Dr. Luly Cruz, as she is often called,
completed the degree of BS Chemistry at the University of the Philippines in
Diliman in 1962. She earned her MS and PhD in Biochemistry at the University of
Iowa, United States in 1966 and 1968, respectively. she served as research aide
at the International Rice Research Institute, where she returned after earning
her doctorate degree.
She also taught at the UP Department of
Biochemistry as an assistant professor in 1970 and as a full-time professor in
1977. She served as chairperson of UP Department of Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology from 1980 to 1986. She has been a research associate and later a
research professor at the University of Utah for one to six months every year
for more than 20 years. She is now based at the UP Marine Science Institute.
Dr. Cruz’s research focused on extracting
toxins from deadly cone snails to make useful substances. She has published
over 120 scientific papers that greatly contributed to the understanding of the
biochemistry of toxic peptides from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine
snails. Her studies helped characterized over 50 biologically active peptides
and were later used as biochemical probes for examining the activities of the
human brain.
In March 2010, Dr. Cruz was recognized with
a prestigious award by the 12th L’Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science
Program. In the ceremony held at the UNESCO headquarters, Dr. Cruz,
representing Asia Pacific, was honored as one of five exceptional female
scientists in five continents who exemplify women scientist in terms of quality
of research and strength of commitment.
Dr. Cruz also established the Rural Livelihood
Incubator in 2001 with the help of volunteers and private donors. This aimed to
generate employment opportunities and establish a sustainable means of
livelihood to counter poverty and sociopolitical instability in rural areas,
particularly in a research site in Bataan.
At the age of 64, the rank and title of
National Scientist was awarded to Dr. Cruz in 2007. This is the highest honor
given to a man or woman of science in the Philippines.
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