Quenching the Thirst for Knowledge: The Story of Ricky Guerrero

There is no saying what limits the mind from reflecting on the world surrounding it. There are infinite possibilities of what ideas can reach, and all we need is a driver to stand in the forefront of transforming thoughts into plans, and plans to the people. Meet the mind that pushes the boundaries of where science can reach man– Ricardo Jose S Guerrero, PhD.

Driven by his curiosity about how life functioned, Ricky already found fascination in the realm of science in his early days of high school. As an alumnus of the Philippine Science System, he had found himself more fueled to bridge the gap between concept and practice, leading him to his journey as a Scientist-Engineer. His degrees in nanotechnology and sensors and systems integration cultivated his interest in biotechnology, and is exhibited in his graduate thesis on a photoluminescent sensor for cancer tumor hypoxia at the University of Edinburgh. However, despite pursuing his bachelor’s and graduate studies abroad, the Philippines was where Ricky found his niche of growth in 2020. The challenge of science is finding how to bridge results to where it is most needed, thus, he found himself in the country where there are opportunities to extend his work beyond academia. It is the possibility for his research to be commercialized into large-scale projects for the benefit of communities that stimulates his eagerness for learning. He, then, continued his pursuit in health, and primarily involved himself in research addressing COVID-19 issues in the country, as supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Now in his third year working in the country, Ricky is working under the DOST’s Balik Scientist Program and is currently leading a team of visionaries planning to advance the country’s health industry. The Philippines sees a struggle in the lack of local manufacturing of equipment, and it poses a challenge for researchers in funding and immediate progress. Recognizing this need, Ricky and his team dedicate themselves to revolutionizing the innovation of health devices in the country. Further, Unsilo Labs currently ventures to explore an environmental testing method, the droplet digital Technologies for Environmental COVID testing (ddTECT). By 2024, the team’s hope is to achieve this robust and sensitive system for diagnostic testing which enables the investigation of the impacts of viral load.

But, to Ricky, the vision of Unsilo Labs is only half the battle. Research thrives amidst a holistic landscape and the social sciences permit the delivery of these breakthroughs to people.From government officials to regular citizens, the understanding of research is crucial to fully patronize and reinforce scientific findings into tangible solutions. Science communication enables those in power to employ rightful guidelines, guided prioritization, and local advancement.

For the Filipino masses, effective science communication may spark passion in budding advocates. In the country, the research scene sees the possibility of a more sustainable future. Ricky stands firm on his hopes for Synthetic Biology to expand into local innovation. From monoclonal antibody production to the manufacturing of consumer products,studying the capabilities of living organisms can introduce greener industries and sustainable development.

To the aspiring scientist, our featured scientist-engineer bids a message of inspiration: remain curious. In traversing scientific exploration,the backbone of intelligence relies not on textbooks alone, but on selfdriven learning. A person’s continuous pursuit of the unknown will unveil a landscape of possibilities on how science can spark breakthroughs in mankind. Research is a continuous exploration; so, set forth, discover uncharted territories, and push the boundaries of knowledge.

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Text: Ana Bettina A. Morales

Photos: Trisha Tarnate & Jamielyn Kaw