Vanessa Guerra Canedo

Dedicated evolutionary and computational biologist with a proven background in molecular biology and genomics

Postdoctoral Fellow

Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH
3/2022 - Present
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Collected data and scientific information to conduct research on viral evolution under monoclonal antibody, vaccine, and host pressure.
- Performed and analyzed results for pathogen recovery using high-throughput and long-read next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

- Developed, validated, and optimized protocols for NGS analysis and metagenomics.
- Analyzed microbial adaptations using advanced culture systems and functional assays.
- Designed and applied bioinformatics pipelines, including machine learning algorithms, to detect ultra-rare variants and reduce technical noise.
- Scientific information collected was documented following the institution's recommendations.
- Reviewed existing data and determined project technical needs to investigate sources of genetic variant introduction in cell- and egg-based systems.
- Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment following laboratory guidelines to ensure proper calibration and availability for project needs.
- Followed and enforced laboratory guidelines, precedents, and principles, for safety practices, including hazardous materials handling, and to acquired data.
- Collected, analyzed, and presented scientific data for regulatory program support.
- Trained staff in laboratory protocols and NGS workflows.
- Co-author for Ko et al. 2024, and Kanekiyo et al. 2024.
 

Research Associate (former Visiting Research Fellow and Intern)
Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History & Center for Conservation Genomics 
9/2018 - 10/2024

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
- Conducted research as part of a guest position while funded by PhD program support and external scholarships.
- Applied metagenomic methods to investigate mechanisms driving the evolution of polymorphic genes, contributing to advancements in evolutionary genomics.
- Developed and optimized automated database systems to streamline the organization, summarization, and analysis of research findings, enhancing efficiency and accuracy for publication-ready insights.
- Co-authored the peer-reviewed Houck et al., 2023, and Hart et al. 2021
- Author Guerra et al. 2021, Guerra et al. 2020
 

Scientist

MilliporeSigma

08/2021 - 03/2022

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Managed and oversaw studies in compliance with cGMP and GLP standards, ensuring scientific integrity and alignment with regulatory guidelines.
- Maintained complete and comprehensive records to support study integrity and compliance, documenting results and preparing summary reports.

- Collected, analyzed, and interpreted NGS-derived data, ensuring accuracy and validity for regulatory program support and publication.
- Reviewed assay batch records and laboratory documentation, enforcing "Right First Time" (RFT) practices to ensure quality and efficiency.

- Investigated and managed deviations or events arising from laboratory activities, coordinating with Project Management to communicate timelines and technical needs to clients.
- Applied advanced data analysis techniques to qualify NGS data, supporting the development of assays and protocols under study.

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of California Merced
1/2021 - 6/2021

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Initiated work for the analyses across diverse microbial and viral species to understand genetic variability and adaptation under selective pressures.
- Directed collaborative efforts between internal teams and external institutions, fostering multi-disciplinary approaches to NGS assay development.

- Maintained comprehensive records of data and processes, ensuring study integrity and alignment with project goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional projects, facilitating communication between laboratory teams and external stakeholders to meet timelines and objectives.

- Co-instructor for marine genomics data analysis course at UC Davis. Supervisor: 

Research Assistant

Simon Fraser University
9/2015 - 12/2019

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Collected and analyzed genomic and transcriptomic data to support research on reproductive adaptive genes in sea stars and chordates, contributing to decisions on evolutionary models and environmental policy.

- Maintained comprehensive scientific records throughout the life of the project, interpreting results and preparing summary reports for dissemination and regulatory compliance.
- Planned, developed, and implemented experiments and computational protocols for genome assembly, SNP calling, annotation, differential expression, and selection analysis.

- Used automated database software and custom Perl, Unix shell, and R scripts to prepare reports, document data, and ensure data accuracy and accessibility for long-term studies.
- Kept abreast of pertinent literature and incorporated cutting-edge concepts and techniques into bioinformatics pipelines to optimize next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses.

- Published findings in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating authority in genomic analysis and contributing to the scientific understanding of adaptive evolution: Hart et al. 2021, Guerra et al. 2021, Guerra et al. 2020, Hart et al. 2018
- Reviewed existing data to determine project technical needs and developed solutions to address challenges in multi species comparative analyses.

- TA Population Genomics course & Marine Invertebrate course
- Co-organized effort to provide NGS training.
- Invited instructor for NGS training efforts for student at large on campus.
- Co-authored the peer-reviewed Hart et al. 2021, Hart et al. 2018, Hart & Guerra 2017 - Author Guerra et al. 2021, Guerra et al. 2020
 

Consultant for Evolutionary Dynamics Course

Simon Fraser University
9/2018 - 12/2018

Hours per week: 20
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:
- Collected and organized scientific data to support course objectives and student research activities.
- Kept abreast of the pertinent literature in bioinformatics and evolutionary genomics, incorporating advanced concepts and techniques into lab exercises.
- Planned, developed, and implemented computational protocols, enabling students to analyze large-scale datasets and generate valid and accurate results.
- Used automated database software to demonstrate data organization, downloading, and management techniques for course participants.
- Oriented and trained graduate students in bioinformatics programs, ensuring they could independently analyze and visualize data.
 

Laboratory Manager

Wake Forest University

9/2014 - 7/2015

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Collected data and scientific information to support research in marine genomics, facilitating informed decisions and contributions to regulatory programs and policies.
- Kept abreast of pertinent literature in marine science and genomics, incorporating innovative concepts and techniques into experimental protocols and training workshops.

- Planned, developed, and implemented next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocols.
- Analyzed results of experiments and maintained comprehensive records.
- Used automated database software to document data, organize findings, and generate reports.
- Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment, ensuring it was available and functioning to meet research needs and regulatory standards.
- Trained and oriented students and trainees in molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and library preparation, emphasizing adherence to laboratory guidelines and quality standards.
- Oversaw student research projects, enforcing laboratory protocols and supporting technical troubleshooting to ensure successful outcomes.
- Identified parasitic copepods in rockfish using DNA barcoding, contributing to biodiversity research and demonstrating expertise in environmental genomics.
- Reviewed existing data to determine project technical needs, ensuring experiments aligned with research objectives and addressed knowledge gaps.
 

Intern / Junior Specialist

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
1/2010 - 11/2010

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

- Collected data and scientific information to support research on invasive species transmissions in the San Francisco Estuary, contributing to ecological management decisions and regulatory program development.
- Maintained detailed records of field observations and eradication activities, analyzing results to ensure data generated was accurate and valid for decision-making.

- Reviewed existing data and pertinent scientific literature to refine protocols for species detection and removal, incorporating innovative concepts into field activities.
- Planned and implemented protocols for invasive species detection and eradication, adhering to guidelines and precedents to determine appropriate solutions for native ecosystem preservation.

- Maintained and prepared scientific information, compiling summary reports to document findings and support research objectives.
- Directed volunteer teams, orienting them on detection and removal methods, and ensuring adherence to established procedures.

- Used database software to organize and document data, facilitating efficient reporting and analysis. 

Doctorate degree; Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC Canada