THE SCIENTIST AS AN ENVIRONMENTALIST

The number one predator in planet Earth is man. He is on top of the food chain, and he reigns supreme in his realm. If self-interest and greed continue to influence his vital moves, this planet is doomed. And he himself is doomed. Nevertheless, this is only a generalization. If he is truly a rational human being, for which reason he is above all other animals, his ability to evaluate, comprehend, evaluate and draw logical conclusions is a Godly blessing. Thus, he still has hope. Among those who have aspired to give hope to mankind are the devoted environmentalists who have drawn for the quizzical a landscape conducive to the preservation of man and his habitat. Dr. Rico O. Cruz, Ph. D. is one scientist, engineer, and environmentalist who fits the role of savior in the global desire to preserve Mother Earth.

He was born in Aguining, President Garcia, Bohol on January 29, 1958 to parents, Jose E. Cruz, Sr., a native of Aguining, and Demetria Obligado-Cruz of Combado, Maasin, Southern Leyte . After his elementary and high school education in his island municipality, he embarked on a developmental venture to enhance his potentials by enrolling at VISCA (Visayas State College of Agriculture), pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering. He finished the course in 1980 as a Southern Leyte State Scholar, a distinction that was bestowed to him after a series of examinations and interviews, and the fact that his previous scholastic records showed his excellence. He graduated Cum Laude in the five-year course. He also took four years of ARMY ROTC and topped the officers' training school (advance summer camp training) at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. Right after graduation he was presented with two options for a lifetime career: be an Agricultural Engineer or be a military man. He chose the former. From 1980 to 1984 he was hired as Science Specialist and Instructor by his alma mater. It was also at this time when VISCA became Leyte State University (LSU).

This further linkage with LSU opened another door for advancement. A scholarship grant took him to Silsoe College , Bedford , England where he took and finished Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering in 1983. Because of his qualifications, and his perseverance to enhance his chosen profession, he was admitted as Intern at the Postharvest Institute for Perishables, University of Idaho , USA . For his upkeep he worked as International Graduate Assistant. From 1984 to 1987 he was employed as International Graduate Assistant in the same University.

In 1997 he accepted the job of Assistant in Research at the University of Idaho Agricultural Engineering Department. Simultaneously he enrolled for his Doctorate degree in the said school and finished Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering in 1990. He stayed for two years more in Moscow , Idaho before he became Volunteer Specialist and Bioprocess Engineer at ACDI/VOCA (Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance) based in Washington , DC , a position he retains until today. Through the auspices of ACDI/VOCA he became involved in international humanitarian work and services. From April 1993 to June 1996 he was assigned in Uganda . In February 1999 he worked in Azerbaijan . From October to November of the same year he was based in Russia . From April 2001 to July 2002 he was working in Bulgaria , and from June to July 2003 he was assigned in Paraguay .

From 1994 to 1999 he worked as a Senior Environmental Specialist at Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Natural Resources, Lapwai , Idaho . It was during this stint that he was tapped for the United Nations Development Programme for TOKEN (Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals) from November to December of 1995. In 1999 he became a Senior Science and Technology Associate of the International Institute for Indigenous Resources Management of Denver, Colorado. A year later he went back to Nez Perce Tribe, Department of Natural Resources of Idaho, as Hanford Cultural Resource Coordinator, a job he held until 2003. After a couple of years he was taken in as Vice President for Operation at S.I.I. LLC in Pendleton , Oregon . Since 2002 he has been President and CEO of Ecoenergy International, LLC of Craigmont, Idaho . In 2004 he was offered the position of Program Manager and Terrestrial Ecologist of Laboratory and Biological Services, CTUIR, Oregon . Dr. Cruz still holds simultaneously the last three positions until today.

Dr. Rico Cruz is an active member of various organizations, among them: American Society of Agricultural Engineers, American Nuclear Society, Institute of Biological Engineers , American Society of Mechanical Engineers, International Who's Who of Professionals, International Solar Energy Society, Indian Nursery Council and Lions Club International. Among the awards and recognition he received are the following: First Place , Advance Summer Camp. Philippine Army Reserve, 31D, 1979; Cum Laude, VISCA, 1980; 5-year state Scholarship, Southern Leyte, 1975; Columbo Plan, British Council Study Fellowship, 1981;; Outstanding Alumnus in Science, The College of Maasin, 2000; 1000 W0orld Leaders of Scientific Influence, American Biographical Institute, 2001. Through the TOKEN program, he piloted the production of coconut in the Philippines . His work has been recognized worldwide, and he is listed in the 1999 International Who's Who of Professionals, Gibraltar Publishing Corporation, 1999; and the 1000 World Leaders of Scientific Influence in 2001 by the American Biographic Institute. In 2000 he was chosen by the College of Maasin as Outstanding Alumnus in Science. A Registered Professional Engineer, he has written, published, and presented over 30 technical papers on bioprocessing, biofuels, and environmental management.

l