Patricio Pérez-Henríquez
PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology
I am a cell and developmental biologist fascinated by how biological systems self-organize. By analyzing cell biology through an engineering lens, I investigate how cells integrate biochemical signals and physical forces to orchestrate large-scale morphogenesis. Currently, I am on a quest to integrate AI into my workflow as a researcher and innovator. You can follow my quest in my AI Tools Blog and on GitHub. Below is a timeline of my academic and professional journey.
2024 – Jan 2026
Assistant Project Scientist
Research in plant cell development and cell polarity. Supervisor: Prof. Jaimie Van Norman.
2021 – 2024
Assistant Project Scientist
Investigated hormone signaling and cell polarity. Supervisors: Prof. Zhenbiao Yang & Prof. Jaimie Van Norman.
2017 – 2019
Postdoctoral Fellow
Awarded postdoctoral fellowship for cell biology research.
2016 – 2021
Postdoctoral Researcher
Postdoctoral research in cell growth mechanisms. Supervisor: Prof. Zhenbiao Yang.
2015 (Mar–Jun)
Patent Examiner Training
Intensive program in patentability analysis, prior art search (WIPO, Google Patents), and technical report writing.
2012 – 2013
Principal Investigator
Led technology transfer and commercial valorization of academic research.
2011 – 2016
PhD in Molecular, Cellular and Neuroscience Biology
Thesis: "Lateral root development; response to Sortin2". Advisors: Prof. Lorena Norambuena (UChile) and Prof. Tom Beeckman (VIB/UGhent).
2010
Postgraduate Diplomas
University of Chile & USACH
Diploma in Project Preparation and Evaluation (Dept. of Industrial Engineering, UChile, ~156h). Course in Entrepreneurship and Technological Business (Innovo Center, USACH, ~36h).
2009 – 2010
MSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Postgraduate scientific training in biological systems.
2008 (Jan–Jun)
Exchange Undergraduate Student
Undergraduate research abroad. Worked with Prof. Michael Syvanen.
2004 – 2009
BSc in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering
Professional Biotechnology Engineering training.