I'm Sarleen G. Castro, and I am a PhD student at Chiba University, Chiba, Japan. My research interests primarily focus on the isolation and identification of natural products from plants and fungi, as well as study their potential pharmacological applications. I am expected to graduate by September 2026.
I earned BS and MS degrees in Chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, and subsequently passed the Chemistry Licensure Board Exams in 2016. My MS research focused on isolating compounds from endolichenic fungi, which has remarkable potential. (Tan et al., 3 Biotech, 2020, 10(5):212. doi: 10.1007/s-----------).
My work experience includes being a research assistant at the University of Santo Tomas, where I developed chromatographic techniques to isolate compounds and practiced my structure elucidation skills using spectroscopic methods, specifically NMR, to identify these compounds. I was also trained to handle and conduct biological assay (disk diffusion and microplate-based antibacterial assays).
I have also worked at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (~3.5 years) as an S&T researcher under the DOST-SEI Career-Incentive Program. We primarily developed methods for detecting and monitoring saxitoxin levels in contaminated shellfish/mussels for seafood safety management. We conducted bioassays (radioligand-receptor binding assay) that employ the use of radioisotopes, and as such, I have been certified in handling radioisotopes and radiation safety (for sealed devices in industrial settings). It was also at PNRI that I improved my skills in using analytical equipment (LCMS, HPLC, AAS), software programs (GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Office), and managing multiple projects with simultaneous deadlines.
In addition to my technical skills, I am a native speaker of both English and Tagalog, with proficiency in Filipino/American Sign Language. I am currently studying N4-level Japanese, intending to someday speak it fluently.
I am now seeking long-term opportunities to contribute my skills and knowledge in the pharmaceutical or chemical research fields while continuing to grow professionally.
