Dr. Cruz has made significant contributions to the biochemistry of toxic peptides from the venom of fish-hunting Conus marine snails. Her studies led in part to the biochemical characterization of over 50 biologically active peptides from Conus venom, and the development of conotoxins as biochemical probes for examining the activities of the brain. w-Conotoxin is now one of the most widely used tools for studying neuronal calcium channels, and u-conotoxin is the reagent of choice in neuroscience when muscular activity must be controlled to examine events at the synapse.
For her achievement in science, Dr. Cruz is recipient of the NAST Outstanding Young Scientist Award (1981), the NRCP Achievement Award in Chemistry (1982) and the Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service Award(Biochemistry) (1986).
Birthdate: 19 May 1942
Educational Background:
- B.S. Chemistry - University of the Philippines Diliman 1962
- M.S. Biochemistry - University of Iowa City, U.S.A. 1966
- Ph.D. Biochemistry - University of Iowa City, U.S.A. 1968
Research Interest:
- Marine Toxins
- Isolation and characterization of peptides from Conus venoms
- Biodiversity and drug development
- Linking Science and technology to poor rural communities and indigineous tribes
Honor and Awards Received:
- 1981 - Outstanding Toung Scientist Award - National Academy of Sciene and Technology
- 1982 - Achievement Award (Chemistry) - National Research Coucil of the Philippines
- 1986 - The Outstanding Women in the Nations Service - TOWNS Foundation and Lions Club
- 1987 - Academician - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 1991 - Professional Achievement Award in Biochemistry - U.P. Alumini Association
- 1991 - Achievement Award (Research and Research Management) - Federation of Philippine Chemistry Societies
- 1993 - Sven Brohult Award - International Foundation Science
- 1994 - Medal of Distinction (Research) - Philippine Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- 1996 - Outstanding Alumnus - U.P. Chemistry Alumni Foundation
- 2000 - Gregorio Y. Zara Award in Basic Science - Philippine Association for Advancement of Science
- 2001 - Service Award - Philipine Society ofr Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- 2001 - Outstanding ASEAN Scientist and Technologist Award
- 2002 - Gawad Chancellor Award for Research
- 2006 - Proclaimed as National Scientist - President of the Republic of the Philippines
