GeneSoc members get awarded at the 36th IBS Anniversary

By: Jan Samson 

LOS BANOS, LAGUNA–Several GeneSoc members were recognized for their outstanding performance during the 36^th Anniversary of the Institute of Biological Sciences held last March 18 at the IBSLH Main Lecture Hall. The event carried the theme, “Caring for the Environment the IBS Way”.

GeneSoc alumni Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro (Honorary), Dr. Ma. Genaleen Q. Diaz (F1), and Jickerson P. Lado (Integrons) were recently given the Outstanding Teacher Award (OTA) during the event. This award is given to faculty members who have served the University and the Institute with exemplary service and commitment. Sean Lemuel L. Santos (Hybrizyme) joins the other awardees by receiving the prestigious Outstanding Senior Award during the awarding ceremony for attaining a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.25 reflecting academic excellence.

Dr. Merlyn S. Mendioro

Dr. Mendioro is currently the Director of the Institute of Biological Sciences.  She finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in UPLB. Thereafter, she pursued graduate studies and earned her master’s degree in Agronomy and PhD in Genets from the same university. She was awarded as one of the Outstanding Young Scientists (Genetics) by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 1995. Her specializations include plant genomics, cytogenetics, agriculture, genetics, breeding and maker assisted selection. She is a member of the Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society (Alpha Chi Charter), DOST S&T Expert Volunteer Pool, an associate member of the National Research Council of the Philippines, and an Honorary Member of The UPLB Genetics Society.

Dr. Ma. Genaleen Q. Diaz

Dr. Diaz is a professor and former head under the Genetics and Molecular Biology Division (GMBD) of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS). She graduated with a degree of BS Biology major in Genetics in UPLB. She continued her MS and PhD in Genetics at UPLB. She is awarded as an Outstanding Young Scientist (Genetics) by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2006. She is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the genetic analysis of important Philippine crops such as Coconut, Luffa, Momordica, and various medicinal plants. Some of her specializations include Molecular Genetics, Biology, Plant Genetics, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology.

Prof. Jickeron P. Lado

Prof. Lado is also a professor in GMBD-IBS. He also once served as the Head of the Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD) of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). He graduated as cum laude under BS Biology where he majored in Cell and Molecular Biology. He pursued graduate studies and finished his Master’s degree in Genetics – Minor in Biochemistry. He also studied as an exchange student in Michigan State University where he took courses such as Virology and Cell Biology. In 2013 and 2014, he was awarded as one of the Outstanding Teachers of IBS. He was also given the UPLB Outstanding Teacher Award under the Biological Science Junior Faculty category in 2014. His specializations include Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Cytology and Microscopic Imaging.

Sean Lemuel L. Santos

Sean Santos is a 4th year BS Biology-Major in Genetics student. He finished his secondary education in Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School as First-Honorable Mention. In 2018,  he was named as the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Outstanding Student for his academic excellence and active involvement in volunteer activities. He was also Top 3 among the 46 CAS Students who were awarded last year by the College. Sean is a co-author of a research paper on coconut galactomannan which was presented during the 2nd International and 9th Annual National Convention and Scientific Meeting. He is currently working on his thesis which seeks to analyze the genetic diversity of onion armyworms. He is currently serving his second-term as Editor-In-Chief of GENEWS, the official publication of GeneSoc.