Cruz, Lourdes J.
Ph. D. Biochemistry
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
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