
Hi! I’m Maia, a microbiologist, botanical artist, and science communicator.
I’m taking my Master’s degree in Microbiology, and I plan to work on cyanobacteria biotechnology research after grad school. I craft botanical, fauna, and microbe art and scientific articles in the hopes of making Science a part of our daily, creative lives. I also love fountain pens and mechanical keyboards.
Expertizes
Microbiology
I have an extensive background in Microbiology and Zoology from my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. I am trained in laboratory techniques and academic writing. Further, I participated in fieldwork including a 10-day data collection in Puerto Prinsesa and a 3-day hike in Mt. Makiling.
Creative and Content Writing
I write blog posts, articles, newsletters, and social media posts for my clients across different industries – healthcare, law, technology, and productivity. See my online portfolio.
Read my writings on Thought Catalog, Entity Magazine, and Connected Women.
Science Communication
Since I started writing professionally in 2017, I’ve worked with several laboratories, including Eurofins, for their weekly articles and newsletters.
Botanical and Fauna Art
I paint endemic flora and fauna species of the Philippines. I also love illustrating microbes and experimenting with different techniques and media.
I share my work on this website and @sihaybymaia on IG and Facebook.
Experiences
Microbiology
2019-Present
I’m currently taking my Master’s degree in Microbiology at the University of the Philippines Diliman. I’m under the Plant Genetics and Cyanobacteria Biotechnology Research Laboratory and working on biosynthetic genome mining of cyanobacteria species to test for antiviral properties.
Science Writing
2017-Present
I made a major pivot in my career in 2017 when I left med school to become a Science Communicator. I started as a junior copywriter and gradually transitioned to more technical writing. Now, I’m working with laboratories, law firms, and other clients from several industries.
Pre-med & Med School
2010-2014, 2015-2016
I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a major in Zoology at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. I initially planned to become a doctor of medicine (MD) and gained 80 units of coursework at the Far Eastern University NRMF.
Science & Botanical Art
2017-Present
I paint endemic flora and fauna species to raise awareness of their conservation status and Philippine biodiversity. I’m also passionate about the wonderful world I see under a microscope. I started painting professionally in 2017.
Let’s make something together.