Feliza Bourguet

What do you like about your job?

I enjoy many aspects of my job. I like working in a diverse scientific environment, where people with a variety of backgrounds collaborate toward a common goal. My colleagues are wonderful, and I love the work I do.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

The majority of my work is in gene design for protein synthesis, expression, purification, and analysis. I support many projects in PLS and the Global Security Directorate. I also spend time doing microbiology.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

I am particularly proud of the work I contributed to many nanolipoprotein particle (NLP) projects, showing that they can be used to characterize membrane-associated protein complexes and as scaffolds for component vaccines.

What is your educational or career background?

I have a BS in molecular and cell biology and an MS in applied biosciences, both from the University of Arizona. I’ve been at LLNL since then (18 years).

What inspired you to go into your field of work?

I was inspired by the Punnett square and human genetics.

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

I would advise new employees to reach out to one of the Livermore Laboratory Employee Services Association’s (LLESA’s) networking groups or attend any number of classes they offer. It is a great way to meet people from all over the lab.

What do you do in your free time?

I play violin in the Livermore-Amador Symphony, and I participate in the LLESA exercise program group.