Magdalena Mejillano-Gonzales:
A Filipino "health" scientist in our midst

By Laura Salinger

    When Magdalena (Allen) Mejillano-Gonzales first moved to Madison in 1995 to head
PPD's then recently purchased cGMP laboratory in Madison, she was in charge of just
20 employees in a small office space on Madison's south side. Since then, the
laboratory, which she calls "one of the best kept secrets in Madison," has grown to 520
employees occupying a 160,000 sq. foot facility in Middleton.
   In layman's terms, Mejillano's laboratory is responsible for performing a variety of tests
on an assortment of newly discovered or developed, as well as over-the counter and
prescription drugs, to help clients determine an expiration date. Given the intricacies of
the work (it can take a series of tests spanning up to five years or more), along with the
management of accounting and personnel, Mejillano's duties are many. Yet, armed with
an undergraduate degree in chemistry from her native Philippines and a master's in
inorganic chemistry and Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Kansas, Mejillano is
well-suited for the position. It is a responsibility she does not take lightly.
   "I feel very fortunate that I was given this opportunity by PPD," Mejillano said in a
recent interview with Asian Wisconzine. "I am very pleased to represent the Filipino
community here in the U.S. in a remarkable position that contributes directly to the
health care of a society."
   Mejillano grew up in Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province in the Philippines.
Home to the Philippines’ most famous volcano, the Mayon Volcano, Legazpi is one of
the top tourist destinations in the Bicol Region. Mejillano has fond memories of the
volcano city, estimating that the Mayon erupted every 10 to 15 years. When asked if it
was scary, she simply chuckled.
   "My memories of it erupting were actually more fun and exciting than anything," she
said.
   Mejillano said the main legacy her parents passed on to her was the importance of
education. Her father, a city engineer, and her mother, an English teacher, were
unbending in their insistence that their six children achieve key educational markers.
"Both of my parents strongly emphasized the importance of education," Mejillano said.
"I'm hoping to pass this on to my kids, and hopefully they will pass it on to their kids."
After receiving her undergraduate degree and teaching in the Philippines for several
years, Mejillano journeyed to the United States to pursue an advanced degree in
chemistry. At the time, she had every intention of returning to her native country. Like
many Filipinos, however, this changed when political and economic instability struck
the country.
   Mejillano met her husband, a fellow Filipino, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence
where he was pursuing a graduate degree in public administration. The two were
married and together, decided to stay in the United States and start a family. Mejillano
eventually took the position as a laboratory director for a pharmaceutical contract
company in Lawrence, KS. Discontent would set in, however, when a private individual
purchased the lab, dissatisfied employees began leaving, and her workload substantially
increased.       
   When Mejillano was offered the opportunity to work with PPD, her family moved to
Madison, Wis. Self-described as a "leading global contract research organization (CRO)
providing discovery, development and post-approval services," PPD employs more than
10,200 professionals in 30 different countries. Their clients include pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, medical device, academic, and government organizations.
   In Middleton, the GMP lab is working to increase their visibility outside the lab within
the local community.
   "Our goal is to advance the health and well being of people and communities and  
gain more visibility within the community."
   The lab, under Mejillano's guidance, is working hard to become a key player in the
community. They recently donated to UW Children's Hospital "Cure Kids Cancer" fund,
sponsored a T-shirt contest for Kids and Science at the Dane County Fair, and raised
money for the American Cancer Society. Employees have volunteered at a number of
events and are active participants in the Middleton Chamber of Commerce.
   At home, Mejillano is busy raising three children with the help of her husband, Jun.
Her husband also manages the affairs of his late father's real estate business in the
Philippines and is on the board of PAMANA (Philippine-American Association of
Madison and Neighboring Areas). The family regularly participates in PAMANA events.
Mejillano stressed the importance of sustaining their Filipino culture and passing it on to
their children.
   "We would like for our children to be active in the Philippine culture," she said. "We
have a lot of great Filipino values to pass on. [Being involved in PAMANA] is our way of
keeping in touch with what's going on in the Philippines and enjoying the food, customs
and the culture."
   Whether donning a lab coat or answering to "Mom," Mejillano has made a name for
herself as an accomplished scientist and business woman, as well as a Filipino woman
who remains true to her family and culture.
         
Magdalena (Allen)
Mejillano-Gonzales
Laura Salinger is a
freelance writer based in
Madison, Wis.