Marvin Jericho E. Cava is a dynamic biochemist with a keen interest in molecular biology and biotechnology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of the Philippines Manila in January 2023. His undergraduate thesis utilized molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to study the interactions of specific RNAs with the hnRNP H protein, shedding light on the molecular pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Shortly after graduation, Mr. Cava joined Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) as a Science Research Assistant for a project under the Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program on garlic and other agri-food condiments, funded by DOST-PCAARRD. His research engagement at MMSU continued with a DA-BPI-funded project on integrated management strategies for sustained garlic productivity. His work in these projects encompassed applied molecular biology and plant tissue culture, and he has presented his findings at various scientific forums, earning awards.

After more than a year as a project-based researcher, Mr. Cava secured a permanent Science Research Assistant position at MMSU. He is now involved in two in-house funded research studies on the production of virus-eliminated tissue cultured planting materials, one of which he leads. Additionally, within his first year in this role, he co-authored a DOST-PCAARRD-approved research project proposal on the metabolomics of Philippine garlic, set for implementation in May 2025.

Beyond research, Mr. Cava actively contributes to mentorship and scientific communication. He oversees internships and on-the-job training programs for junior high school, senior high school, and undergraduate students. He also assists on theses experiments of undergraduate students. He has also served as a resource speaker for events hosted by his high school alma mater, the Philippine Science High School–Ilocos Region Campus.

Mr. Cava is a member of the Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP), further reflecting his commitment to advancing agricultural research. His technical expertise spans plant tissue culture, molecular biology, and computational biology. With a passion for both fundamental and applied research, Mr. Cava continues to contribute to the advancement of molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology in the Philippines.