Angelica “Aica” Suarez’s path to becoming a scientist is a remarkable testament to perseverance and resilience. From her humble beginnings in a community reliant on traditional medicine, she has been dubbed a budding scientist by the National University of Singapore (NUS). Her journey reflects the power of curiosity and determination.
Aica’s fascination with science began early. Growing up in an environment where traditional remedies were commonplace, she often wondered about their efficacy. “Maalala ko, during childhood, may dalawang significant memories na talagang nag-influence sa interest ko sa science,” she recalls, emphasizing her curiosity about the medicinal properties of local plants. Her interest deepened further when she encountered a microscope for the first time. “Ang dami pang organisms sa mga bagay na hindi nakikita by our naked eyes,” she recalls, highlighting her awe at the unseen world.
Aica faced numerous challenges after graduating with honors, including multiple rejections from PhD programs. “I got over 15 to 20 rejections over the course of 3 years,” she shared. Financial hardships and the burden of self-funding her education made her journey even more daunting. Yet, her persistence never wavered. She sought mentors and embraced the importance of networking: “Realized ko na kulang sakin was asking for help from people and mentors.”
Eventually, Aica secured her spot at NUS, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic posed another obstacle. “After two months, naglockdown na,” she recalls. Instead of being deterred, she adapted, focusing on online research. “I needed to be creative… I maximized available online resources and engaged with mentors and peers remotely.”
For aspiring scientists, Aica emphasizes the value of mentorship and networking. “The importance of asking for guidance and mentorship, and strengthening your social connections and network, are key.” Her advice resonates deeply: “You can just do as much as what you can do… for everything else that’s beyond your control, you cope with it and adjust as needed.”
Aica’s research tackles one of the Philippines’ key challenges—healthcare accessibility and the need for affordable, effective medicines. “And it’s not just me,” she emphasizes, acknowledging the collective efforts of Filipino researchers exploring natural products as potential treatments for infectious diseases like tuberculosis and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. “My PhD work focuses on discovering novel designer peptides from microbial sources,” she explains, emphasizing microbes as a promising goldmine of therapeutic agents. Unlike conventional methods of extracting natural products from plants or marine organisms, she mines microbial genes that encode enzymes responsible for producing these designer peptides. “Kaya naming i-produce yung natural products in the lab without extracting from its natural source”, she explains, highlighting the benefits of genome mining and synthetic biology methods.
In 2019, Aica launched “Moods&Lather,” a passion project that turned into a successful business creating natural, handmade soaps infused with locally sourced botanicals and essential oils. “Narealize ko andami nating halaman at prutas that’s scientifically proven to contain natural products beneficial for the skin and overall health.” Using ingredients like malunggay, ginger, and turmeric, she aimed to promote wellness and sustainability. “During COVID, many turned to effective natural products,” she reflects, noting the overwhelming response she received. Her small business flourished, with orders pouring in from across the Philippines as health-conscious consumers sought out her carefully crafted formulations. This venture showcases not only her scientific knowledge but also her commitment to the community, demonstrating how she can translate her research expertise into practical solutions.
Aica shares that Moods&Lather will soon be focusing on innovative personal care rooted in science, sustainability, and community. By harnessing natural ingredients and promoting local resources, she aims to create products that improve people’s wellness and foster a deeper appreciation for the healing properties of nature.
Aica encourages young Filipinos to pursue their curiosity with courage. “Science, like any other pursuit of knowledge, is attainable for everyone.” It’s important to start from where you are and embrace the journey.” She emphasizes the need for creativity, stating, “Identify what you are genuinely curious about, as that curiosity will drive you through challenges.”
Aica’s journey—from childhood curiosity to impactful research and entrepreneurial success—serves as a powerful reminder for young Filipinos that with perseverance, adaptability, and a strong belief in oneself, they can pursue their dreams in STEM, regardless of the obstacles they may face.