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10th ASTHRDP Conference – Summary of Proceedings Day 2- September 23, 2022

10th ASTHRDP Conference Summary of Proceedings Day 2 – September 23, 2022

In the first plenary session of the day, UPLB Institute of Biological Sciences Assoc. Prof. Phillip Alviola discussed his extensive years-long research into bat-borne diseases and the implications of his work on the present and future pandemics. His talk, entitled, “Viruses with potential high consequence from Philippine bats: Results of the UPLB-Japan research into bat-borne pathogens” noted the existence of several virus families common to bats in the Philippines that are very closely genetically related to human-infectious viruses being monitored by the World Health Organization. Apart from ebola and coronaviruses, hantaviruses were of particular concern because of their mortality rate of up to 75% – higher than the SARS-CoV-2 virus and “the stuff of nightmares,” Prof. Alviola warned. Moreover, he said that the widespread distribution and migration patterns of bats in the country means a high potential for outbreaks in the future, given the right circumstances. He and his colleagues are currently undertaking an in-depth multidisciplinary study of bats – including their habitat, migration patterns, and interactions with humans – to help anticipate possible future outbreaks and pandemics.

 

The last plenary presentation, by UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding Researcher Dr. Mark Angelo O. Balendres, entitled, “Plant pathogens and crop diseases: Challenges and opportunities” underscored the importance of crop protection and management in meeting the nutritional needs of the continually burgeoning global population, which the UN estimates to reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. Dr. Balendres pointed out the need for a better appreciation and public understanding of the various best practices surrounding plant health in farms, such as non-chemical pesticides and crop management methods: “We need more communication and awareness at the community level, particularly at the level of farmers. And we need more research on non-pesticide intervention,” he said. However, Dr. Balendres lamented the lack of skilled plant pathology researchers to address these concerns – a glut that was further aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely limited opportunities for fieldwork and hands-on experience. However, he expressed hope that improved public communication and encouragement to pursue crop protection even at the high school level could help grow the research community and enable it to rise to the challenge.

 

The two-day ASTHRDP Conference was capped by a formal ceremony honoring scholars from across the country with refereed publications, as well as the announcement and awarding of the winners of the Oral and Poster Presentations at the Conference.

 

The day ended on a high note with closing remarks from UP Diliman College of Science Dean and 10th ASTHRDP Conference Chair Giovanni Tapang, who congratulated the attendees not just on their individual research but also on the community they had built through their hard work: “This years’ celebration would be impossible without you, our scholars – past, present, and even the future. We thank you all for sharing this with us… Padayon!” Dr. Tapang concluded.

A Summary of the Proceedings of the 10th ASTHRDP Conference: Day 1

A Summary of the Proceedings of the 10th ASTHRDP Conference: Day 1

The first day of the conference opened with welcoming remarks from DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo, who touched on the event’s theme, “ASTHRDP: 10 Years of Sustaining Excellence,” by underscoring the continued excellence of the ASTHRDP’s scholars through the years even despite the pandemic: “They always go the extra mile, and this event proves that,” she said. Citing in-house survey data, she pointed out that in the years 2015 to 2018 alone, the number of R&D personnel jumped 200% from 25,000 to 75,000. And despite setbacks from the pandemic, the country’s research community has continued to grow and thrive largely because of initiatives like the ASTHRDP.

 

The opening was also graced by the presence of DOST Sec. Renato Solidum Jr., who praised the ASTHRDP scholars for persevering through and overcoming the challenges of the pandemic for the greater good. “We need your expertise to move forward and pursue research, not just for academic reasons but for the value it can bring to mankind… Maraming salamat!” Solidum said in praise of the scholars.

 

For his keynote address, “Science is a Never-Ending Challenge,” ASTHRDP-NSC Steering Council Chair Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit congratulated the ASTHRDP scholars for their key role in building up the Philippines’ research capability. He pointed out that, to date, the ASTHRDP accounts for some 50% of the country’s graduate scholars, comprised mostly of MS degrees but with an ongoing effort to increase the country’s PhD scholars as well. Further in his talk, Dr. Dayrit doubled back on the unprecedented challenges of recent years by exhorting the audience to always remember that provisionality and adaptation are fundamental to the practice of science. Moreover, he noted the importance of scientists and researchers in confronting the challenges of our time, from biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation to overpopulation and food security. A cooperative and multidisciplinal approach is essential, according to Dr. Dayrit: “Any one science cannot do it alone. We should stop working in silos,” he advised.

