Education

BS in Microbiolgy, University of Puerto Rico, Humacao

PhD in Microbiology, University of California, Davis

Post-Doc in Bacterial Genetics, University of California, Davis 

 

University & Other Appointments

Lecturer, Biological Sciences

Lead Project Director, CSU-LSAMP Statewide Alliance

Program Co-Coordinator, CSU-LSAMP at Sacramento State

Program Coordinator, U-RISEat Sacramento State     

Faculty Advisor, SACNAS at Sac State Chapter       

                                                        

Courses I Teach

Past Courses:

BIO 2: Cells, Molecules and Genes (activity)

BIO 7: Introduction to the Science of Biology (lecture & lab)

BIO 10: Basic Biological Concepts

BIO 100: Introduction to Scientific Analysis (activity)

BIO 184: General Genetics (lecture & lab)

BIO 220: Intro to Scientific Inquiry 

BIO 223: Human Molecular Genetics

NSM 21: First-Year Seminar

NSM 90: Biomedical Research Seminar

NSM 190: Senior Thesis Seminar 

About Me

I am a bacterial geneticist from Puerto Rico. I earned my bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, where I participated in PR-LSAMP and MARC-U*STAR undergraduate research programs. I completed my PhD in Microbiology from the University of California, Davis, where I studied the origin of mutations under stressful conditions with John R. Roth, PhD as my doctoral advisor. Currently, I am a full-time Biological Sciences lecturer at Sacramento State. I also work with the CSU-LSAMP Statewide Alliance, the CSU-LSAMP at Sacramento State, and the RISE Programs preparing the next generation of scientists. 

I also work as an independent artist creating artwork to increase the visibility of women of color, who have historically been underrepresented in STEM. 

Professional Associations, Awards & Scholarships

2024 Scholar-in-Residence, Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, The NSF Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology 

2020-21 Outstanding Faculty Award for Community Service Award in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Sacramento State

2016 Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute

SACNAS - Advancing Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science

 

 

Scholarships

NIH-IMSD Scholar, University of California, Davis (2003-2004)

MARC U-STAR Scholar, University of Puerto Rico, Humacao (2000-2002)

PR-LSAMP Scholar, University of Puerto Rico, Humacao (2000)

 

Publications

JOURNAL COVERS

Quiñones-Soto, S. 2023. Genetics, 223(3). https://academic.oup.com/genetics/issue/223/3

Quiñones-Soto, S. 2021. Diversity & Inclusion Cover Art Series. Anal. Chem., 93, 11 doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00887

Quiñones-Soto, S. 2021. Special Issue: Women in Neuroscience. J Neurosci Res, 99: 1-4 doi.org/10.1002/jnr.24653

ARTICLES & BOOKS

Barker, D.C., V. Messier, D.E. Marcotte, L. Hammersley, and S. Quinones‑Soto. 2023. Undergraduate Research Experience and Post‑graduate Achievement Among Students from Underrepresented Groups in STEM. Journal for STEM Education Research. doi.org/10.1007/s41979-023-00107-8

Herrmann, J.A., A. Koprowska, T.J. Winters, N. Villanueva, V.D. Nikityuk, F. Pek, E.M. Reis, C.Z. Dominguez, D. Davis, E. McPherson, S.R. Rocco, C. R., S.M. Difuntorum, K. Faeth, M.D. Lopez, H.M. Awwad, R.A. Ghobashy, L. Cappiello, E.L. Neidle, S. Quiñones-Soto, and A.B. Reams. 2022. Gene Amplification Mutations Originate prior to Selective Stress in Acinetobacter baylyi,. G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkac327

Quiñones-Soto, S. 2021. See a Scientist. Be a Scientist. Increasing Visibility of Women in Science with Art. Anal. Chem., 93(11), 4685-4686 (Editorial) doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00887

Quinones-Soto, S. 2020. Types of Scientists: A Coloring Book for All Ages. Independently published, Amazon #1 New Release in Science & Technology Teaching Materials, (ISBN 979-8563347076)

Banks, J.E, C. Fresquez, H. Haeger, S. Quinones-Soto & L. Hammersley. 2018. Alliance for Change: Broadening participation in undergraduate research at California State University. SPUR: Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research, Leveraging Undergraduate Research to Foster Diversity and Achieve Equity. Summer 2018 (1):4, Pp.5-11, doi: 10/18833/spur/1/4/9

Quinones-Soto, S. 2017. Testimonio 12, in: The Latino Student’s Guide to STEM Careers. L.I. Rendon and V. Kanagala. Greenwood. 184-190 (ISBN 978-1-61069-791-0)

Sano, E., S. Maisnier-Patin, S. Quinones-Soto, J.P. Aboubechara & J.R. Roth. 2014. Selected Lac⁺ mutants in the Cairns system are initiated by pre-exiting cells with plasmid amplification. Genetics 198 (3), 919-933

Dragosits, M., V. Mozhayskiy, S. Quinones-Soto, J. Park & I. Tagkopoulos. 2013. Evolutionary potential, cross-stress behavior and the genetic basis of acquired stress resistance in Escherichia coli. Nature/EMBO Molecular Systems Biology 9(643)

Quinones-Soto, S., A.B. Reams & J.R. Roth. 2012. Pathways of Genetic Adaptation: Multi-step Origin of Mutants under Selection in Salmonella enterica. Genetics. 192:987-999

Quinones-Soto, S. & J.R. Roth. 2011. Effect of Growth under Selection on Appearance of Chromosomal Mutations in Salmonella enterica. Genetics. 189(1):37-53