Jonathan Sarines

Johnathan C. Sarines is a Science Research Specialist II – Molecular Biologist, working on routine molecular detection and diagnostics of Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID’s). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology (major in Human Biology) from De La Salle University – Dasmariñas. Just recently, he obtained his master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (minor in Biochemistry) from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Laguna.

He loves Biochemistry and Genetics, challenging him to understand the combination of these two fields. His passion had led him to have a deep interest in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He is also interested in Pharmacognosy / Drug Discovery (Natural products and secondary metabolites), enzymes as drug targets and potential industrial applications, antibiotic resistance, recombinant antibodies and antigens, and Immunology. Understanding MBB allowed him to see what he can further do with the fields he is interested in, especially immunology.

Since 2015, he has been supporting students from various universities. Being able to guide a student in their research project and thesis from high school, to finishing a degree in Biochemistry, and now pursuing a graduate degree in MBB has given him a sense of fulfillment in life. Even the small steps of his mentees have taken surely gives him happiness and pride, especially whenever his mentees had a grasp of their own field of interest.

He sees SIDHI as an advocate of Science and Technology for the next generations – to build capacity to future scientists, to guide students as they start with their scientific endeavors, and to manifest how Science gives something tangible and impactful to society, world, and life. Johnathan is a “gatekeeper” kind of mentor: providing the best and appropriate challenges for students to allow them to grow further with what they already know and understand. In addition, he likes to be behind-the-scenes, allowing his students to work independently (but still available for consultation when a problem arises).

To aspiring young scientists, learn by heart. “When you love what you are learning and doing, you will never get bored or quit in pursuing your field of interests”. As certain things in science are hard to understand, Johnathan would like students to develop “grit” – the passion and perseverance for long terms goals. He also emphasized the importance of critical thinking, and curiosity: two of the most important characteristics of a scientist. “Stay humble,” he said. “Humility provides you a space where you can learn, grow, and develop”.