 

In the first plenary session of the day, UPLB Graduate School Dean Dr. Jomar Rabajante gave an overview of the growth of mathematics from ancient times through to the twenty-first century, and what this growth of ideas has to teach today’s researchers in a post-truth and post-pandemic world. His talk, “Bringing back the ‘Philosophy’ in ‘Doctor of Philosophy’” touched on the paradigm shifts that have changed the way science is understood and pursued. Citing philosopher Karl Popper’s notion of falsification, Dr. Rabajante stressed the importance of continually testing established ideas. “Science is dynamic and we can continuously innovate and grow as human beings,” he said. “Testing is part of our job as scientists. But we must also teach, not just how and when but also why – in other words, the philosophy behind the science.” In the Q&A session that followed, when asked about how best to improve public appreciation of science, Dr. Rabajante pointed to the need for early education: “We should train people to know what’s scientific and non-scientific. Gawin natin sa simula. Sa elementary and high school pa lamang, doon ang laban,” he said.

 

The second plenary talk, delivered by NIP Prof. Dr. M. F. Ian G. Vega II was titled, “Point particles in general relativity.” Vega talked about how Einstein’s relativity led to the discovery and eventual visualization of black holes. The Nobel Prizewinning discoveries of recent years would not have been possible, according to Vega, without the collaborative efforts of multiple researchers from around the world over many decades. “Modern advances have brought us to a new golden age in physics, but there are still a lot of problems that still need to be addressed,” he mused. Reiterating ideas raised in previous talks, Vega said that collaboration and dedication to research are essential to the growth of human knowledge. “There’s something to be said of the bravery of experimentalists who are willing to undertake these experiments over a very long time, because these are the kinds of experiments that often bring surprising results,” he explained.

 

The plenary talks were capped by a brief photo session, followed by the presentation of ASTHRDP scholars’ work in simultaneous oral and poster breakout sessions in the afternoon.

Remembering Maam Sanna: mentor, colleague, academic mother

Remembering Maam Sanna: mentor, colleague, academic mother

Maria Ines Rosana D. Balangue-Tarriela, Ph.D., or Ma’am Sanna and the unofficial “Nanay ng NIGS,” sadly joined our beloved creator last August 8, 2022. Her commanding yet comforting presence, her uplifting and warm attitude, and her motherly aura were remembered by her former students, colleagues, mentees, and more people who she has helped or inspired.

Maam Sanna as a Mentor

 

“Bakit ako susuko, hindi pa nga ako sinusukuan ni Ma’am Sanna“

 

Dana Sarmiento, University Research Associate, heard this from one of the students in their laboratory and it really resonated with her. For her, Maam Sanna consistently inspires people to keep going and to push harder in academics and in life–that is how passionate she is to geology and her students. Outside the classroom, Dana mentioned they would have late-night meetings with Maam Sanna to discuss their research, field work requirements, and climb mountains. “That is how much she cares. Dr. Tarriela made a huge impact on the field of geology and on the lives of the people around her,” she added.

 

Maam Sanna as a motherly figure

 

“Iba magmahal ang isang Ma’am Sanna”

 

Anna Sarah Rhea S. Mendoza, NIGS instructor, lovingly mentioned that Ma’am Sanna was a “mother she never knew she needed.” As her former student, Anna remembered how Maam Sanna would go far and beyond to always make her discussion interesting and engaging. She also received important advice from Maam Sanna that made her studies in geology bearable. As a colleague, Anna mentioned that her love and dedication to her profession have inspired countless colleagues and students like her to pursue what we love to do. “She would always say to us words of encouragement like ‘huwag kayo bibitaw‘ and ‘walang susuko’, just like how a mother would say to her children. One of her strengths and admirable qualities is her ability to give hope when there seems to be none.” she added.

 

Maam Sanna and NIGS 

 

Aside from being an associate professor, Maam Sanna was pursuing research angled in geothermics, hydrothermal geochemistry and economic geology. Her early studies were crucial in developing models and regulations that helped in promoting sustainability of natural resources.

