TWO RESEARCHERS from the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) were recognized for their contributions to research and education during the 47th Philippine Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Annual Convention on Dec. 4.
Prof. Grecebio Alejandro, also the director of the Office for Graduate Research, received the research award for his contributions to the field of botany.
He pioneered the development of a DNA barcoding database of medicinal plants and led a team that discovered novel endemic plant species in the Philippines.
Prof. Mafel Ysrael received the education award for her contributions to biochemistry education.
Ysrael’s work advanced the study of natural products’ chemistry and their medicinal properties.
In 2011, Ysrael was awarded the service award by the society alongside the late biochemistry professor Peter Torres.
This year’s convention was themed “Responding to Health and Environmental Issues Through Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.”
The conference tackled the need for an immediate and effective response to the pandemic. K.A.L. Escarilla
