Dr. Vachel Gay V. Paller is Professor 9 of the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. She is currently the Director of the Institute of Biological Sciences and she actively involves in various committees in the University such as the UPLB Zoonoses Center as Leader of the Parasites and Vector Division, UPLB Water Interdisciplinary Center, and the UPLB Research Ethics Board.

Upon obtaining her doctorate degree in Kobe University, Japan in 2008, Dr. Paller continued her passion for teaching and research. Her selfless dedication has earned her prestigious awards such as the and the 2021 Department f Science and Technology- National Research Council of the Philippines Outstanding Achievement Award, 2021 University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Outstanding Researcher Award (Senior Category for Biological Sciences), 2016 UPLB Outstanding Teacher Award (OTA), and 2014 UPLB Ten Outstanding Alumni Award (TOUAA).

Dr. Paller is also a prolific researcher having published about 75 publications including ISI/SCOPUS and other peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, monographs, and training manuals; thus conferred the UP Scientist 3 and UP Professorial Chair awards in teaching and research since 2014. She is also one of the recipients of the SEARCA Regional Prof Chair Award.

In the national and international level, Dr. Paller is being recognized as member and officer of various local and international professional organizations , editorial board member of Tropical Biomedicine Journal and the International Journal for Tropical Diseases and Health, resource speaker in various conferences/symposia, and technical consultant. Her involvement contributes to policy recommendations to local governments; and her research-based initiatives are part of her advocacy to promote science-based strategies through One Health and EcoHealth for sustainable communities especially in resource-poor communities.

Dr. Paller’s outstanding devotion and selfless dedication as a teacher, mentor, researcher and extension worker have contributed to a greater understanding of parasites and their transmission dynamics that are often neglected and underreported.