Dr. Katherine Ann T. Castillo-Israel is a Professor and UP Scientist II at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños. She is a Professional Food Technologist and a Food Biochemist. She obtained BS Food Technology, MS Biochemistry, and PhD Biochemistry at UPLB. She teaches graduate and undergraduate food chemistry and biochemistry courses. As a highly prolific researcher in the past 10 years, she has obtained research fundings from DOST-NRCP, DOST-PCHRD, DOST-PCIEERD, CHED, and UP System. She has authored more than 80 international publications on functional foods and their bioactive profiles. Her research on ‘Saba’ banana peel pectin has gained various recognitions in international and national conferences. She is also the program leader of BerryPinoy, PCHRD’s flagship program on Philippine indigenous berries for functional food. Her academic and research contributions have been recognized by several prestigious award giving bodies, the latest of which is the 2025 National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award under the Chemical Sciences Division.