Rhowell N. Tiozon, Jr.

Featured on February 9, 2025

Start off your days right for the next week by getting to know cereal Pinoy Scientist Rhowell N. Tiozon, Jr., PhD, an International Consultant at the International Rice Research Institute – Philippines.

Rhowell graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the Philippine Normal University in 2014. He spent a few years teaching at the Jubilee Christian Academy before taking his Master’s in Chemistry at De La Salle University where he also worked as a research assistant. He was an MSc Affiliate Scholar and eventual full-time researcher at the Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition Center at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) before pursuing his doctorate at the University of Potsdam. Studying Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rhowell graduated last year as Summa Cum Laude after defending his thesis on the genetic diversity of pigmented rice and its nutritional benefits. Throughout his degree, he served as a PhD Researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in conjunction with IRRI. During this time, he also served as the President of the association of Fellows, Scholars, Trainees, and Residents of IRRI.

Rhowell now works as an International Consultant at IRRI but is waiting for his postdoctoral appointment. So far, he has published 28 papers in Scopus-indexed journals and is a member of the Journal of Plant Physiology Editorial Board. He was also awarded the 2023 Gold Award for Young Cereal Scientists at KU Leuven, Belgium.

Some fun facts about Rhowell:

• He enjoys weightlifting and Muay Thai, and while he once dreamt of competing, it didn’t happen.
• He’s not an expert, but he likes playing the piano as a way to unwind and decompress during stressful times.
• He’s happily married to his 10-year crush, who is excellent in linguistics and has significantly helped improve his communication skills.