The research project “Ecology of Emerging Zoonotic Pathogens From Bats in Malagos, Davao City” started last October 1, 2018 and ended on September 30, 2019. The team is composed of researchers from the University of the Philippines Mindanao, University of the Philippines Manila, one veterinarian, research assistants and several thesis students.
Lyre Anni E. Murao, PhD – Project Leader
PhD, Medical Science in Infection Research, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
MS, Microbiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA
BS, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines
Dr. Murao is an Associate Professor of the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao. As the project leader, her main responsibilities include overseeing the project operations and molecular detection of CoV. She is currently the program director of the Philippine Genome Center Mindanao Satellite Facility. Her field of specialization include Molecular Virology, Disease Ecology, and Antivirals. She is also involved in several research projects namely:
- Program Leader, STOP Rabies: A Synoptic Study on Transmission and Optimum Control to Stop Rabies, Jun 2018 – May 2020, CHED Dare To Grant
- Project Leader, Molecular Biology of Porcine Rotaviruses and Drivers of Infection: Empowering the Animal Health System in Local Backyard Farms, Apr 2016 – Apr 2018, UP Balik-PhD Program
Aleyla de Cadiz, PhD – Project Staff
PhD, Medical Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
MS, Public Health (Medical Microbiology) College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
BS, Medical Technology, University of Perpetual Help-Rizal, Las Pinas City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Dr. De Cadiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao and a part-time faculty of the Graduate School (MS Medical Technology) at San Pedro College, Davao City.. She is involved with the subculture and molecular characterization of Leptospira. Her field of specialization include Microbiology, Genotyping, Microarray and Molecular Epidemiology.
Marion John Michael Achondo, MSc – Project Staff
MS, Zoology (Field of Specialization: Animal Physiology; Minor Field: Wildlife Studies), University of the Philippines Los Baños
BS, Biology (Major in Zoology), Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology
Mr. Achondo is Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Environmental Studies, College of Science and Mathematics, University of the Philippines Mindanao. He is involved with bat collection, characterization and identification. His field of specialization include Zoology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Ecology and Environmental Toxicology and Biodiversity and Conservation.
Sharon Yvette Angelina M. Villanueva, PhD – Project Consultant
PhD, Medical Science (Pathological Sciences/Microbiology and Immunology), Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
MS, Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan BS, Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
Dr. Villanueva is an Associate Professor at the Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and also a Project Researcher of the same University and Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) since February 2016. Her field of expertise include Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Molecular Biology.
Roberto P. Puentespina Jr., DVM – Project Consultant
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Banos
Dr. Puentespina is a licensed Veterinary Doctor and is currently the proprietor and general manager of Animal Solutions Veterinary Hospital. He is involved with bat collection, anaesthetization and dissection. His field of specialization include: Companion Animal Practice, Wildlife Medicine (Avian/Raptor Medicine), Solid Waste Management (Biodegradables) and Laboratory Diagnostics.
Funder:
This research project is funded by the Regional Health Research and Development Consortium – Region XI.
Cooperating Agencies:
UP Manila (02-525-5874)
Marohren C. Tobias-Altura, MSc
Chair, Department of Medical Microbiology
College of Public Health
Animal Solutions Veterinary Hospital (082-2216344)
Roberto P. Puentespina, Jr., DVM
Proprietor
Bathogens: Zoonotic Bat Pathogens of Davao City 