| Sevilla D. Detera-Wadleigh, PhD. Bethesda, Maryland "My faith, family, roots, colleagues, friends and the entire support system are my anchor and enabler. There’s so much that can be done and I would like to do more.” |
Growing up in Bacon, Sorsogon, a small town by the
Pacific Ocean was simple and secure; exceedingly
distant from symbols of the industrial and
technological revolution. The town still shows vestiges
of the Spanish tenancy, most prominently evidenced by
the 17th or 18th century Church of the Annunciation.
The Spanish-built stonewall with look-out fortifications,
now mostly gone, illustrates the town’s previous
importance as a port for commerce. My hometown
provided the environment for some of my most
exhilarating experiences. The memory of wading in
ankle-deep sea at low tide, marveling at nature’s
diversity, catching starfish, seashells and mollusks,
picking and munching on seaweed fruit, and watching
small fishes swim to the tune of the ripples remains
new and exciting. Saturday mornings were usually
reserved for swimming in the ocean with siblings and
friends. Frequently, afternoons were spent running
after butterflies and dragonflies, trapping praying
mantises and sand crabs, which, in retrospect,
Pacific Ocean was simple and secure; exceedingly
distant from symbols of the industrial and
technological revolution. The town still shows vestiges
of the Spanish tenancy, most prominently evidenced by
the 17th or 18th century Church of the Annunciation.
The Spanish-built stonewall with look-out fortifications,
now mostly gone, illustrates the town’s previous
importance as a port for commerce. My hometown
provided the environment for some of my most
exhilarating experiences. The memory of wading in
ankle-deep sea at low tide, marveling at nature’s
diversity, catching starfish, seashells and mollusks,
picking and munching on seaweed fruit, and watching
small fishes swim to the tune of the ripples remains
new and exciting. Saturday mornings were usually
reserved for swimming in the ocean with siblings and
friends. Frequently, afternoons were spent running
after butterflies and dragonflies, trapping praying
mantises and sand crabs, which, in retrospect,
were inconsistent with stewardship of the earth. On moonlit nights when I could still name the
constellations, we, kids played hide-and-seek until a few gave up on the search. Sadly, the strong
earthquake in 1955 sank the shoreline by more than one meter and the wide expanse of our playground
in the ocean had all but disappeared. But, the town still boasts of attractive beaches and breathtaking
sunrise.
Life centered around family, church and school. My father was a government employee and my mother
who turns 97 on September 15th (2006) was a stay-and-work-at-home Mom. The refrain that education is
vital to a more fulfilled life was imprinted by my parents to their eight children. We, the children, learned,
worked, argued, fought, played, and had fun together. Knowingly, or unknowingly, some of my parents’
most noble legacies were their example of generosity and respect for others. There were lots of multi-
faceted stories about family history, two of which, I’m proud to share. My father’s grandfather donated the
land in their village for the San Pascual church and elementary school. Two of my mother’s brothers
fought during WWII, both were in the Bataan Death March, one survived despite being wounded by a
bayonet but the younger one died of malaria that struck many Filipino soldiers.
I was fortunate to have had first-rate, dedicated and inspiring teachers during my formative years and
beyond. I was thrilled to have been granted a scholarship at Mapua where I majored in Chemistry that
lessened the financial burden on my parents. My job after college as a research assistant at the former
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) was something one could only wish for. PAEC then had
several scientists and engineers with graduate degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) from either the U.S. or Europe
and they served as role models. It was an intellectually stimulating environment and my supervisors and
colleagues challenged me to think. My graduate education started when I was sent on a fellowship here
in the US. On my return to PAEC I tried to do some research work, later I was sent to attend an
international course in Vienna, Austria, from there I moved to the Institute for Ecological Chemistry in
Bonn, Germany for a year of research fellowship. I returned to the US to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
Having gotten my degree, I returned to PAEC to start my research. While there I also taught part-time at
the Philippine Womens’ University. Although it was short, it was rewarding and I felt I was giving back
particularly to the younger generation.
My postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda,
Maryland opened up new adventures in research. My fascination with the workings of the brain ushered
my move to the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia
are likely three of the most complex human diseases. The Global Burden of Disease survey ranks major
depression as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. The search for molecules that underlie
risk for psychiatric disorders has been extremely challenging. Understanding the genetic basis of these
diseases could help in early and accurate diagnosis, selection of treatment options, and provide new
targets for drug discovery. A desired effect is to lift the veil of stigma among families afflicted by these
diseases.
In the midst of what might be considered esoteric endeavors, I can’t forget the fact that the Philippines
nurtured and supported me financially during the period when I was most vulnerable, dependent and
least productive. I moved to the US during my most productive years! As a way of giving back I have over
the years supported financially-needy students pursue their college education, in the hope that they would
pass it on. Thankfully, several are with jobs and helping support younger siblings. I enjoy giving lectures
and interacting with students and teachers in the Philippines whenever I could.
My faith, family, roots, colleagues, friends and the entire support system are my anchor and enabler.
There’s so much that can be done and I would like to do more.
constellations, we, kids played hide-and-seek until a few gave up on the search. Sadly, the strong
earthquake in 1955 sank the shoreline by more than one meter and the wide expanse of our playground
in the ocean had all but disappeared. But, the town still boasts of attractive beaches and breathtaking
sunrise.
Life centered around family, church and school. My father was a government employee and my mother
who turns 97 on September 15th (2006) was a stay-and-work-at-home Mom. The refrain that education is
vital to a more fulfilled life was imprinted by my parents to their eight children. We, the children, learned,
worked, argued, fought, played, and had fun together. Knowingly, or unknowingly, some of my parents’
most noble legacies were their example of generosity and respect for others. There were lots of multi-
faceted stories about family history, two of which, I’m proud to share. My father’s grandfather donated the
land in their village for the San Pascual church and elementary school. Two of my mother’s brothers
fought during WWII, both were in the Bataan Death March, one survived despite being wounded by a
bayonet but the younger one died of malaria that struck many Filipino soldiers.
I was fortunate to have had first-rate, dedicated and inspiring teachers during my formative years and
beyond. I was thrilled to have been granted a scholarship at Mapua where I majored in Chemistry that
lessened the financial burden on my parents. My job after college as a research assistant at the former
Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) was something one could only wish for. PAEC then had
several scientists and engineers with graduate degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) from either the U.S. or Europe
and they served as role models. It was an intellectually stimulating environment and my supervisors and
colleagues challenged me to think. My graduate education started when I was sent on a fellowship here
in the US. On my return to PAEC I tried to do some research work, later I was sent to attend an
international course in Vienna, Austria, from there I moved to the Institute for Ecological Chemistry in
Bonn, Germany for a year of research fellowship. I returned to the US to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry.
Having gotten my degree, I returned to PAEC to start my research. While there I also taught part-time at
the Philippine Womens’ University. Although it was short, it was rewarding and I felt I was giving back
particularly to the younger generation.
My postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda,
Maryland opened up new adventures in research. My fascination with the workings of the brain ushered
my move to the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia
are likely three of the most complex human diseases. The Global Burden of Disease survey ranks major
depression as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. The search for molecules that underlie
risk for psychiatric disorders has been extremely challenging. Understanding the genetic basis of these
diseases could help in early and accurate diagnosis, selection of treatment options, and provide new
targets for drug discovery. A desired effect is to lift the veil of stigma among families afflicted by these
diseases.
In the midst of what might be considered esoteric endeavors, I can’t forget the fact that the Philippines
nurtured and supported me financially during the period when I was most vulnerable, dependent and
least productive. I moved to the US during my most productive years! As a way of giving back I have over
the years supported financially-needy students pursue their college education, in the hope that they would
pass it on. Thankfully, several are with jobs and helping support younger siblings. I enjoy giving lectures
and interacting with students and teachers in the Philippines whenever I could.
My faith, family, roots, colleagues, friends and the entire support system are my anchor and enabler.
There’s so much that can be done and I would like to do more.
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