Previous experience
Biosecurity
Completed BlueDot Impact’s Biosecurity Fundamentals Course, where I learned about and discussed with others catastrophic pandemic risk and interventions for eight weeks, then worked on a research project regarding DNA synthesis screening regulation in Asia
Participated in the Biological Weapons Convention’s 3rd Working Group and 9th Meeting of States Parties in the United Nations in Geneva as part of Nuclear Threat Initiative | bio’s Next Generation of Biosecurity Experts
Led Project SHIELD PH, a research initiative with multiple teams developing a Philippine biosecurity systems map, Philippine policy biosecurity framework, and national biosecurity research agenda
Served as a contracted research assistant at Alvea, a biotech firm focusing on infectious disease countermeasures, notably COVID-19
Global Health
Interned at the Lead Exposure Elimination Project, researching sources of lead exposure in LMICs and average lead levels in spices
As an intern at EpiMetrics, Inc, co-authored a nominated paper on vaccine/COVID-19 seroprevalence and a health equity agenda for national electoral candidates
As Associate Vice President for Health Promotions, led health content development and operational standardization efforts for Project LAAN, Ateneo’s premier public health organization
Community Engagement
Co-led a funded retreat to connect and strategize with EA community builders in Asia
Contracted part-time for the Centre for Effective Altruism (CEA) as a uni groups contractor and mentored in their university group accelerator program
Led the Philippines’ first EA uni group Effective Altruism Blue, revitalizing the org after a period of inactivity
Other Interests & Volunteer Work
As a news writer, investigated and reported for The GUIDON, Ateneo’s official student publication
Had a few brief learning stints in tel-co (sales and new media innovation), singing (a cappella and choir), and finance, and volunteering experiences in health, animal welfare, or climate-related projects and orgs
When I was eighteen years old, my family and I raised over PHP 220,000 in funds for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, a leading animal welfare organization in the Philippines
Misc.
When I'm not working, you'll find me rewatching something, curled up with a good book or film/series, cleaning my room, journaling, or spending time with my family, partner, and dogs. I'm also a huge fan of experimenting with plant-based recipes and staying active with a mix of running, pilates, and yoga.
I love dogs sooooo much!!! My best friend’s name is Sunny, he’s a white miniature schnauzer who’s great at sitting pretty.
In my spare time, I dabble in music. I sing a lot, having trained in singing for over a decade. Sometimes I play the guitar, create Spotify playlists, or record a spontaneous SoundCloud cover. I used to play the cello but don't do that much anymore.
I used to figure skate and tried various sports growing up (swimming, badminton, tennis, track, ballet, gymnastics). They've all shaped my approach to staying active, and I still cherish every moment I spend on ice.
Personal growth is essential to me. I'm consistently working on reshaping negative thoughts and developing a more rational "scout mindset.”
I'm deeply introverted (and an INTJ-T, if that's your cup of tea), and while socializing can be taxing for me, I appreciate meaningful and honest conversations.
I believe in using what you have to help others as best as possible, so I pledged to donate 10% of my income annually starting in 2020. I'm trying to improve how I spend money.
Concerns about animal welfare and climate change prompted me to go plant-based in 2014. I’ve been pescatarian since 2015, and am currently 2/3 vegetarian. Although not my main career focus, I support these causes in small but impactful ways, like mindful consumption and yearly donations.
I confess that I lose myself in fictional worlds (which I consider my "fatal flaw"), but I happily indulge in it. Specifically, I am a huge Potterhead (and have a bunch of other worlds I like spending time in)!
As for this personal website, it feels odd (like I'm indulging a lot!), though it feels exciting, and I like treating it like a public diary. I find that writing is spending high-quality time with myself. I don't write as much as I would like, hoping to change that.