Karen Paco Mendivil

Houston, TX | karenpaco33 (at) gmail.com

About Me

Profile Photo

I am a bioengineering professional combining expertise in AI/ML, protein language model fine-tuning, and molecular dynamics with bench experience in biochemistry, expression, molecular biology, and immunology. I am passionate about integrating experimental approaches with computational methodologies in the realm of drug discovery and therapeutic development.

During my Ph.D., I studied intrinsically disordered proteins, targeting them as therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and COVID-19. At a startup, I enhanced my ability to adapt quickly and innovate in a fast-paced environment, contributing to multiple patent applications as an inventor, primarily focusing on protein enzyme engineering.

Currently, I work on single-cell RNA technologies and computational protein engineering, including the optimization of antibodies using machine learning approaches—particularly with large language models. As an entrepreneur, I am passionate about translating scientific innovations into real-world solutions and fostering collaborative environments that drive impact.

I prioritize collaboration and continuous learning, approaching each project with curiosity and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. I value working collaboratively and cultivating a culture of respect, humility, and open knowledge-sharing. I believe that real progress happens when diverse minds come together with curiosity and a shared purpose.

Research Interests

Education

Publications

Patents

Talks & Presentations

Other Research Projects

Awards

Teaching

I have contributed as a teaching assistant in graduate-level courses in protein engineering, and biochemistry.

Entrepreneurship

My career reflects a commitment to bridging academic discovery and industrial application. I am passionate about leveraging AI-driven methods and experimental biotechnologies to create impactful solutions in therapeutics and sustainability.

Prospective Collaborators & Students

I am always open to collaborations across academia and industry and welcome inquiries from researchers and students who share a passion for innovation at the interface of computational biology and biotechnology.