 

Beyond her institutional duties as a professor and scientist, Maam Sanna was well remembered in NIGS as someone who was willing to extend help in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she facilitated the solicitation of and managed the funds generated from donations, and distributed these to the needy NIGS constituents, whether for their internet requirements for online classes, or even for the most basic necessities like food and shelter. 

 

It is indeed unfortunate to lose a significant figure who has contributed in shaping NIGS as a national institute. She will surely be remembered by her students, co-authors, co-teachers and all the people whose lives she touched in many ways. She will be remembered for embodying a loving mother and for being a thoughtful, helpful person. She will be remembered for a successful journey she had. Most of all, she will be remembered through the good values she has shared as the “Nanay ng NIGS.”

Women in STEM: Dr. Monissa C. Paderes

Women in STEM: Dr. Monissa C. Paderes

The country has come a long way since the first recorded case of COVID-19 in the early months of 2020. Looking back to the first surge, many local departments—alongside health sectors—have adopted ways to mitigate and manage the pandemic. Big or small, these efforts greatly contributed to the overall improvement of our national COVID situation.

 

As a chemist, Dr. Monissa C. Paderes volunteered, together with her colleagues from the Institute of Chemistry (IChem), to help in their own ways through producing liters and liters of alcohol sanitizers that were in demand at that time. The Institute also formulated guidelines on the preparation of these alcohol sanitizers, following the protocols of the Food and Drug Administration. Through this, Dr. Paderes was able to realize anew her commitment to serving the country through her profession.

 

Dr. Paderes is an assistant professor at IChem and the principal investigator of the Organic Synthesis and Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory (OSSCL), the laboratory she established just six months into IChem. OSSCL designs and synthesizes organic molecules and polymeric materials for various biological, and materials science applications. The laboratory’s research goals are in line with Dr. Paderes’ research interests which include synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and polymer chemistry.

 

Dr. Paderes obtained her master’s degree in chemistry at the University of South Carolina, Columbia and her doctorate degree in chemistry at University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. She then proceeded to do her postdoctoral fellowship at the National University of Singapore and then at KU Leuven and Procter & Gamble in Belgium.

 

In 2017, she went back to the Philippines and became a faculty member of the Institute of Chemistry. Dr. Paderes saw big improvements in the capabilities not just of IChem but of UP Diliman. “[Our country] still has a long way to go but compared to 20 years ago, we have improved a lot especially in the facilities and funding aspects, although I believe that we can still do better,” she shares. She also cites the UP Balik PhD and DOST Balik Scientists programs as commendable efforts to invite foreign-trained fellows back to the Philippines for good.

 

After four years as a faculty researcher and head of her laboratory, Dr. Paderes has found her home in IChem, specifically in her beloved OSSCL. The laboratory has secured numerous fundings over the years and has already hosted a number of undergraduate and graduate students as well. After her immediate local response to COVID-19 in 2020, Dr. Paderes and her lab are currently working on the design and synthesis of potential COVID-19 inhibitors. Their study specifically aims to identify SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 inhibitors via structural modifications of natural products commonly found in terrestrial plants. Another current endeavor is part of a drug discovery program and aims to chemically modify deguelin and rotenone to enhance anticancer activity and lower their toxicity. And in a collaborative project with UP Diliman College of Science Dean, Dr. Giovanni A. Tapang, they have also been investigating the synthesis and photodimerization of anthracene-containing polymeric materials and exploring their applications as functional materials.

 

“I believe the pandemic speaks of how we are perceived as researchers and scientists,” says Dr. Paderes. With the current limitations and challenges of doing research, she hopes that in the upcoming 2022 national elections, our country will elect more leaders who will support scientific and medical research and hopefully who will handle health crises rationally. 

 

Dr. Paderes plans on pursuing her research endeavors here in the country and wants to continue her passion as a mentor and consultant. She has enjoyed her life as a teacher and hopes to be an inspiration to budding scientists. “Scholarships are widely available nowadays, so if they are truly passionate about science and in ‘discovering the unknown,’ they should take every opportunity they can find and pursue their scientific goals,” Dr. Paderes advises younger generations. She also hopes that they will use social media platforms more productively by taking advantage of free online workshops and webinars to expand their scientific vocabulary.

