Gomez Inducted into the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines

On July 11, Dr. Romel (Mel) Gomez, ECE Professor and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education, was inducted into the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines (NAST). With this honor, he was elected to be a Corresponding Member of NAST “in recognition of his significant contributions in the field of magnetism, nanotechnology, surface science, and biochemical sensors.” This award is given annually to scientists who have excelled in their contributions to science, particularly in areas beneficial to Philippine science.

Endorsed by the Department of Science and Technology, NAST was developed as the highest recognition and scientific advisory board of the Philippines. Its functions include the advancement of science by supporting work by Filipino scientists, promoting youth to pursue scientific careers, encouraging public participation in scientific issues, advising the government on science-related policies, and collaborating knowledge and work between scientists both inside and outside the country.

Dr. Gomez received his B.S. degree in Physics from the University of the Philippines, followed by an M.S. Degree in Experimental Atomic Physics from Wayne State University and a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Maryland, College Park.

In addition to his work in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Gomez has been active in the international scientific community and has worked extensively with the Filipino scientific community. He has served as the President and Board Member of the Philippine American Academy of Scientists and Engineers. He has forged collaborations with Filipino scientist and founded a program called VISSER (Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research) that was developed to provide state-of-the-art yet cost-effective scientific equipment for K-12 classrooms in the Philippines. He also developed and deployed in the Philippines, an instrument for loop-mediated isothermal (DNA) amplification for early and low-cost of Dengue and other tropical diseases.

Published July 23, 2019