Melfei Estrada-Bungihan is a dedicated teacher and researcher with an extensive background in the field of Chemistry. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, which she earned from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in April 2011. She had her PhD in Chemistry Sandwich Program at the Chiba University in Japan from May to October 2009. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Chemistry from Saint Mary’s University in March 1996, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas in October 2003.

She serves as Assistant Professor II at the University of Santo Tomas in the College of Science.  Her dedication to the academic community extends beyond her role as a professor, as she has actively engaged with numerous academic organizations. She is an officer of the Mycological Society of the Philippines (MSP), a member of the Natural Products Society of the Philippines (NPSP), the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (KKP), Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP), and the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP).

Her research continues to significantly impact chemistry, mycology, health research, and pedagogy. Her extensive education, active participation in academic and scientific organizations, and remarkable contributions to scientific literature reflect Dr. Bungihan’s dedication to advancing knowledge in both teaching and research

Dr. Bungihan’s research contributions can be seen from her extensive list of publications. Her work covers a diverse range of topics such as science pedagogy, drug discovery from natural products such as pandanus, endophytic fungi from different sources, health and environmental research, and the capacitation of science teachers. She is also involved in community development and outreach programs over the years, being a technical panel, an active resource speaker, organizer, and facilitator of many projects to help communities and promote science.