 

Dr. Paderes is a recipient of the 2021 UP Diliman Centennial Faculty Grant and the Dr. Barker H. Brown Professorial Chair. Despite the limitations set by the pandemic, she continues to share and apply her expertise, and guide her research assistants, masteral students and undergraduate students toward discovering the potential of OSSCL.

 

Visit the Organic Synthesis and Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory (OSSCL) website here: https://updosscl.weebly.com/ and view Dr. Paderes’ list of publications here: https://chem.science.upd.edu.ph/index.php/faculty/professors?layout=edit&id=180

 

#BreakTheBias
#WomeninSTEM

Women in STEM: Dr. Jessica Domingo Rey

Women in STEM: Dr. Jessica Domingo Rey

Beginning her fruitful scientific journey at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Jessica D. Rey boasts of more than two decades’ experience as a rice researcher/scientist. Although she is now expanding her research endeavors to other plant species with medicinal value or high value crops such as lettuce, strawberry, tomato and pepper, she is grateful to her stepping stone for giving her a hopeful perspective in food security and research for humanitarian purposes which she carries with her as she continues her research.

 

Dr. Rey, commonly referred to as “Dr. J” by her colleagues and students, is a geneticist, molecular biologist and currently an assistant professor at the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman where she leads its Plant Molecular Phylogenetics Laboratory. She teaches courses on genetics, plant morphoanatomy, and developmental biology.

 

After completing her bachelor’s degree in biology at UP Los Banos, Dr. Rey taught science in the UP Rural High School for a year. She then pursued her master’s in genetics under a scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology and got the chance to do her MSc thesis in IRRI. During this period, she became aware of three things: (a) the global food security systems and situation, (b) that her passion is research, and (c) that she wanted to continue research as service to the country and the world. It was also through this opportunity that she developed and honed her abilities in bench science, and writing and presenting her research, which she considers as important factors in becoming a scientist. 

 

Dr. Rey took her doctorate degree in genetics also in UPLB while still working at the IRRI. And as one would expect, she continued working at the world’s premier research organization after earning her PhD. She climbed from being a student researcher toward becoming one of their head scientists and project leaders.

 

As a petite female scientist in the 90s who took the chance to explore the previously male-dominated field, Dr. Rey’s mantra was, ‘stand your ground and assert what you can contribute and what you know.’ “Listening to a woman, especially from a molecular biology perspective, was difficult during that time,” she says. Despite setbacks she experienced as a woman in science, she worked hard to earn the respect of higher level scientists until she was noticed and seen as somebody who would bring something to the table.

 

Much like any other women, motherhood also became a challenge for a budding scientist like Dr. Rey. When she started a family, she wanted to be hands-on and be present as much as possible, but her work demands her to be active in field research. “I would miss out on activities in school and would really feel bad about it. It was hard, but I needed to sacrifice a bit of my motherhood for my career,” shares Dr. Rey. It was often hard to weigh these priorities but she was lucky to be in an understanding work environment where her role as a parent was given importance. Having successfully built her career and raised her family, she can’t help but hope for better treatment to fellow working mothers who may not have the privilege that she had. She lobbies for a supportive and enabling working environment for parents, especially mothers, who may feel that they have to give up on advancing their careers in order to build their families. 

 

“I am almost satisfied with my career but I think I could influence more and do better,” Dr. Rey says. This is why apart from being a Biology teacher, mentor and scientist seeking national development through research, she also wants to campaign for accessible education for orphans, less fortunate children, victims of abuse and drug-dependent parents, and other vulnerable children. She hopes that education and other opportunities for them would become a government initiative because this is a way to lower the illiteracy rate of the country.

 

Additionally, Dr. Rey advocates for women leaders. Our country is evidently dominated by men in higher positions in the government so this election season, she hopes that people consider females, this time, to assume government leadership. “I have read and known many women who have the capability to lead some of our government agencies like DOST, DA, DENR, and DOH. I hope that in this coming election, we vote for new public servants who will reiterate that women can lead too.”

