Location (during time of takeover)
School/Institution
| Undergrad | University of the Philippines Diliman Journalism |
|---|---|
| Masters | University of the Philippines Los Baños Development Communication |
Featured on May 10, 2026
Standing at the intersection of science and media, this week’s Pinoy Scientist is a science communicator who has explored various topics from science policy to agricultural research. Ruby Shaira Panela is a Media, Campaigns, and Branding Senior Specialist at the International Rice Research Institute and a Master’s student of Development Communication at the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños.
Shai finished her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the UP Diliman. She spent several years as a science reporter at a variety of different news networks. She started off at GMA News where she rose to the position of Head Researcher, leading a team for the weekly investigative journalism television program Investigative Documentaries. She also wrote daily science articles for GMA News’ online platform. Other notable works include a role as a Senior Researcher for the National Marine Policy under the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies and a job as a Science Writer and Editor for the STAMINA4Space Program at UP Diliman. While there, she developed press releases, feature articles, and collateral for the project. She was also a Communications Assistant for Clean Air Asia. Her work throughout the years earned her the 2nd Place Bantog Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Journalist in 2018 from the Department of Science and Technology.
Leaning into her extensive experience as a science communication, Shai began her time with the International Rice Research Institute in 2022 where she was a Media Relations and Social Influence Specialist. Last year she became a Media, Campaigns, and Branding Senior Specialist, a leadership role that involves the management of the IRRI media relations and social media team. She has also begun her Master’s in Development Communication at UP Los Baños.
Some fun facts about Shai:
- She loves musicals, both Broadway-produced and especially the local ones. Her favorites are Orosman and Zafira (2011, by Dexter Santos) and Next to Normal (2011 and 2025)
- She’s a fan of Jollibee – the mascot.
- Sleeping while standing up is her secret skill
