Field
Location (during time of takeover)
School/Institution
| Undergrad | De La Salle University Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Masters | Northumbria University Forensic Science |
| Masters | Binghamton University Psychology |
| PhD | Binghamton University Behavioral Neuroscience |
Featured on August 23, 2026
From forensics to the science of addiction, this week’s Pinoy Scientist is a multifaceted researcher and licensed chemist with an interest in the human brain. Meet Jariel Naomi Bacar, a Behavioral Neuroscience PhD candidate at Binghamton University in the United States of America (USA).
Jariel graduated from De La Salle University with a BS in Biochemistry and passed the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chemistry Licensure examination the year after. She worked briefly at her alma mater as a Natural Products Research Assistant before moving to the United Kingdom for a Master’s degree in Forensic Science at Northumbria University where she graduated with distinction. Making good use of her post-graduate specialization, Jariel returned to the Philippines where she worked with the National Bureau of Investigation in Manila as a contractual DNA Analyst. She then joined the University of the Philippines – National Institutes of Health Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology as a Project Technical Specialist. The project used rodent models to explore pharmacological and behavioral treatments for addressing toluene (rugby) addiction, tackling how these can be used to overcome withdrawal symptoms.
Jariel recently decided to further her studies, starting and finishing a second Master’s degree in Psychology at Binghamton University in the United States. She is currently at the university as a PhD candidate in Behavioral Neuroscience. Her current research focuses on ethanol-induced stress reactivity, and she has received multiple awards for her work in alcohol and addiction research.
Some fun facts about Jariel:
- She loves listening to true crime stories and documentaries! Her favorite shows growing up were Forensic Files, The First 48, and Cold Case Files
- She is an avid rock climber! She started climbing around 2021 and her home gym is Climb Central Manila (they just turned 10 this month!)
- She loves collecting Smiskis; they’re scattered everywhere on her desk and in her apartment!
