National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
University of the Philippines, Diliman

NIMBB Website

Prof. Cynthia T. Hedreyda (1955-2021)

The Faculty and Staff of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) of U.P. Diliman are saddened to announce the passing of Prof. Cynthia T. Hedreyda in the afternoon of 6 July 2021. She was 65.

Prof. Hedreyda completed her B.S. Biology and M.S. Genetics degrees from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, and her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Georgia, GA, USA. She joined the NIMBB faculty in 1996 and became the Institute’s director from 2003-2012. She remained a distinguished member of the NIMBB faculty until her retirement in December, 2020. She will be fondly remembered by numerous colleagues and students, especially from the Institute, who have learned from her expertise, leadership, and friendship. 

Friends and colleagues of Prof. Cynthia T. Hedreyda may view her cremated remains on July 8-9, 2021 at the Heaven’s Garden Memorial Park in Los Banos, Laguna.

Prof. Cynthia T. Hedreyda, December 2020, during her retirement celebration in Quezon City, Philippines

Additional information: Dr. Hedreyda completed her BS Biology and MS Genetics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and obtained her PhD in Microbiology from the University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA. She was former Director of NIMBB UPD (2003-2012) and was the Head of the Molecular Microbiology Laboratory and faculty member of the Institute from 1996 until her retirement in December 2020. Dr. Hedreyda was a Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Microbiology and recipient of an Outstanding Microbiologist Award from the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc as well as an Achievement Award in Biological Sciences from the National Research Council of the Philippines and a 2019 Filipino Faces of Biotechnology Award from the Department of Agriculture. In addition to teaching and research mentoring in Molecular Microbiology, Dr. Hedreyda was actively involved in nationwide projects to promote and enhance Biotechnology Education in the Philippines. She chaired a project aimed at instituting a General Education course in Biotechnology in colleges and universities and spearheaded the annual conduct of NBECT, National Biotechnology Education Conference for Teachers and the National Biotechnology Quiz Contest for High Schools.