About Me
Hi, I am Erick Marcos Castillo Vargas 
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I am a predoctoral fellow in genetics, specializing in the computational analysis of genomic, epigenomic, and microbiome data. I hold a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, as well as a Master’s degree in Neuroscience, which together have provided me with a strong foundation in both advanced experimental techniques and quantitative data analysis. I have experience in RNA-seq and microarray data analysis, as well as in processing raw respiratory microbiome data and performing microbiome epigenome-wide association studies to investigate links between the respiratory microbiome and the blood or nasal epigenomes. I am a fast learner with a proven ability to adapt to new research areas and methodologies. My perseverance and attention to detail have enabled me to succeed in diverse scientific projects, and I am particularly interested in applying my expertise in omics data analysis to innovative research addressing complex biological challenges.
Experience
Bioinformatics Research Assistant
Universidad de La Laguna, Spain
SEP 2024 — JUL 2025
Genomic data analysis of asthma patients and controls using RNA-seq and microarray data. Custom pipelines were developed in Bash and R to perform end-to-end data processing, including quality control, normalization, bias correction, and sex-stratified differential gene expression analysis to identify asthma-associated biomarkers. Separately, I worked on the processing and analysis of raw respiratory microbiome data, as well as blood epigenome data, using R to conduct microbiome epigenome-wide association studies to identify associations between microbiome features and epigenetic markers in asthma.
Research Intern (Master's Thesis)
Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, Spain
NOV 2023 — JUL 2024
Molecular analysis of neuronal development using confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR techniques, and advanced image analysis tools. This work includes image acquisition (Leica LAS X) and processing (using ZEISS Arivis Pro) for brain tissue studies, generation and handling of primary neuronal cultures, molecular assays (PCR, RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence techniques for biomarker identification.
Research Intern (Bachelor's Thesis)
Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Spain
APR 2023 — JUL 2023
I conducted research using techniques such as Western blot and RT-PCR to assess TDP-43 protein dysfunction, and employed cryostat sectioning and Nissl staining to analyze neuronal morphology.
Research Assistant (Intern)
Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Spain
FEB 2023 — APR 2023
Gained experience in advanced genetic editing using CRISPR/Cas9 in mouse cells and embryos, as well as in the generation and handling of HEK293 cell cultures.
Education
PhD in Genetics
Universidad de La Laguna
2025 — present
Final grade: In progress
Master's in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
2024 — 2026
Final grade: 9.45/10
Master's in Neurosciences
Universidad de Salamanca
2023 — 2024
Final grade: 9.12/10
Bachelor's Degree in Biology
Universidad de La Laguna
2019 — 2023
Final grade: 9.21/10
Awards
Best Oral Communication Award (EAACI ISAF-RHINA Congress)
NOV 2025
Awarded for the best oral presentation in my session at the EAACI ISAF-RHINA Congress 2025
Best Oral Communication Award (NEUMOCAN Congress)
NOV 2025
Awarded for the best oral presentation at the NEUMOCAN Congress 2025
Extraordinary End of Degree Award
NOV 2023
Awarded for excellence, achieving one of the highest academic records in the Biology degree program at the Universidad de La Laguna
Skills