graduate students to genetic
fingerprinting and Next-Generation sequencing methods
Teacher assistant, Phytobacteriology, Pennsylvania State University
2012
Responsibilities included helping the professor to arranged laboratory sessions,
writing handouts, grading assignments, and giving lectures (Topic: Quorum
sensing in Bacteria)
Teacher assistant, Horticulture Crop Disease, Pennsylvania State University
Responsibilities included helping students with online course modules
information, deadlines, grading assignments, quizzes, and exams
2012
Supervisor, Virology and Molecular biology, Bureau of Laboratories,
2005-2007
Responsibilities included developing and teaching training sessions, supervising
undergraduate students conducting research in the laboratory, assessing their
learning and reporting to director
Teacher, Science instructor, 10th and Penn Elem. School
2006
Participated in extracurricular activities for K-6 students. Responsibilities included
full development of the course including objectives, laboratory sessions, and
writing handouts. The main objective was to encourage curiosity for science and
pursuing a college degree
Teacher assistant, Biology laboratory, Interamerican University of PR
2003
Responsibilities included setting up laboratory materials and helping students
during sessions
PRESENTATIONS
1. Pest and fungal disease control of mushrooms. Cooperative Extension, Penn
State University. Kennett Square, PA. February 2014.
2. Effect of microbes-Pythium spp. interaction and outcomes. Environmental
Microbiology Symposium. Department of Plant Pathology, Penn State University,
University Park, PA. September, 2013.
3. Bacterial community changes in the presence of three pathogenic Pythium.
Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Symposium. March 2013.
4. Influence of Pythium aphanidermatum, P. irregulare and P. cryptoirregulare on
bacterial community in recycled irrigation water. Department of Plant Pathology,
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. March 2012.
5. Influence of Pythium aphanidermatum, P. irregulare, and P. cryptoirregulare on
the bacterial community in recycled irrigated water. Northeast APS Division
Meeting, New Brunswick, N.J. October 2011.
6. Effects of microbial communities in recycled irrigation water on the development
of three Pythium species. Northeast APS Division Meeting, Northampton, MA.
October 2010.
7. A plant pathology adventure in Costa Rica. Department of Plant Pathology, The
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Fall 2009.
8. Ratoon stunting disease and two rusts: Just some of the pathogens affecting
sugarcane. Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University,
University Park, PA. Spring 2008.
PUBLICATIONS
Peer Reviewed
Burgos-Garay, M.L., Hong, C.X., Moorman, G.W. 2014. Interactions of
heterotrophic bacteria from recycled greenhouse irrigation water with plant
pathogenic Pythium. HORTSCIENCE 49(7):961–967.
Manuscript in Preparation
Burgos-Garay, Moorman, G.W. 2015. Detection of community shifted by the
presence of Pythium in recycled water reservoir.
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Molecular techniques: DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, RT-PCR, q-PCR, DNA
sequencing, DNA transformation, cloning, western blot, fingerprint technique
(ARISA).
Medical microbiology (BSL-3), food and environmental microbiology, Biolog,
Robotic DNA/RNA extraction instruments (MagNaPure and Maxwell).
Immunology: ELISA, neutralization mouse assay, and protein extraction (SDSPAGE and membrane blotting).
Microscopy: Scanning electron and fluorescence.
Computer skills: ACCESS, Excel, Power point, Word, Lync, Outlook, LIMS.
Technical programs: BIOMIC, BLAST, Galaxy, Sequencher, MEGA, CIPRES,
XLStat, SAS, Minitab, R program, fragment analysis software (GeneMapper,
GeneMarker, Peak Scanner), MALDI-TOF, and VITEK2.
Knowledge of microarray, RNA-Seq, Next-Gen sequence, DNAStar,
PFGE, MLVA, SNP, and MLST.
Bilingual (English and Spanish).
OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
FastStart Mentoring Program at Pennsylvania State University 2013-2014
Undergraduate research proposal reviewer at Pennsylvania State University
2012
Judge- 24th Annual Graduate Exhibition at Pennsylvania State University 2012
Curriculum and Instruction Committee Graduate Student Representative 2012
Judge- 77th Annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Pennsylvania
State University 2011
Graduate student advisor council (GSAC) at Pennsylvania State University 2011
Chair for Committee for Diversity and Equality, APS 2009
Vice-president of the Plant Pathology Associate at Pennsylvania State University
2008
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member of American Phytopathology (APS)
Member of Committee of Biocontrol
Member of Committee of Genetics
Member of Committee of Bacteriology
Member of Committee of Tropical Plant Pathology
Member of Committee of Soil Microbiology
American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
Botanical Society of America (BSA)
2007-2014
2009-2013
2007-2014
2007-2013
2007-2010
2009-2013
2005-2014
2007-2014
VOLUNTER EXPERIENCES: Mentor to minority and international students (ASM)
and as science teacher to K-6 students to promote science interest and pursue
college degree.