Scientists Name: Dr. Edgardo Gomez  

Time period: 1938- 2019

Subject: Marine Science

Biography:

Dr. Gomez is  a Filipino scientist that was integral in spearheading coral reef conservation efforts. He finished a B.S. in education summa cum laude from De La Salle University, followed by a M.S. Biology at St Mary’s university Minnesota. Afterwards, he finished a Ph.D in Marine biology at the University of California San Diego.

Summary of their contributions:

• Founded the Marine science institute at UP, raising it from a small grassroots movement to a world-class research and teaching institution of marine science
• 30 years of experience in coral reefs, marine ecology and resource management
• Research was focused on giant clam culture and restoration, coral reef assessment and conservation
• Led the first national scale assessment of coral reef damage, leading to worldwide conservation initiatives
• Spearheaded ways to reserve and restore the many coral reefs in the Philippines
• Awarded national scientist of the Philippines, the highest award for scientist in the country
• Emeritus professor at the Marine Science institute for the university of the Philippines

Integration with the BC Secondary Science Curriculum:

• Integrates well when talking about the hydrosphere or could be tied into the equilibrium unit of Chemistry 12, when talking about buffer systems.
• His work could also be talked about when talking about the effects of climate change, as his work dealt with the effects of global warming on the coral reefs of the Philippines
• Could also be used to talk about how the NOS means that science affects and is effected by society, Gomez’s efforts in conservation were an intersectional undertaking
• In terms of Core competencies, Gomez is an example of Personal and Social due to how his research and advocacy was focused on local and global efforts.

References:

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/marine-fellows/fellows-directory/2001/edgardo-gomez