Dr Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz | Philippines

Cynthia is a veterinarian and registered microbiologist who specializes on bacterial foodborne pathogens particularly on Escherichia coli O157:H7, avian pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella enterica serovars and the antimicrobial resistance genes elaborated by these organisms. Her core skills include food-borne bacterial pathogen research, project management, and working with teams. She held various positions in Cavite State University including Director for Research, Administrator of the Imus Campus, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) and Dean of the Graduate School and Open Learning College. She is currently a Professor IV at CVMBS and working on various research projects on antimicrobial resistance. She loves to read books, travel and photography. She is not much of a cook but claims that her spaghetti and chicken pesto dishes are to die for. She also owns a chihuahua named Buster who is very fierce with strangers but very sweet to her and to her two handsome boys. She remains to be an advocate of quality education, sustainable agricultural research and women empowerment.