Ricky Aguayo

Cuidate Facilitator

Center for community and justice 

 

I attended the College of Southern Idaho where I received my Associates Degree in Biology with a health care emphasis. In 2010, I then participated in research for the Idaho Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Program at Boise State University. The goal of this project was to optimize the transfection of 5L rat hepatoma cells with GAS and ISRE luciferase reporter vectors for the quantification of STAT1 response element activation following IFNγ treatment. Our project was supported by NIH Grant Number P20 RR016454 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources. 

In the fall of 2010, I attended Boise State University where I pursued a degree in Biology. I continued to volunteer doing research, studying the consequences of dioxin exposure on macrophage exposure. I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor in Biology with a Human Biology emphasis.

After graduation, I dedicated my time to my community. I volunteered, studied for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), all while working as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist. (PSR) I furthered my education by becoming certified to test for HIV, Hep C, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea.  In addition, I also became certified to provide quality prevention counseling to support clients in reducing STD risks through HIV prevention. I applied this knowledge to help create a healthy community. As a PSR, I worked with individuals with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, social anxiety, depression, and bipolar.  I applied basic behavioral psychological principles to instill a wide range of life skills, through community exposure, to change maladaptive behaviors.

Today, work as a Medical Scribe where I work side by side with physicians charting physician-patient encounters, such as during medical examinations. I continue serve my community by volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). I participate in a weeklong summer camp where I help provide a memorable experience for kids with neuromuscular diseases.  Additionally, I was also a committee member for the MDA to help organize the MDA Muscle Walk 5K Fun Run to help raise awareness and money for the camps, research, and clinical needs.

Finally, for fun I like to spend my time with family. I also participate in soccer leagues in our community, travel, read, run, and mountain bike. Currently I am learning to play the guitar as well.