FEATURE STORY | Mushroom Expert and CS faculty is an Outstanding Young Scientist Awardee

At the age of 36, Dr. Rich Milton R. Dulay, a faculty researcher from the College of Science (CS) and a mushroom expert, has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) in the field of biology.  The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) conferred the award to Dr. Dulay during its 44th Annual Meeting held on July 14, 2022, at the Manila Hotel, Manila. Aside from the prestige, as an OYS awardee, he also received a cash prize, certificate, trophy, and a research grant for an approved proposal. Dr. Dulay currently serves as an Associate Professor V at the Department of Biological Sciences, and Head of the Center for Tropical Mushroom Research and Development. He is a registered microbiologist, a mycologist with expertise in mushroom science and biotechnology, conservation, and myko-pharming of wild, edible, and useful Philippine mushrooms. He was chosen as a NAST OYS awardee for his significant contribution to the Philippine mushroom industry, particularly in pioneering the submerged fermentation of Lentinus species. Further, he also initiated the establishment of the germplasm repository of the different species of mushrooms collected from the different parts of Luzon Island, which ultimately serves as the only mushroom culture bank in the country. Moreover, his team has generated six utility model applications relating to the process of biomass production of newly recorded Philippine mushrooms. Dr. Dulay has a strong commitment to contributing to sustainable development goals. His research findings on mushroom science and biotechnology may lead to the successful development of advanced technologies for the production of mushrooms are good sources of nutritious foods and bioactive metabolites for product development and drug discovery, that may generate livelihood, and ensure food security and sustainability. Eventually, these discoveries may contribute to the socio-economic development of our country. His accomplishments can be attributed to his childhood experiences since his interest in mushrooms began and grew when his parents cultivated straw mushrooms as an additional source of income for their family. As he fondly recalls those memories, he added that “this interest [in mushrooms] inspired me to have a deep connection with my field of expertise on mushroom science and biotechnology.” Meanwhile, Dr. Dulay has this to say to the budding researchers, “discover your interest and enrich with the new knowledge until you find your scientific niche.”  “Be more aggressive and grab every research opportunity that comes your way. Most importantly, be mentored,” he added. Dr. Dulay greatly recognizes the role of his mentors – VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Renato G. Reyes, and CS faculty researcher, Dr. Sofronio L. Kalaw, who have played much in his life, particularly in his career. He considers them highly as people who help him grow professionally both as a faculty and researcher. VP Reyes, a proud mentor to Dr. Dulay, immediately commended him on his Facebook upon learning of the award, and recognized all the hard work that his mentee has put into his research studies. For Dr. Dulay, to “develop your expertise and stay focused on it, coupled with hard work, a strong drive of commitment, wide and positive perspective, and warm-hearted character,” are his formula for success. Indeed, this formula did not fail him to reach his dreams. Surely, it will also lead him to achieve more of his dreams for himself, his family, and his parents. Dr. Dulay is an alumnus of Central Luzon State University where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology. While he finished his Master of Science in Biology and Doctor of Philosophy in Biology at De La Salle University-Manila. Also, he was a Fulbright Advanced Research Fellow at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Illinois, USA.