Cynthia Flores

Cynthia Flores is a Research Associate at Duke University School of Medicine, where she works in preclinical research and contributes to laboratory studies involving animal models. Her current responsibilities include supporting research experiments, performing DNA and RNA extractions from mice, managing laboratory inventory, and ensuring that supplies are properly stocked across the facility. She previously worked as a Research Technician at Duke, where she assisted with preclinical stroke assessment projects, including cognitive and behavioral testing, surgical procedures, anesthesia monitoring, MRI protocols, and animal husbandry.

Before transitioning fully into biomedical research, Cynthia developed more than seven years of professional experience as a veterinary technician. She worked with dogs, cats, and exotic animals and gained extensive experience in veterinary nursing, anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, radiology, laboratory specimen collection, medication administration, and patient care. Her combined background in veterinary medicine and laboratory research has given her a strong foundation in animal science, laboratory animal medicine, biology, and preclinical research.

Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Greensboro College, where she also developed strong leadership and organizational skills through her involvement in Alpha Xi Delta, serving as chapter president and contributing to major philanthropy initiatives. She received recognition for her leadership, resilience, and event-organizing accomplishments, including helping create a successful campus-wide fundraising event during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a bilingual Spanish speaker, Cynthia brings communication skills and a multidisciplinary scientific background to her work. She is passionate about biology, zoology, and research and aspires to continue building a career that contributes to scientific discovery and advances in biomedical research.