Center Director
KRISTY AMOR A. GARCIA, MSc.
Ms. Garcia holds a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, specializing in plant biotechnology, from Visayas State University. She completed an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree program in Plant Health in Sustainable Cropping Systems from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, and Crop Protection from the University of Göttingen, Germany. She has worked in the fields of rice breeding, molecular phytopathology, and mycotoxin research. She is primarily interested in doing research on fungal pathogens in hopes of using the knowledge to equip plants with the proper defenses.
VISION: A premier research facility in biotechnology
MISSION: The Center for Studies in Biotechnology shall engage in the conduct of pure and applied scientific research programs and projects for the development, promotion, and advancement of biotechnological knowledge, skills, and innovations. The center shall prioritize research in the areas of plant biochemistry, natural bio-resources and molecular studies, food and feed innovation technology, bio-science engineering systems technology, and the socio-economic and development impacts of biotechnology.
GOALS: By 2028, the Center will be capable of conducting research, development, and extension in the fields of molecular phytopathology, plant somatic embryogenesis, and food and feed product development. It will produce scientific publications and will be able to incubate at least one of the products developed in the Center for commercialization. It will also engage in research collaborations with institutions dealing with similar thrusts both in the national and global spheres. The conduct of training on the technological/procedural applications of research outputs shall likewise be given emphasis.
GENERAL/KEY FUNCTIONS:
The Center for Studies in Biotechnology is mandated to pursue relevant research, establish linkage with other institutions and industries, and produce innovative products relevant to agriculture and the food & feed industry.