I finished my undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (1992) as a consistent scholar under the University of the Philippines-Agricultural Rural Development Scholarship (UP-ARDS) program. I did my undergraduate research in the field of biochemistry at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology under the supervision of Dr. Teresita M. Espino who is an alumna of North Carolina State University and the current National Director of BIOTECH.

After graduating from college, I was employed as Laboratory Analyst at Integrated Chrome Corporation in southern Philippines. The major part of the job description was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the metals present in chrome ore alloy as the main product. After one year, I was hired as Quality Assurance Analyst at La Tondeña Distiller’s Inc. in Cebu, Philippines. The main responsibility was to analyze in-process liquor sample during production/bottling operation as well as to coordinate with the technical operations in implementing corrective measures during occurrence of bottling process abnormalities such as deviation from standard specifications of the chemical and physical properties of manufactured and bottled liquor.

In order to advance my personal career, I pursued masteral degree in Chemistry from Mindanao State University (2002) which is the Center for Excellence in Chemistry in southern Philippines. I was a consistent scholar under the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Advanced Science, Technology and Research Development (DOST-PCASTRD) program. I did my masteral research in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry under the tutelage of Prof. Mario B. Capangpangan who is an alumnus of Drexel University, Pennsylvania.

After obtaining my masteral degree in Chemistry, I was hired as Assistant Professor 1 at the Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines Los Baños. I taught General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry Laboratories during my first year and later I taught Physical Chemistry I and II Lectures for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering undergraduate students. Aside from teaching for four years I was given the opportunity to handle administrative positions. I was elected as one of the five members of the Academic Personnel Committee. This committee handles a very critical role in the institute since the members main responsibilities are to conduct interviews, assess qualifications and hire applicants for teaching position whenever the institute needs additional teaching staff. Also, I was appointed as the Head of the Physical, Inorganic and Industrial Chemistry Division of the institute for almost four semesters hence I became a part of the Institute of Chemistry Executive Committee within the duration. In my fourth year I was given tenure and promoted to Assistant Professor 3.

In order to further advance my profession, I decided to pursue graduate study in Chemistry at Clemson University. With the experience I gained from working in industry and academe I am convinced I am well equipped to pursue Ph.D. in Chemistry with emphasis in Chemical Education. The work and research experience I had, helped increase my knowledge in chemistry as well as enhance my leadership and interpersonal skills. I believe as chemical educator both knowledge content and effective communication are the major criteria in attaining excellence in teaching.

Research