Rachel Mata is an Emeritus Professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She obtained her Ph.D. degree from Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN, USA, in 1979. Professor Mata’s research career focusses chiefly on Pharmacognosy, emphasizing the study of selected Mexican medicinal plants employed for treating major national health problems. Fungal bioprospecting in Mexico has also now been established and consolidated thanks to the pioneering work of Professor Mata’s research group. The outcome of her work has resulted in the publication of more than 200 research papers in peer-reviewed journals, several book chapters, and a book on Mexican medicinal plants. These contributions have earned her both national and international recognition, including her designation as Distinguished Alumna from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Purdue University in 1998. In 2013, she was recipient of National Chemistry Research Award from the Mexican Chemical Society; in 2014, the American Society of Pharmacognosy granted her the Norman Farnsworth Research Achievement Award. In 2016, the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT) designated her as Emerita Researcher of Mexico; and more recently, she received the 2019 ABC Norman R. Farnsworth Excellence in Botanical Research Award.
Well done!
