The Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Myrna Sillero-Mahinay as Outstanding Chemist of 2016 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Dr. Mahinay obtained her BS Chemistry degree from Silliman University and MS Chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman. In 1986, she placed ninth in the Chemist licensure examination. In 1997, she obtained her PhD in Chemistry from James Cook University in Australia, specializing in Inorganic Chemistry. She held postdoctoral fellowships at Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience in Japan, and at the University of Miami in Florida, USA. At present, she is a professor of the Chemistry Department in Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City, where she has been teaching since 1978. Dr. Mahinay specializes on inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry.
Through the years, Dr. Mahinay became a sought-after expert in her field. In 1997 she was commissioned by the Senate Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources to assess the extent of mercury pollution in Mt. Diwalwal, a study she conducted until 1999. This led to a stricter implementation in the confiscation of smuggled mercury in the area, and the relocation of affected inhabitants out of the vicinity. Her other studies, notably on heavy metal analysis and how heavy metals affect living organisms, have been published in scientific journals and presented in local and international conferences.
Dr. Mahinay is also a builder of future leaders. Since 2001, she has been serving as a mentor to the Bridging Leader Fellows of the Mindanao Bridging Leadership Program, where she aims to improve the capacity of her mentees to achieve their leadership goals within the context of the issue they seek to resolve. In turn, her mentees develop positive solutions for their respective organizations and communities.
Indeed, this year’s Outstanding Chemist awardee is a well-rounded person: a passionate educator, a dedicated researcher, and an active enabler. Congratulations, Dr. Myrna Mahinay!