Dr. Maria Corazon A. de Ungria is currently
the head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the Natural Sciences Research
Institute of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. This
laboratory conducts research, training, and actual casework on enhancing the
country’s capacity to conduct DNA analysis for forensic applications. It is the
CSI of the Philippines. The laboratory helps law enforcement groups solve
different kinds of crimes.
She finished her degree in Bachelor of
Science in Biology at Macquarie University with honors and her doctorate degree
in Microbiology at the University of New South Wales, both in Sydney,
Australia.
Dr. de Ungria returned to the Philippines
after graduating and worked at the DNA Analysis Laboratory in 1999. As head of
the laboratory, she was entrusted to lead a team of young researchers in
developing forensic DNA technology in the Philippines at the time that the
technology was fairly new. She advocated for the use of forensic DNA technology
at the service of society, especially in assisting the more vulnerable members
of our community such as abused women and children, as well as those who have
been wrongfully convicted in their struggle for justice.
For her efforts, Dr. de Ungria had been
given several prestigious scientific awards such as the Outstanding Young
Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2003, the UP
Gawad Hall of Fame for Best REPS in Research in 2005, the Outstanding Young
Scientist award by the Third World Academy of Science in the Developing World
from 2007-2012.
Today, Dr. de Ungria is invited to speak at
a number of gatherings, and through these opportunities, she continues to share
her passion to bring justice to society. She also encourages everyone,
particularly students, to have dedication in what they do so they will be able
to do their best.
These people may appear to be superheroes;
but they are also mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and friends. They are,
in fact, ordinary people like us. This just proves that all of us can become
scientists if we choose to and if we work hard for it.
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