Jonathan Conception

Jonathan Concepcion is a Research Associate at Louisiana State University – Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, with an interest and specialization in Plant Sciences and Genetics.

Currently, he is working with flowering and agro-morphological traits at the reproductive stage to further understand photoperiod sensitivity and domestication in rice. He is also working on evaluation and breeding line development for abiotic stress tolerance in rice, focusing on salinity and drought stresses at early developmental stages. Prior to moving to the United States, he was a researcher at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) where he worked primarily on submergence and waterlogging stresses, Marker Assisted Selection (MAS), and genetic diversity analysis.

His interest in research started when he was in high school conducting investigatory projects. He developed a deep fascination with Science, which prompted him in taking a degree in Biology from Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Nueva Ecija, Philippines. While taking his coursework and working on his undergraduate thesis on genetic and phenotypic characterization of gamma-irradiation derived mutant rice lines, his interest, and love for Plant Sciences and Genetics grew even deeper. Eventually, working on breeding and evaluating abiotic stress tolerance in rice allowed him to appreciate other fields related to Plant Sciences such as Physiology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, and Breeding.

Previously, he served as mentor and research supervisor to several High School students who have competed in Division and Regional level Science Competitions. He says he misses the thrill of mentoring, which is why he didn’t hesitate to be a SIDHI Mentor. This is his way to continue helping and inspiring high school students who would want to venture out in the field of Science.

Jonathan is a hands-on mentor who will constantly check your progress and guide you every step of the way. He will not hesitate to answer his students’ questions and will try to help them as much as he can. He also likes to be the “cool mentor” whom his students can easily communicate and talk to.

If there’s one piece of advice he can give to aspiring young Filipino Scientists, that is to dream and work for it. No one became an expert overnight. Taking the path of Science is sure though and rough. There are challenges you need to hurdle: from failing experiments to unsupported hypothesis, to unmet deadlines. Reaching your goal and dream of being a Scientist will sure make these hardships worth it.