Dr Venus Leopardas | Philippines

Dr Venus Leopardas is a faculty member, researcher and extension worker in the Mindanao State University at Naawan. 

Venus is currently managing an R&D project on the ecology, biology and genetic diversity of white teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva in Mindanao, funded by the Department of Science and Technology and monitored by the DOST-The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). She is also handling projects on coastal resource profiling and updating of local government units Integrated Coastal Management Plans. 

While teaching, she manages not only the graduate programs, but also some projects in the university focused on the marine environment and marine resources. Throughout 2020 Venus held the position of Acting Dean of The School of Graduate Studies at Mindanao State University.

Venus worked as a Research Assistant on a collaborative project between Japan and Philippines from 2010-2012 titled Coastal Ecosystem Conservation and Adaptive Management under Local and Global Environmental Impacts in the Philippines.  She provided assistance in field work for seagrass and macroinvertebrate assessments, data management, report writing and presentation of results. 

In October 2015, Venus obtained a PhD in Biosphere Science from Hokkaido University of Sapporo and in 2017 became a recipient of the Matsuno Environmental Science Award for outstanding research conducted whilst a student. Inspired by this achievement, Venus continues to play a pivotal role in managing projects, specifically to produce science needed to fast track innovations in her field. 

Grateful for the opportunities that she has had, Venus is a committed mentor and seeks opportunities to support younger researchers in her sector. An advocate for self-love Venus strives to maintain a work/life balance that promotes happiness both at work and at home. 

Deeply religious, Venus believes that with faith, anything is possible.