Desarey Morales Vasquez
About Desarey Morales Vasquez
Desarey Morales Vasquez is a Graduate Research Assistant at Texas Biomedical Research Institute, specializing in Integrated Biomedical Sciences. She has a strong research background in SARS-CoV-2 and has contributed to multiple publications in the field.
Work at Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Desarey Morales Vasquez has been employed as a Graduate Research Assistant at Texas Biomedical Research Institute since 2020. In this role, she has contributed to various research projects, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2. Her work includes the development of a TR-FRET assay for the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, which is designed for high throughput screening. She has also been involved in live imaging and quantification of viral infection in K18 hACE2 transgenic mice, utilizing reporter-expressing recombinant SARS-CoV-2.
Education and Expertise
Desarey Morales Vasquez is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Integrated Biomedical Sciences at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, a program she has been part of since 2020. Previously, she studied at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she earned a PhD in Translational Biomedical Sciences from 2018 to 2020. She completed her undergraduate studies at Mount Saint Mary's University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biochemistry from 2014 to 2018.
Previous Research Experience
Before her current position, Desarey Morales Vasquez worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry from 2018 to 2020. She also served as an Undergraduate Researcher at Mount Saint Mary's University from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, she worked in Facilities Management at Mount Saint Mary's University from 2014 to 2018. This diverse experience has provided her with a solid foundation in research methodologies and laboratory techniques.
Research Contributions
Desarey Morales Vasquez has made significant contributions to the field of virology, particularly regarding SARS-CoV-2. She co-authored a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focusing on the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection using reporter-expressing viruses. Her research also includes the development of a bifluorescent-based assay for identifying neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants and published findings on the role of SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins in viral pathogenicity in K18 human ACE2 transgenic mice.
Academic Background
Desarey Morales Vasquez completed her high school education at Central High School in San Angelo, TX, where she earned her High School Diploma from 2013 to 2014. Her academic journey continued at Mount Saint Mary's University, where she studied Biochemistry and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in 2018. This educational background has equipped her with the foundational knowledge necessary for her advanced studies and research.