Speakers & Facilitators:

• Arra Asejo, MSC – is a detail‑oriented biologist and biochemist from Quezon City with an MS in Biochemistry (DOST scholar) and a BS in Biology. She currently works as a Junior Research Analyst at the Protein, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Facility, Philippine Genome Center, where she conducts protein analyses, develops SOPs, and contributes to proposals and manuscripts. Her prior roles include an MS Graduate Fellow at DOST—leading R&D initiatives, managing lab operations, and preparing technical reports—and a Biochemistry Instructor responsible for curriculum and lab protocol development. Arra excels at project coordination, scientific writing, and data interpretation, and has driven capacity‑building efforts in in‑silico protein analysis. She combines strong technical skills with experience in stakeholder communication and laboratory management to support translational research and facility operations.

• John Paulo Austria, RCHT – is a Senior Research Analyst at the Protein, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Facility, Philippine Genome Center with hands‑on expertise in protein biochemistry workflows, FPLC method development, SPR and spectrophotometric analyses, and LC‑MS/MS workflows. He is a candidate for the Master of Science in Archaeology (with only thesis residency left) from the University of the Philippines Diliman and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Laboratory Technology from TUP‑Manila, and is a licensed Chemical Technician. Paulo is the current head of the protein analysis services of the PGC-PPMF, and has led method development, authored SOPs, validated client reports, and delivered hands‑on workshops while supporting proposal writing and quality systems . His earlier roles include research assistant and laboratory technician where he developed extraction and purification protocols, supported animal house operations, and facilitated HPLC trainings. He combines fieldwork experience and laboratory management with strong technical competencies in protein extraction, purification, biophysical characterization, and execution of training programs

• Stephen Kyle Arcan – is a molecular biology graduate (Magna Cum Laude) and current Master’s student at UP Diliman, serving as a Junior Research Associate at the Protein, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Facility, Philippine Genome Center. He conducts end‑to‑end protein analyses, supports client consultations, and contributes to proposals, manuscripts, and training workshops. His technical strengths span protein workflows (extraction, FPLC purification, SPR), molecular biology and NGS pipelines, bioinformatics (docking, MD, variant analysis), and microbiology techniques including bacteriophage work. He has authored and co‑authored multiple publications and won presentation awards for research on quorum sensing and immune‑related protein characterization. Active in academic leadership and outreach, he pairs hands‑on lab expertise with computational skills to drive integrative research projects.