In line with their campaign for women empowerment for their For Women In Science (FWIS) Fellowship Program, L’Oreal Philippines named two women who play a vital role in two scientific researches that will contribute to the scientific progress in the country. They are Dr. Ma. Cecilia G. Conaco and Dr. Aletta T. Yñiguez who focused their research studies in marine science that will cater to the field of medicine and marine resources.
In 2010, L’Oreal together with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) spearheaded the FWIS Fellowship Program that will help female scientists with their projects that will benefit their respective community that includes research and implementation grant and educational support. This is where Dr. Conaco and Dr. Yñiguez will be getting the support in fulfilling their scientific research on marine biology.
Dr. Conaco, a 34-year old Balik Scientist and a post-doctoral researcher at the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, USA presented her research proposal entitled Dynamic Gene Regulation in Marine Sponges to FWIS. With her research it will tackle on the identification of novel sponge genes and the mechanisms that allow the organism to monitor and adapt to its environment. With her research it will help Dr. Conaco hopes to understand the impact of ecological change in marine life better and how can it contribute to the field of medicine.
While Dr. Yñiguez who is an Assistant Professor at the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines wanted to cater on the development of a robust plankton models and monitoring systems by understanding fine-scale biophysical processes. With her project it will help everyone understand how primary producers in the marine environment shift and contribute to the fisheries or turn into toxic blooms that lead to red tide and affects the production of marine products.
Dr. Conaco and Dr. Yñiguez receive a Php 400K grant each in order to conduct their research and for proper implementation. Their research will run in 2 years until their fellowship expires. Right now FWIS National Fellowships- Philippines is now accepting proposal for 2012 and for interested individuals and groups they can log on to www.fwis.com.ph or email the FWIS Secretariat at FWISsecretariat@eon.com.ph call 893-5642 loc. 136.
