July 1, 2025

Raul A. Gutierrez, M.S. ’23

Participating in a Bay Campus art show as a student.
Raul in front of the RIDOH, where he now works.
Beinart Lab field work during his time as student.

Raul Gutierrez’s graduate research at GSO, focused on DNA extraction and probe design, prepared him well for his current role as a Senior Environmental Laboratory Scientist at the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). He now leads wastewater surveillance efforts, using molecular assays to detect genetic signals from pathogens shed by humans, often before symptoms appear—allowing for early outbreak detection.

“I’m still surprised by how much I retained from my thesis, especially when it comes to using the confocal microscope. I memorized the wavelength spectrum for different fluorophores and learned to fine-tune detection settings to isolate target signals and avoid spectral overlap. That technical training and problem-solving experience directly support the work I do now. I’m grateful to be in this field and often think back to how much my advisor shaped my path.”

Since joining RIDOH, Raul has helped transition wastewater testing in-house and expanded the program to monitor multiple pathogens, strengthening public health response across the state.