Molecular Ecology & Population Genetics Laboratory
The Molecular Ecology & Population Genetics Laboratory utilizes molecular, phenotypic and simulation data to address a variety of questions ranging from basic research on ecology and taxonomy of a species to applied research on aquaculture and biodiversity conservation. Researchers under MEPGL works on different ecosystems and taxonomic groups including marine fishes and coral, freshwater fishes and various aquaculture species.
You can explore the researchers and various works that MEPGL are conducting by going through the tabs below.
Professor 12
PhD in Biology
Population Genetics and Genomics, Fish Molecular Genetics and Systematics, Aquatic Biology
Associate Professor 5
PhD in Evolutionary Biology (Genetics)
Genetics, Reef connectivity
Assistant Professor 5
PhD in Biology
Molecular and Population Genetics, Fish Genetics
Graduate Students
Ma. Chelle Bullecer
The project I am working on focuses on understanding how genetic diversity is generated and maintained, which is crucial for effective coral conservation. Specifically, I will identify and classify Pachyseris species from the Philippines and Indonesia using whole genome sequencing and endosymbiont community analysis, evaluate how historical demographic changes have influenced the current genetic diversity and population structure of Pachyseris species in the Coral Triangle, examine patterns of genetic diversity within Pachyseris populations to assess reef adaptability, and analyze population structure and gene flow between populations in both regions. The insights gained from these genetic studies will help inform the design of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other conservation strategies to enhance coral reef resilience and ensure the long-term preservation of these ecosystems, benefiting both marine biodiversity and local communities.
JM Basaca
I am using a population genetic simulation tool to theoretically investigate the effects of mixed reproductive strategy (proportion of sexual vs clonal reproduction) to genetic diversity. Furthermore, the effects of the mixed reproductive strategy to demographic inference for populations undergoing divergence would also be theoretically explored using the Approximate Bayesian Computation analytical framework. I am also working as a Research Associate under the Dr. Matias’ project on utilizing environmental DNA (eDNA) in studying the biodiversity and population genetics of organisms in Lake Lanao.
Jayani
I am using eDNA metabarcoding in studying the taxonomy of freshwater plankton. Phytoplankton represent the foundational primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, contributing significantly to global biogeochemical cycles and serving as indicators of environmental change. Despite their ecological importance, accurate taxonomic delimitation of phytoplankton species remains challenging due to extensive morphological plasticity and cryptic diversity. Traditional microscopic methods are often insufficient for precise species-level identification. Recent advances in molecular biology, including in silico marker selection and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, offer new opportunities to resolve taxonomic uncertainties.
Hans Farinas
I am currently involved in the Climate REEFS Project, which aims to investigate the population genomics of Pachyseris corals across the Indo-Pacific region. My work focuses on processing and analyzing whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RAD-seq datasets to understand patterns of genetic variation, population structure, and evolutionary processes influencing coral populations across different environments. This involves developing and implementing bioinformatics pipelines for data quality control, read alignment, variant calling, and population genetic analyses. I also perform downstream analyses such as genetic diversity estimation, population structure inference, and detection of selection signals to identify genomic regions associated with environmental resilience in coral populations.
Researchers and Staff
Jandeil B. Roperos
I am actively engaged in two research initiatives under the guidance of Dr. Brian S. Santos, focusing on the development and management of milkfish and tilapia aquaculture. My responsibilities span administrative oversight, laboratory coordination and upkeep, experimental design and execution, and liaison with pertinent government agencies. On the research front, we are conducting genetic monitoring and characterization of both species using SNP markers, leveraging next-generation sequencing to achieve comprehensive genome-wide coverage for marker discovery and genome-wide association analyses
John Alberto H. Ordinario
I am currently under the Career Incentive Program of DOST and is working on Dr. Santos’ project on the genomic studies on Tilapia. I extract DNA of different tilapia strains for NGS sequencing. This involves optimizing DNA extraction with samples that underwent degradation. I also perform bioinformatic analysis through Genome-wide association studies by scanning the each genome to find genetic variations.
Raisa Castillo
I am working under the project of Dr. Matias which focuses on studying the populations of cyprinids in Lake Lanao. Specifically, we will be using eDNA technology in characterizing the diversity of the Lake and in estimating biomass.
Elisa M. Gutaba
I perform administrative duties, such as processing paperwork related to the lab projects. I also assist in fieldworks and lab work.
Joichell Allyza Z. Orias
I perform administrative duties, such as processing paperwork related to the lab projects and also assist in fieldworks.
Genetic characterization of tilapia stocks and development of markers for Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) to develop improved tilapia strain (photo and little info)
Evaluation of the Sustainability of Blue Swimming Crab Farming in the Philippines (photo and little info)
Development of non-invasive tool for biomass estimation of endemic cyprinids and macrofauna characterization of their habitat (photo and little info)
2025
Mauro Augusto Maria V. Dualan
Genetic Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Stocks Through Cytochrome B Mitochondrial Markers
2024
Darlene Joyce V. Cerico
Saving Biya: Stock Assessment of Glossogobius aureus in Laguna Lake Using Length-Based Bayesian Evaluation Method
Jericho G. Villarico
Analyzing Morphological Variation in Caranx sexfasciatus Populations across the Philippine Archipelago through Landmark-Based Geometric Morphometrics
Caryn Alexi P. Santiago
Genetic diversity and population structure of Caranx sexfasciatus from different locations in the Philippines
We are inviting graduate and undergraduate students to conduct their thesis students on the following topics:
Genetic characterization of wild and captive-bred fishery stocks (contact Jonas Quilang; Brian Santos; Shenna Torres)
Molecular marker development for aquaculture species (contact Jonas Quilang; Brian Santos; Shenna Torres)
Morphometrics of fish populations (contact Jonas Quilang; Brian Santos; Shenna Torres)
Species identification through DNA barcoding (contact Jonas Quilang; Brian Santos; Shenna Torres)
Signatures of selection in natural populations and aquaculture/breed species (contact Ambrocio Melvin Matias; Brian Santos)
Unravelling diversification using genomics – roles of isolation, selection, and types of mutations in diversification of Philippines endemic species (contact Ambrocio Melvin Matias; Jonas Quilang)
Bioinformatics, simulation and statistics in population genetics (contact Ambrocio Melvin Matias)