PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rodriguez, Irene B.
Dr. rer. nat. in Chemistry (Karl-Franzens University Graz, Austria)
Associate Professor, UP Marine Science Institute
Dr. Irene B. Rodriguez earned her doctoral degree (Dr. rer. nat. Chimie) from the Karl Franzens University Graz in Austria. Her research interests revolve around the overarching theme of aquatic biogeochemistry and environmental biotechnology. Applications of her work are centered towards understanding the function of metalloenzymes on the phytoplankton growth and resilience, aquatic ecosystems symbiosis, and cyanobacterial biotechnology. She and her group will interrogate the multifaceted function of metals and metalloproteins in biological systems using analytical chemistry, molecular biology as well as microbiology and biochemistry. This will aid in the better understanding of the “cellular metal economy” in micro- and macroalgae and may be used to develop platforms for sustainable bio-based applications. Dr. Rodriguez’s dream is to help build a network of scientists and researchers who will advance the field of metallomics in the country.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
Dolly Manic
In-House University Research Associate
BS Biology, UP Baguio
Dyll is interested in working on the biogeochemistry and biotechnological applications of microalgal organisms such as in carbon capture, biofuel production, among others. Also, she is a space enthusiast who currently volunteers for some space-related organizations such as the SGAC. She loves participating in citizen science projects, doing amateur astronomy, reading books, and watching anime.
Richard Redil
DOST-PCAARRD GREAT Scholar (MEDIATE-HABS)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Biology, UPV Tacloban College
Richard currently studies the effects of macronutrients and metals on the physiology of phytoplankton. He also wants to study the physiology of corals and symbionts and the environment parameters that might affect their growth. Richard likes to explore the contents of the world both in real life and on the internet.
Paolo Calalang
University Research Associate II (MEDIATE-HABS)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Biology, UP Manila
Paolo is a graduate student currently working on the MEDIATE-HABS project. He is studying nutrient effects on Pyrodinium bahamense and Alexandrium minutum. In his free time, he likes to practice his passion for film photography. Don’t forget to check out his youtube channel!
Joshua James Versola
University Research Associate I (Balik-PhD)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Chemistry, UP Diliman
JJ wants to focus on determining the environmental impacts of socio-economic development. He aims to research on the complex interactions between development and environment, and seek means of achieving sustainability. Currently, he is studying the effects of iron limitation on the uptake of nitrogen in Symbiodiniaceae and its impact on the coral-algal symbiont relationship. Outside research, JJ enjoys his free time watching sci-fi anime, tv-series and/or movies.
Jomari Noe
DOST-PCAARRD GREAT Scholar (TRACE-HABS)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Agricultural Chemistry, UP Los Baños
Jomari’s thesis focuses on the impacts of macro- and micronutrient co-limitation on phytoplankton. In the future, he wants to work on science communication along with his research interests. He enjoys listening to podcasts especially Sidenote by AsapSCIENCE and Wake Up With Jim & Saab.
Rica Dungog
University Research Associate I (TRACE-HABS)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Biology, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Rica was involved in a harmful algal blooms (HABs) study that was focused on establishing a people-centered early-warning system for HABs. Having been a “field” person for most of her career, she is now excited to learn and document other facets of HABs research. Rica is also a National Geographic Explorer and a Rufford Grantee. Both of which funded her Master’s Thesis that investigates the relationship of the zooplankton, environment and the seasonal aggregation of whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon. She likes to explore new places, eat good food and fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a mermaid. 😉
Aubrey Jacklynn Abadiano
University Research Associate I (TRACE-HABS)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Marine Biology, University of San Carlos
Bree’s been working on octocorals since her undergraduate years and hopes to become an expert on octocoral systematics. She is currently involved in coral disease work and submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) research. Her interests include underwater photography, travelling, and reading books.
Blaire Padayhag
University Research Associate II (SGD)
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS FIsheries, UP Visayas
Ivan Michael Gabriel
Science Research Specialist I (PhycoPRO)
Graduate Student (MS Environmental Science)
BS Chemical Engineer, UP Los Baños
Kiby is currently taking up a master’s degree in environmental science while working as a research specialist for the phytochemical characterization of seaweeds in the Philippines to discover their possible biotechnological applications in food and high-value products. Outside his research and studies, Kiby enjoys watching and participating in theater productions, watching movies and tv series, going on food trips.
Lyssa Lao
Science Research Specialist II (PhycoPRO)
Graduate Student (MS Chemistry)
BS Biochemistry, UP Manila
Lyssa is presently engaged in research on the phytochemical characterization of seaweeds, which aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding seaweeds’ potential use in food, medicine, cosmetics, and extensive research and development. She participates in the sport of rowing (dragon boat), likes to read novels and manga, watch series and anime, play with her dogs, and travel.
Joanne Constantino
University Research Associate II (PhycoPRO)
BS Development Communication, UP Los Baños
STUDENTS
Hannah Mae Sucgang
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, UP Diliman
Hannah aims to do marine biology research that can help in strengthening our food security and conservation efforts. Her thesis will study the effects of nitrate and iron levels on two phytoplankton species. In her free time, she takes photos and watches anime.
Eugene Tia
PhD Student (Marine Science)
Bong’s fields of interest include biogeochemistry and natural products. A graduate student under the Biotechnology track, his research will focus on the interactions of the different essential elements, including metals on the growth and development of marine organisms which is vital in defining the landscape of marine ecosystems.
Kent Andrew O. Coching
Undergraduate Student (BS Chemistry)
UP Diliman
Coch is an undergraduate student in chemistry working on the trace metal analysis of seaweeds. HIs research interests include medicine, analytical and environmental chemistry. In his free time, he loves to listen to a wide range of music, from classical and ambient music to videogame soundtracks and EDM.
Hannah Vargas
Undergraduate Student (BS Chemistry)
UP Diliman
Hannah is a chemistry undergraduate student currently working on the biochemical analysis of seaweeds. Her research interests include analytical, natural products, and environmental chemistry. Outside the laboratory, Hannah is very active in the roller-skating community, and she likes to embroider and crocheting during her free time.
Lab Alumni
Riza Magbitang
Graduate Student (Marine Science)
BS Chemistry, UP Diliman
Riza is joining the Division of Marine Science at the University of Southern Mississippi in NASA’s Stennis Space Center to pursue graduate studies. She likes doing volunteer work to uplift science education in developing countries.
Jenelyn Mendoza
BS Chemistry, Central Luzon State University
Jenelyn has been doing toxin analysis of several HAB phytoplankton species for years. Her previous work investigated the efficiency of Biotoxin Adsorption Tracking Technique (BATT) for Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (PST) detection and its capacity as a HAB early warning device. She enjoys her free time playing mobile games, watching tv series/movies and doing DIYs.
Eymard John Sy
BS Biology, UP Diliman
Eymard is currently a third year graduate student of the Marine Science Institute’s MS Marine Science (Marine Biology track), under the supervision of Dr. Patrick C. Cabaitan. He is now working on the DOST-PCAARRD Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) Project in Mabini, Batangas. In his free time, he likes to play badminton or video games, watch films, and sleep for at least 9 hours.
Giniel Mae Tiongson
Graduate Student (MS Marine Science)
BS Environmental Science, Ateneo De Manila
Ginny is a graduate student whose study focuses on the anti-predatory behavior of the sea cucumber Stichopus cf. horrens. Her other interests include nature, hiking, astronomy, fitness, and environmental conservation.
