Dr. Lilian Pagaduan-Villamor’s journey from a passionate student at BYU-Hawaii to the world of biotechnology is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and the pursuit of purpose.
Her path exemplifies the core values of ethical leadership, community service, and personal development—values that she carries into every aspect of her career.
Table of Contents
- A Passion for Science Ignited at BYU-Hawaii
- From Human Genetics to Animal Biotechnology
- Faith-Driven Decisions and Career Shifts
- Challenges of Being a Woman in Science
- Turning Points in Her Career
- Guided by Faith and Purpose
- Advice for BYU-Hawaii Students
- Mission-Driven Leadership
- Related Content
A Passion for Science Ignited at BYU-Hawaii
Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s passion for science ignited during her undergraduate years at BYU-Hawaii. It was here that she gained a deep understanding of how ethical leadership and scientific advancements can intersect. Under the mentorship of Dr. Douglas Oba, she worked on a groundbreaking project that analyzed the genetic populations of Filipinos and compared them with non-Filipino populations on campus. This experience opened her eyes to the profound impact that knowledge and science can have on local and global communities, something she later carried into her career.
Her work in human genetics provided a solid foundation for understanding the impact of diversity and ethics in research. “I realized that with molecular procedures, I could uncover important information to understand how Filipinos are related to other populations and how we differ from them,” she reflects. This commitment to applying her talents for the common good became a guiding principle in her career.
From Human Genetics to Animal Biotechnology
Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s journey didn’t stop at human genetics; it evolved to focus on the genetic diversity of livestock species, particularly for conservation. Her transition from human genetics to animal biotechnology demonstrated her ability to apply scientific knowledge to create a meaningful, ethical impact. This shift in focus also highlighted the influence of her BYU-Hawaii education and the principles she learned there.
Biotechnology, she explains, is all about application, and it was at BYU-Hawaii that she gained the foundational knowledge to apply science in meaningful ways. Her connection to ethical leadership principles became clearer as she saw the potential of biotechnology to improve lives globally. “Biotechnology is about making a difference in people’s lives. From studying human DNA to improving agricultural practices, it has always been about contributing to something greater,” she shares.
Faith-Driven Decisions and Career Shifts
While Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s career path initially pointed toward becoming a medical doctor, she felt divinely guided to pursue biotechnology in agriculture. This pivotal moment reflected not just a career choice, but a deeper alignment with the core values that had been instilled in her throughout her education.
She explains, “While I always dreamed of becoming a doctor, I realized that agricultural biotechnology was my true calling. I felt guided to focus on this path, knowing that my work could help farmers and improve the country’s agricultural sector.” It was her faith in both her work and the divine direction she felt that guided her to take this leap, a journey where her influence continues to impact communities.
Challenges of Being a Woman in Science
As a woman in the science and biotechnology fields, Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor faced challenges in balancing her professional career with her responsibilities as a mother. Yet, through these challenges, her faith and alignment with ethical leadership principles have given her the strength to overcome obstacles. She views these challenges as an opportunity to learn and gain knowledge, so she can better mentor others, especially those within her professional network.
“It’s tough to juggle being a working mom, but with the guidance of the gospel, I learned how to prioritize what truly matters. My faith and the support of my family have helped me navigate these challenges,” she reflects. Her ability to balance family and career demonstrates the leadership skills she gained through her education, which have shaped her ability to lead with integrity.
Turning Points in Her Career
A significant turning point in Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s career came when she and her husband decided to settle in Science City, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, where she continued applying her knowledge of biotechnology to agricultural conservation efforts. This decision also allowed her to focus on her work in the national conservation of livestock species.
Her leadership, driven by her faith, faith-based principles, and ethical values, allowed her to focus on improving the country’s agricultural practices. “Biotechnology’s purpose is to help others, and through my work with livestock conservation, I’ve seen the positive impact that ethical leadership can have on entire industries,” she says.
Guided by Faith and Purpose
Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s story is a powerful example of how faith, ethical leadership, and purpose are intertwined. Just as she applied her knowledge and skills to create positive change in the world, she encourages others to follow the same path. Her work with animal genetic conservation projects shows how deep-rooted principles of ethical leadership and faith can create meaningful, long-lasting impacts.
“When I fail, He’s always there. When I succeed, He’s there to guide me forward,” she shares. Her faith in divine guidance, combined with her professional expertise, has empowered her to make decisions that benefit not only her career but also her community and the world.
Advice for BYU-Hawaii Students
Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor has a clear message for current BYU-Hawaii students: “Set your goal and do whatever it takes within the boundaries of ethics. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you. Strive to be the best version of yourself while studying at BYU-Hawaii, and once you graduate, serve your country and make a difference in the world.”
Her words resonate deeply with the core of ethical leadership and personal development that she has embraced throughout her career.
Mission-Driven Leadership
Dr. Pagaduan-Villamor’s story exemplifies the power of mission-driven leadership. Whether in biotechnology, conservation, or personal development, she remains grounded in her mission to help others and contribute to a greater purpose. Through her work, she has mentored others, advanced scientific knowledge, and demonstrated the power of principled leadership—a true testament to the lasting impact of ethical leadership in action.
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