Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, GA, USA
Researcher specializing in the genetic diversity of Cercospora sojina, the causal agent of frogeye leaf spot in soybeans. Developed a bioinformatics pipelines for SNP discovery from genotyping-by-sequencing data, and whole-genome assembly of PacBio HiFi reads using UGA’s Sapelo2 High Performance Computing Cluster. Analyzes genetic diversity by identifying haplotypes across spatial and temporal collections of the pathogen using R, STRUCTURE, Geneious, etc.
Student Mentor
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, GA, USA
Mentored Mr. Kavin Sivasubramanian (UGA CAES Young Scholars Internship Program 2023. Mentee won 1st place poster award for Athens campus.
Teaching Assistant
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, GA, USA
Laboratory teaching assistant for Introductory Plant Pathology for Spring and Fall semesters. Assisted Dr. Harald Scherm, Dr. Melissa Mitchum, and Dr. Shavannor Smith in designing experiments, preparing laboratory materials, and shared grading responsibilities. Led laboratory sessions and supported active student learning.
Instructor 3
Department of Biochemistry, University of Santo Tomas, Manila City, Philippines
Instructor of record for Basic Inorganic and Organic Chemistry laboratory course. Applied active and blended learning strategies to enhance student engagement in an online learning environment. Faculty Competence Evaluation Score: 22/25 or Very Satisfactory (4-point rating scale)
Project Consultant
Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Project consultant in the Production and Improvement of Construction Materials Using Bacterial Calcite Precipitation research project funded by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
University Research Associate 2
Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Conducted research using a polyphasic approach: integrating morphological, physiological, and molecular analyses of a biologically active microorganism, and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data of its inhibitory effects against fungal pathogens of tomato. A research project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). Additionally, managed administrative tasks related to the project.
University Research Associate 1
Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Conducted research on biologically active microorganisms by screening them through various metabolic assays and analyzing qualitative and quantitative physiological data of a potential biologically active enzyme against a collection of fungal plant pathogens. Additionally, managed administrative tasks related to the project.
Instructor of record for Human Biology, Biological Science, Zoology (laboratory), and Human Anatomy and Physiology courses. Developed course activities and assessments grounded in active and experiential learning pedagogies. Teacher’s Behavior Inventory Rating: 95% or Excellent (5-point rating scale)
Education
Ph.D. in Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Proposed dissertation: “Characterization of Cercospora sojina ’s Genetic Diversity to Better Understand the Resistance Mechanisms of Frogeye Leaf Spot Disease in Soybean.”
M.Sc. in Microbiology
University of the Philippines Diliman
Thesis: “Efficacy of a Microbial Biological Control Agent (MBCA) in Controlling the Growth of Fungal Pathogens of Tomato.”
B.Sc. in Biology
Adamson University
Thesis: “Diversity of Streptomyces in Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, Metro Manila, Philippines: A Pilot Study.”