Billy Erazo

Microbiologist | Business Strategy | Entrepreneurial Scientist

About

Billy Erazo is a highly educated and experienced professional in the field of cellular and molecular pathology. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025. Before that, he completed his Post Baccalaureate in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from the University of Washington in 2020. Prior to that, he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Microbiology from the Universidad de Puerto Rico in 2019. Throughout his academic career, Billy has gained extensive research experience through various internships and research assistant positions. He has worked as a Consultant at WiSolve Consulting Group, Graduate Research Assistant at University of Wisconsin-Madison, Post-baccalaureate at University of Washington - School of Medicine, Food Microbiology Research Intern at Universidad de Puerto Rico, Extremophiles Laboratory Research Intern at Universidad de Puerto Rico, and Food Science Summer Scholar at Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Billy's strong academic background and practical experience have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of cellular and molecular pathology and its applications in the field of medicine. He is dedicated to using his knowledge and skills to contribute to the advancement of this field and improve patient outcomes.

Education

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Cellular and Molecular Pathology / July, 2025 (anticipated)

University of Washington

Post Baccalaureate, Biological and Biomedical Sciences / June, 2020

Universidad de Puerto Rico

Bachelor's degree, Industrial Microbiology / December, 2019

Experience

WiSolve Consulting Group

Consultant / January, 2025 — Present

Contributed to data-driven solutions & research-based business recommendations to address challenges in the Madison business community. Gained professional development through hands-on projects, workshops, and networking while collaborating with a diverse research team.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Graduate Research Assistant / January, 2021 — Present

Researched host-pathogen interactions in Toxoplasma gondii, uncovering the role of programmed cell death in macrophages as a potential mechanism to control parasite replication, contributing to novel therapeutic approaches for infectious diseases. Principal Investigator: Laura Knoll, PhD.

University of Washington - School of Medicine

Post-baccalaureate / June, 2019 — June, 2020

Develop & lead blood collection from 40 donors to isolate monocytes & assess whether specific individuals contain genetic regions that could make them more vulnerable to Tuberculosis.

Universidad de Puerto Rico

Food Microbiology Research Intern / August, 2018 — December, 2018

• Post-harvest security, quality and techniques for prevention of food. • Principal Investigator: Lynette Orellana, Ph.D.

Extremophiles Laboratory Research Intern / August, 2017 — December, 2018

Conducted an independent research project focused on isolating and characterizing halophilic microorganisms from solar salterns. Tasks included collecting and processing field samples, culturing microorganisms, performing qualitative screening for NaCl tolerance, and identifying and characterizing halophilic isolates. This research advanced the discovery and understanding of extremophilic organisms for their potential applications in food production, bioremediation, and biofuel development. Principal Investigator: Rafael Montalvo Ph.D.

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Food Science Summer Scholar / June, 2018 — August, 2018

Discovered that the antimicrobial nisin is more effective at reducing Listeria monocytogenes growth in cheese when made at a higher pH & stored at lower temperatures, leading to improved food safety strategies to help control the high mortality rate associated with L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods.

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