A PROFESSOR from the University of the Philippines Visayas was selected as one of the outstanding graduates of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Dr. Lorena Samentar, an assistant professor of UPV Division of Biological Sciences, finished her doctorate degree in Cell and Molecular Biology with a General Point Average of 3.99.

Samentar’s dissertation entitled “Development of a novel Alzheimer’s Therapy” explores potential treatment for the said disease.

“Further, her research interests include Cellular and Molecular Biology, specifically in phagocytosis, protein and genetic engineering, receptor-ligand interaction, neurodegeneration, immunohistochemistry, and biological imaging. Her previous researches included mollusk reproductive biology, histology, molecular cloning, and protozoan infection,” UPV said.

Samentar said the Covid19 pandemic had caused delays and significantly affected her research timeline.

“The pandemic has actually pushed back the timeline for the degree completion. The University of Nevada issued a hold order in the acquisition of animals for research, (there is also a) shift of production of most companies to prioritize Covid-related supplies and reagents, and the long quarantine of imported raw materials,” she said.

But the professor said she is eager to finish her graduate studies. She added that she is looking forward to sharing the learning and experiences she gained.

Samentar plans to work on research projects, establishing linkages, mentoring students and producing significant scientific research and discoveries that can benefit the UPV community.

Samentar finished her Bachelor of Science in Biology cum laude from UP. She joined the UNLV’s Ph.D. program in 2015 as a Graduate Recruitment Scholar.