TOWNS Awardees

Dr. Aletta Yñiguez is a Professor at the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, and heads the newly established UP Center at Puerto Galera that serves, a biodiversity hub that fosters a seamless integration of research, education, and outreach spanning ridge to reef. Aletta has more than two decades of experience in research and education in marine science with specific expertise in biological oceanography, harmful algal blooms, fisheries, ecological modelling, and tool development for marine resource management. She is passionate about using science and developing technology to drive innovation for conservation and creating value for communities. Aletta is leading efforts to provide decision-support systems and tools for fisheries, coastal hazards, and natural resource management, and building awareness and capacity for ocean science at multiple levels. She is currently at the helm of a UN Ocean Decade project aimed at advancing ocean observation and modeling in the to promote sustainable coastal and marine resource management.

EDUCATION
Dr. Yñiguez earned her Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami, supported by Fulbright and Maytag scholarships. Her dissertation research focused on modeling coral reef macroalgae dynamics, contributing to the field of marine ecosystem. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a major in Ecology (Valedictorian, Magna cum Laude) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
Dr. Yñiguez has been honored with numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to marine science, education, and community engagement. She received the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship in 2012 and the TOWNS (The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service) award in 2022. In 2017, she was named an Outstanding Young Scientist by the Philippine National Academy of Science and Technology. Further highlighting her dedication as an educator, she was awarded The Many Faces of the Teacher Award in 2019 for her impactful work with students, fisherfolk, and local communities. Her expertise and leadership in the marine sciences have also earned her appointments to regional and global advisory boards and Scientific Steering Committees including the GlobalHAB International Scientific Programme  and the UNESCO International Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific.