For her pioneering contribution to DNA forensics in the Philippines and in leading the DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman in promoting the use of DNA technology for forensic applications and human genomics research, particularly on the genetic history of the Filipino people. Her work was valuable in the 2007 Supreme Court promulgation of the Rule on DNA Evidence that is now followed by all Philippine courts when DNA evidence is presented at trial. A Dangal ng Bayan awardee from the Civil Service Commission, she actively advocates for effective research communication, science-driven national policies on forensic DNA databases, institutional protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, and proper governance to ensure the ethical conduct of research in the Philippines. Dr. De Ungria identifies herself as a changemaker who uses "DNA" as her catalyst for change.
Birthdate: 6 September 1968
Educational Background:
- Ph.D. Microbiology - University of New South Wales - 1999
- B.S. in Biology - Macquarie Uniersity - 1993
Research Interest:
- The formulation and validation of molecular protocols for handling and genotyping different types of samples, e.g., rape kits; bones, teeth, tissues, body fluids- blood, saliva, urine, sweat and commonly submitted evidence, e.g., cigarette butts; clothing/textile
- The preparation of workflows for efficiently handling material from the source to the laboratory, preserving sample integrity. The workflow is fundamental if the DNA test results are used in court; the establishment and expansion of population databases at forensically relevant autosomal, Y-chromosomal, X-chromosomal, and mitochondrial DNA targets using traditional DNA profiling techniques as well as next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology
- The proper statistical analysis of matching DNA evidence, taking into account the current limitations of the Philippine database in terms of size and included populations, as well as the increased sensitivity of DNA technology to profile "touch DNA"
- The computational analysis of genetic/genomic data to address questions of human genetic diversity and population genetic history of different Filipino groups- mainstream and indigenous contributing genomics in interdisciplinary discussions on human origins;
- The ethical conduct of research involving human participants in forensic-based projects, e.g., victims, suspects, and families; and population-based projects - different Filipino groups, balancing scientific discoveries/benefits with risks, e.g., data privacy;
- The use of science in addressing societal concerns, such as human rights protection, effective policing and data collection, and appreciation of DNA evidence in courts, especially in capital cases where the convicted offender would get life imprisonment or the death penalty if the Law gets passed; and
- The secondary use of genomic data for health and personalized medicine.
Honors and Awards Received:
- 2022 - Conferment of the rank of Career Scientist IV - DOST-CSC Scientific Career System
- 2022 - UP Diliman Galing Honor and Awards Program- Galing Award
- 2022 - Best Poster Award - PSBMB
- 2020 - Outstanding Paper Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2019 - Outstanding Institution Award - National Research Council of the Philippines
- 2019 - Outstanding Paper Award - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2019 - Henry C. Lee Award - The Forensic Sciences Foundation, Inc.
- 2018 - Recognition - Philippine Public Safety College
- 2017 - Dangal ng Bayan or Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award - Philippine Civil Service Commission
- 2017 - Australian Alumni of the Year - Australian Embassy, Philippines
- 2017 - Top 100 Asian Scientists - Asian Scientists Magazine
- 2016 - Severino & Paz Koh Lectureship Awards in Science and Engineering - Philippine American Academy of Science and Engineering
- 2016 - European Horizon 2020 Project TRUST
- 2016 - "The Philippines Promising Star" in Molecular Biology and Genetics - Thomson Reuters
- 2014 - Scientific Achievement Award (Medical/Health Division 111) - National Research Council of the Philippines
- 2013 - Career Scientist II in the Scientific Career System - DOST and CSC
- 2012 - Julian Banzon Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2011 - L' Oreal-UNESCO "Women in Science" National Fellow
- 2011 - UP Scientist Award I - University of the Philippines System
- 2009 - Young Women Scientist Researcher in the Life Sciences - The World Academy of Sciences
- 2008 - Gawad Lagablab - Philippine Science High School Alumni Association
- 2007 - The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service in Science (TOWNS)
- 2006 - Ten Young Leaders - Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc.
- 2006 - Gregorio Zara Award-Applied Sciences - Philippine Academy for the Advancement of Science
- 2006 - Outstanding Young Scientist - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2005 - The Outstanding Young Men Award (TOYM) - Philippine Jaycees Inc.
- 2005 - Gerry Roxas Leadership Award - Gerry Roxas Foundation Inc.
- 2001 - Fellowship for Medical Research - Alberta Heritage Foundation
