Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Oral and Poster Presentations
Timeline
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Francis Perroud

Austin

Summary

Results-oriented research professional with expertise in liver cancer, metabolic regulation, rice genetics, and myogenesis regulation, developed through experience at Saint Mary’s University and The Hormel Institute. Proven track record in investigating atrazine’s impact on muscle growth and cholesterol synthesis related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Recognized with prestigious accolades including TriBeta’s highest research grant and the Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium Top Natural Science Honors Award. Committed to applying advanced research skills to contribute to innovative solutions in cancer research and metabolic health.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Thesis

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Winona
09.2023 - 12.2024
  • Conducted an independent research project investigating atrazine’s effects on myostatin expression in Mus musculus gastrocnemius muscle, under the mentorship of Dr. Debra Martin.
  • Investigated the relationship between atrazine-induced increases in the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and myostatin expression in skeletal muscle.
  • Authored a thesis manuscript, preparing for submission to a BIOS journal in early 2025.

U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program

Saint Mary’s University
Winona
09.2022 - 12.2024
  • Assisted Latin American nuns in obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees by enhancing communication with Saint Mary’s University, addressing technology issues, translating documents, tutoring, interpreting for events, and organizing trips and visits for the sisters.

GeoSpatial Services (GSS) Student Worker

GeoSpatial Services (GSS)
Winona
09.2021 - 12.2024
  • Developed a landscape mapping service, managing digital geographic data within GIS through source map preparation and editing, digitizing, feature coding, and data conversion, contributing to the completion of 100% of the Western Alaska project over three years.

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

The Hormel Institute - University of Minnesota, Medical Research Center
Austin
05.2024 - 08.2024
  • Conducted research on the role of DHCR24 in cholesterol synthesis and its implications for the progression, invasion, and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma under the guidance of Dr. Ewa Bielczyk-Maczyńska.
  • Utilized techniques including cell culture, gene regulation, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and confocal microscopy.
  • Presented research findings at The Hormel Institute Symposium, highlighting potential therapeutic pathways for liver cancer.

UIA (Poultry Research Unit)

National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA)
Concepción Del Uruguay
05.2023 - 07.2023
  • Contributed to a project under the guidance of Dr. Florencia Rojas, focused on advancing sustainable development in the poultry sector through innovative research and technological solutions. Performed virus infection diagnostics using RT-PCR on chicken tissue and bedding samples.
  • Developed primers from genomic databases to streamline testing and analysis.
  • Enhanced project efficiency, enabling supervisors to reallocate 35% of their time to additional tasks and projects.

GTMGA (Group for Genetic Improvement of Rice)

National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA)
Concepción Del Uruguay
05.2022 - 08.2022
  • Contributed to a project under the guidance of Dr. José Colazo, focused on discovering new rice varieties through strategic crossbreeding of existing strains using SNP-based artificial selection.
  • Performed laboratory tasks including plant germination, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and SNP identification to select desired genes for new rice varieties.
  • Enabled the principal investigator to save up to 30% of his time, which was reallocated to analyzing new desired genes for the development of rice varieties.

EL Kaiser Nueces Pecan

Self-Employed
Villa Elisa
04.2018 - 01.2021
  • Microenterprise entrepreneur selling pecans to fund college, managing harvesting, cleaning, packaging, and cost management.
  • Developed critical thinking and self-starting skills through advertising, customer relations, and sales.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biolgy

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
12-2024

Skills

  • Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Statistical Software Expertise
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)
  • Self-directed
  • Interdisciplinary teamwork
  • Analytical Problem Solving

Oral and Poster Presentations

Poster Presentation 

  • Perroud, F., & Bielczyk-Maczyńska, E. (2024). "The Role of DHCR24 in Cholesterol Synthesis Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." Poster presented at the Hormel Institute Research Symposium, The Hormel Institute, Austin, MN, United States.
  • Perroud, F., & Bielczyk-Maczyńska, E. (2024). "The Role of DHCR24 in Cholesterol Synthesis Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." Poster presented at the Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, United States.

Oral Presentation

  • Perroud, F., & Martin, D. (2024). "Effects of Atrazine on MSTN Protein Expression in Mus musculus Gastrocnemius Muscle." Oral presentation at the Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, United States.

Timeline

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)

The Hormel Institute - University of Minnesota, Medical Research Center
05.2024 - 08.2024

Senior Thesis

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
09.2023 - 12.2024

UIA (Poultry Research Unit)

National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA)
05.2023 - 07.2023

U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program

Saint Mary’s University
09.2022 - 12.2024

GTMGA (Group for Genetic Improvement of Rice)

National Agricultural Technology Institute (INTA)
05.2022 - 08.2022

GeoSpatial Services (GSS) Student Worker

GeoSpatial Services (GSS)
09.2021 - 12.2024

EL Kaiser Nueces Pecan

Self-Employed
04.2018 - 01.2021

Bachelor of Arts - Biolgy

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Francis Perroud