ABOUT ME
I am a Senior Scientist in the Aquaculture Division of Nofima, The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Research.
Superior fish health is inherent for the productivity and sustainability of aquaculture. My research interests address the basic and applied aspects of fish health with a strong focus on the physiology and immunology of mucosal barriers. Mucosal surfaces, including the gills, skin, gut, and olfactory organ, serve as the first line of defence and act as “living sensors” of the fish. This makes them excellent models for studying how fish respond and adapt to their environment.
My work explores the intricate structure and function of physical and biological mucosal barriers, such as cells and molecules, and how these are regulated by environmental factors including light, handling, treatments, infections, and water quality. These insights are directly relevant to aquaculture, where understanding barrier function can inform the development of optimised and environmentally responsible husbandry protocols.
Current fish models include Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod. I have also worked with other commercially relevant fish species, such as rainbow trout, lumpfish, sturgeon, permit and Nile tilapia. I am also interested in using zebrafish as a convenient model species.
I serve as an Associate/Assistant Editor for Fish & Shellfish Immunology, Journal of Fish Biology, and Stress Biology, and as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Aquaculture.
My research upholds the principles of 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) because ethical science is a prerequisite to sound science. Norecopa acknowledged my work in this aspect by bestowing me the 2021 3R Prize for Animal Research (shared with my colleague Elisabeth Ytteborg).
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affiliated with Nofima since 2017
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Israel
Jacob Blaustein Postdoctoral Fellow
Technical University Denmark
Denmark
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Nordland (now Nord University)
Norway
Ph.D. in Aquatic Biosciences
University of Nordland (now Nord University)
Norway
M.Sc. Aquaculture
University of the Philippines
Philippines
B.Sc. Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology)
I grew up in the Philippines with my eyes fixed on the sky, dreaming of becoming a pilot, whether flying commercial aircraft or serving in the Air Force. In high school, I was especially drawn to Biology and Chemistry, though I never imagined those interests would eventually shape my career. Many of my classmates thought I would become a doctor or a lawyer, but life had a different plan. As it turns out, I did become a doctor...just for fish!
Looking back, it's fascinating how life can lead us down paths we never expected. For me, that journey has been both exciting and deeply rewarding. When I moved to Norway at the age of 21, it marked the beginning of a whole new chapter, and I've never looked back. Although the dream of flying still visits me from time to time, these days I'm happy exploring the virtual skies through flight simulators on my phone.
Outside of work, I spend much of my time with my two Shiba Inus, who bring plenty of energy, laughter, and occasional mischief into my life. If I ever become a millionaire, my dream is to buy an island and turn it into the world's largest animal sanctuary - a place where animals of all kinds can live freely, safely, and with the care they deserve.
I also enjoy cooking and experimenting with different cuisines. From Filipino dishes that remind me of home to Japanese, Italian, and Hungarian favourites, the kitchen is one of my creative outlets. Another pair of interests that I unapologetically indulge in are wine and perfume.
Curiosity is at the heart of who I am. I enjoy travel documentaries (I'm a big Rick Steves fan), admire the craftsmanship and creativity behind treehouses (thanks to Pete Nelson), and love exploring the tiny-house movement through Bryce Langston's work. I love die-cast model cars and have practised several martial arts, including taekwondo, kung fu, and capoeira. Music is a constant companion in my life. While I appreciate almost every genre, Ravel's Boléro and Vivaldi's The Four Seasons are among my favourites for bringing a sense of calm and perspective to even the busiest days. I also enjoy running, especially in the evening when the day begins to slow down.
At my core, I am committed to advancing gender equality in research and fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEM is more than a personal passion- it's a responsibility and a cause I am proud to champion.
Summer
Me with my two boys - Cigi (Black and Tan) and Rico (Red). They are Shiba Inus.
Autumn
Winter
Spring