SPP 2013 Physics Congress Plenary Speaker: Lourdes Cruz

A National Scientist. She has made scientific contributions to the biochemistry field of conotoxins, in particular the toxins of the venom of fish-hunting marine snail Conus geographus, a tool for examining the activities of the human brain. Her researches and academic excellence have been recognized both locally and internationally. Among these recognitions, the 2010 L’Oreal-UNESCO Awards in the Life Sciences, the rank of National Scientist in 2008, Achievement Award in Chemistry given by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) in 1982, Outstanding Young Scientist Award given by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in 1981, and the Outstanding Women in the Nation's Services Award (Bio-chemistry). Dr. Lourdes Cruz has published over 120 scientific papers, and has contributed greatly to the understanding of the biochemistry of toxic peptides gathered from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails. Her studies contributed to the characterization of over 50 biologically active peptides, which were later used as biochemical probes for examining the activities of the human brain. In 2001, she established the Rural Livelihood Incubator, a program which aimed to alleviate poverty and socio-political instability in the rural areas by giving job and livelihood opportunities to their people. Dr. Cruz graduated with a degree of BS Chemistry from the University of the Philippines in 1962. She obtained her MS and PhD in Biochemistry in 1966 and 1968, respectively at the University of Iowa, USA.