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“In this millennium, science literacy is paramount to remain
competitive in the global arena. All channels of creative and
interesting science communication need to be harnessed for Filipinos
to achieve technological understanding and appreciation.”
Queena N. Lee-Chua never tires of sharing her
passion to spread the value of understanding science both inside and
outside the lecture hall. She has written umerous books, articles,
lectures, columns, and other communication output. She is an
astonishingly creative and disciplined person.
Born on April 13, 1966, Lee-Chua’s
accomplishments and activities are seldom matched by others older
than her. The science and math books she has written are for both
parents and students. Actually, she teaches also media, and
practically everybody else. She is well-likes because she makes sure
science and math learning is “fun” be the use of “simpler,
more understandable language.” She brings the “fun” of science
and math to print, radio, TV, online, and interpersonal audiences.
Lee-Chua earned her BS Math, summa cum laude in
1987, her MA in Counseling Psychology in 1992 and her PhD in
Clinical Psychology in 1995 at the Ateneo de Manila University. She
is now a full professor at the Mathematics Department of AdeMU.
Among her many awards are The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s
Service [2001], Outstanding Young Scientist [National Academy of
Science and Technology, 2002], First Multiple Intelligence Award
[Dr. Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligence International School
Foundation, Inc., 2005], Outstanding Teacher Award [Metrobank
Foundation, 2003], National Book Award for Science [2003], Carlos
Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature [1st place, English Essay,
2001], S&T Journalism Awards [Philippine Press
Institute-Philippine Geothermal Inc., 1992], and DOST—Best S&T
Columnist, special citation [2005].
Lee-Chua is one of the “50 Men and Women of
Science,” of the Department of Science and Technology which
recognized and saluted her as an individual for her achievements.
But her book, Ten Outstanding Filipino Scientists, won the Ateneo
Loyola Schools Publications Awards. The book is intended primarily
for high school and college students but will be appreciated by the
public in general. Ten prominent Filipino scientists in various
fields are featured. Why Be Afraid of Math and Other Mysteries, is
her first popular science book. The second one is In The Beginning
and Other Scientific Journeys. Her Student Workbook for Casio
FX-991MS Calculator is intended for science high-school students,
and college and graduate students. The exercises here are the most
advanced, but they still cater to a wide range of levels from
trigonometric functions to calculus. The workbook has been exhibited
and sold abroad, and the publisher is planning a German translation.
Among her award winning articles are “The
Rubics Cube approach to diagnosis and remediation of mathematical
learning disabilities in children,” “Informal Mathematics: In
Tribes and Streets” and “Teaching Math Effectively.”
Since 1992, Queena Lee-Chua has been the seminar
speaker for science communication, emcee for National Academy of
Science and Technology (NAST) events and judge of junior TOYS-The
Outstanding Young Scientists publicity work for the Science
Education Institute (SEI) and NAST.
She has done work with TV, radio and video
media, often serving as featured personality or panelist on
educational shows on math and psychology. Besides TV, she served as
resource person for many collective articles on math education,
psychology of math, psychology of family businesses, science
popularization, etc. She has been interviewed by journalists and
students alike. Book reviews in journals, student theses and popular
publications such as Good Housekeeping, The Manila Times, Woman
Today Parents, PC Digests.
In 2002, Lee-Chua was conferred the “Dr. Jose
P. Rizal Award for Execellence” by The Manila Times and its sister
publication Kabayan. In 2005, The Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) gave her a special citation as “Best S & T
Columnist.” DOST appreciates her consistent support and
professional commitment in covering S & T events, personalities,
and related developments for the mass media. This work of hers
contributes to wider public appreciation of science and scientific
matters. Her insightful columns have also encouraged scientists and
colleagues in doing their development mission. Queena N. Lee-Chua is
the “Queen of S & T Communicators.”
-- Yen Ocampo, S &T Media Service
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