Hyacinth Suarez
Hyacinth Suarez is a Boholana* Marine Biologist. Growing up along the coast of Bohol, she has always been fascinated by the biodiversity of the marine environment. At present, she is a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences of Holy Name University (HNU) and manager of the HNU-Center for Marine Science Studies.
Hya obtained her Masters in Coastal Resource Management at Silliman University in Dumaguete City and a PhD degree in Biology (Marine Biology track) at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Central Philippines. Her primary research interest is mesophotic corals, specifically the black corals. She is part of a research project on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in selected areas of the Philippines. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, this project is a collaborative effort between three Filipino universities: University of the Philippines — Diliman (through the Marine Science Institute), Mariano Marcos State University, and Holy Name University.
*Boholanos hail from Bohol Island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. The island province is known for its coral reefs and fascinating geological formations such as the Chocolate Hills.
What drew you to marine biology?
[TODO: fill in] — Full interview text to be added. The interview discusses Hyacinth's childhood along the Bohol coast, her path to a PhD in marine biology, and her research on black corals and mesophotic reef ecosystems in the Philippines.
Your research on black corals
[TODO: fill in] — This section covers Hyacinth's DOST-funded research project on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems, her collaboration between HNU, UP Diliman, and Mariano Marcos State University, and the significance of black corals as indicators of reef health.