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Background
Background
Velasquez was born on August 7, 1913, Bayambang, Pangasinan. Unfortunately, not much was said about her childhood. However, she was married to psychologist Gregorio T. Velasquez and had three daughters throughout their marriage. In 1934, she earned her bachelors of science in zoology in the University of the Philippines Diliman. She went on to obtain her masters in 1937 in the University of Michigan, where she was inspired by helminthologist George R. La Rue. After, she went back to the University of the Philippines and taught in the Zoology department in the year 1939. She then earned her PhD in parasitology in 1954 at the University of the Philippines, the first person to do so in that university. She also became a member of the American Society of Parasitologists in 1958. Later on, she became an assistant professor in the Department of Zoology in 1966 at the University of the Philippines, chairing that department from 1973-1976. She would later hold the Professional Chair of that department during those same years. In 1975, she would also publish a book titled Digenetic Trematodes of Philippine Fishes. Around 40 years later, Velasquez died on October 16, 1994, in Quezon City, Philippines.
Research
Velasquez's main focus of study was the parasitical tropical fish found in the Philippines. In her career, she discovered 32 new species and found a new genus of digenetic trematodes found in species of fish from the Philippines. Her research included parasites called copepods, which spent a little bit of their life in the intestines and gills of common fishes in Filipino cuisine such as tilapia and milkfish. Her journey also allowed her to be involved in discovering a disease called intestinal capillariasis, which was found commonly in Filipinos due to the nature of the disease. This disease, which is caused by the nematode Capillaria philippinensis, would damage the cells of the intestinal walls in humans, interfering with how nutrients are absorbed as well as the maintenance of electrolyte balance.
Significance
Through her research of parasites of fish that Filipinos commonly eat, not only was she able to discover 32 new species and a new genus, but she was also able to contribute in the discovery of the disease intestinal capillarisis. The fact that she was able to accomplish these new discoveries early on is an achievement itself, especially considering the struggles women faced in her era. Her discovery of new species is extremely significant as it allows us to further understand the process of evolution. Although the Philippines is a small country, there are various of things that can be learned in the environment, especially as it is a cluster of small islands. Thanks to her contributions, scientists today are able to further digest and examine these new species that she discovered. Furthermore, her involvement in discovering a disease is not to be undermined. Because of this discovery, individuals are able to be more aware of what they consume. Although this disease is more common in regions such as the Philippines and Thailand, this discovery has allowed people to be more alert and gives people measures of how to avoid developing this disease.
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