The Center for Tropical Conservation Studies of the Silliman University in Dumaguete City is now headed by Professor Renee Paalan formerly of the Biology Department who replaced Dr. Angelita Cadeliña who is retiring next year.

Paalan has been active in research activities on conservation and biodiversity. She received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biology from Silliman in 1978 and 1994, respectively.

Meanwhile, CenTrop has two additions to its staff, Dr. Emilia Lastica as new curator, consultant and veterinarian, and US Peace Corps volunteer, Stella Naifeh.

Lastica, who replaced Dr. Gregg Acuña, is the Programme Assistant for Fauna and Flora International-Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Programme Species Conservation Programmes. She earned her veterinary degree at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and is currently taking her Master's degree in Environment and Natural Resources Management at the UP Open University.

She has a Diploma in Endangered Species Management from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the University of Kent at Canterbury, and has been working in conservation for six years now.

Naifeh will assist CenTrop enhance the garden grounds, plan further development for the community-based livelihood projects, and help in getting funding support for CenTrop.*MG

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