Marciana Galambao

I am currently a PhD student in Rowntree lab jointly funded by the Newton Agham Programme and the Department of Science and Technology in the Philippines. My research focusses on the development of specific strategies for abaca and banana bunchy top virus management. Specifically, I am interested in determining the population genetics of the banana aphids, the vector that transmits the viral disease, and understanding how this interacts with the host plants and the virus. In addition, I will also identify the endosymbiont communities of the aphids and evaluate potential biocontrol agents.

I am connected as a Faculty at the Visayas State University in Leyte, Philippines. Prior to teaching, I worked as Science Research Assistant at the National Abaca Research Center and the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center based in VSU working on the tissue culture and DNA fingerprinting of abaca and the integrated soil and crop nutrient management of cabbage and sweet potato, respectively. My research interests include but are not limited to the application of soil science, molecular ecology and biotechnology on biodiversity conservation and crop disease management in agriculture.

I completed my BSc degree at VSU and my master’s degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA, under the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program and the East-West Center Fellowships Program.