 

Dr. Rey and her co-proponents recently celebrated the success of the Smart Plant Production In Controlled Environment (SPICE), a project funded by DOST-PCIEERD aiming to establish a smart indoor farm for food production.

 

Dr. Rey is a licensed Agriculturist, a lifetime member of the Asia Rice Foundation and the Crop Science Society of the Philippines Inc, and an active member of the Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research for Asia and Oceania, and the Philippine Association of Agriculturists Inc. 

 

Know more about Dr. Jessica D. Rey here:
https://biology.science.upd.edu.ph/index.php/faculty-profile-rey/

 

#BreakTheBias
#womeninSTEM
#WomenCanLeadToo

Women in STEM: Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista

Women in STEM: Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista

Often called “Marianne” by her colleagues and “MAM B” by her students, Ma. Anita Mascarenas Bautista, Ph.D. is a professor at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) in UP Diliman where she also heads the Functional Genomics Laboratory. She served as the Program Director of the DNA Sequencing Core Facility and the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry in the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), a genomics research facility in UP.

 

Dr. Marianne’s science-directed education and career started during her bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in UP Los Baños, where she realized that the program does not solely revolve on farming but was a mixture of going out to the fields, doing laboratory experiments and doing research that are beneficial to farmers. These were all the things that piqued her interest and encouraged her to major in Entomology—a field that sparked her love for insects.

 

From 2003 to 2009, Dr. Marianne pursued her master’s and doctorate degrees in Applied Entomology in Nagoya University in Japan under the MONBUKAGAKUSHO (Japanese Government) scholarship. Her graduate dissertation was about the molecular biology of insecticide resistance to a particular crucifer pest. She did her postdoc in Ohio State University, USA where she explored omics technology, an area of study that involves the universal detection of genes, mRNA, proteins and metabolites in biological samples. 

 

Her advanced studies in molecular biology and omics led to her recruitment as a faculty member of NIMBB in 2013. By then, PGC had just been inaugurated and Dr. Marianne was also assigned as the laboratory manager of its DNA sequencing facility which she also directed years later. Her current research interests include the molecular biology and biochemistry of insecticide resistance, genome sequencing and anything related to omics technology.

 

As she looks back to her journey toward being a successful woman scientist, Dr. Marianne recounts many times that sacrifices were crucial and challenges were inevitable. She had to endure being away from her family including her daughter and son to advance her scientific studies abroad and eventually open greater opportunities for herself locally. “I think it happens to a lot of women, that after they marry and start to build a family, careers will really be affected,” she says.

 

Even earlier than her education abroad, when she was starting a family and simultaneously a career in research, she often found herself feeling heavy when leaving her kids at home between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every single day. There were times when she received paycuts because she chose to take care of her children at home. This is why Dr. Marianne believes that this is the time to transition workplaces into being output-based rather than equating productivity to time in the office. “These kinds of struggles do not only happen to women in science, but also to women in other fields who are being restricted by traditional working conditions. Oftentimes, the number of hours spent in the office is not equivalent to the level of productivity.”

 

With this concern at hand, Dr. Marianne hopes that future leaders of the country will create laws that allow more flexibility for women, especially those who would like to start a family. “The three to four months of maternity leave is sometimes not enough. I hope we can create a more nurturing environment for these women and their families such as adopting work from home arrangements and flexible schedules,” she says. 

 

Dr. Marianne believes that women should not be limited to roles of a mother and a wife, but rather let them aspire for career development. “Let’s not let our dreams remain as dreams but rather work on realizing them,” she says. We need to learn as a mom scientist, both the hard and soft skills because these are our tools that will benefit the country. We can try to emulate our renowned Filipino scientists who have these hard and soft skills.” she adds.

 

As a woman scientist, she says one her roles is to encourage young women and the youth in general to get involved in science. And to do this, she envisions participating in more extension programs that will create opportunities for them and provide awareness of the different scientific fields that they can choose. “Many high schoolers may not want to be involved in unfamiliar programs such as molecular biology or genomics because they know nothing about it. It is our job as scientists to bridge the gap of information.”

 

 

#BreaktheBias
#womeninSTEM

 

Know more about Dr. Ma. Anita Bautista:

https://pgc.up.edu.ph/ma-anita-bautista-phd/;

https://nimbb.science.upd.edu.ph/