Saturday Photo(s)

 

Having so much fun in the thick of preparations at the construction site for the

UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn)

in the campus of the University of Santa Tomas in the City of Santa Rosa, Province of Laguna.

 

These past days, one can say that, yes, I am 'in my element'.  Finally, the 'boring' phase of my 'new job' has dissipated, and now, my Team is entering a zone where we all can be 'in the zone', indeed!  Construction of the second building in our new campus is about to go on 'full swing'. And I hope that before we're done constructing it, we would be ready to begin the third... and the fourth after that... and the fifth... and so on - I hope. We have five years to build the 'necessary buildings', and 15 years or so to develop the campus in its 'first iteration'.

I often enjoy the 'planning stage' of any project, or any 'mission', especially when it is a pioneering endeavor.  So, naturally, when our Office was created just two years ago upon my return from my one-year Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Penn State University, Cornell University and Boise State University, I had a great time thinking, researching and talking to many people, planning, designing, and building the foundation of our Office, which begins from building the Team ... and hoping and dreaming of the best outcomes - dreaming mostly. 

One of the things that I love about this process is meeting like-minded people, and more so, people of very little to zero faith in what our 'mission' is about.  The former reinforce our courage to keep believing and diving into the unknown, and the latter, serve as reminders to persevere and keep the faith if good results have to be had.  In our current construction project, there are a few 'non-believers'.  Unfortunately, they are the most exasperating ones... so, it has been very, very tough, indeed.  It was so mightily boring to spend so much time and effort to make them see things from a different perspective, and to acknowledge that there are other ways of accomplishing things. Just because a method is 'tried and tested' does not mean that it can be applied on all things and in all situations. And that a 'seat of authority' is not always a seat of infallibility.  In many cases, it is a seat that allows one to serve better and to serve more people.  Very fortunately, I do have an incredible Team... they make me feel that not every battle is mine to fight... or fight alone.  So, yep, I am lovin' my Team, and I am lovin' our pace despite the challenges!  And when we do occasionally achieve something significant, we remind ourselves that we can see many wonderful things from our vantage point only because we 'stand on the shoulders of giants'. 

So, this week, our current construction project, the UST-Dr. William T. Belo Interdisciplinary Research Institute (UST-WiTBIRIn), reached a milestone.  And we are, indeed, very happy and absolutely grateful.  Faith, perseverance and teamwork do pay off.   And, I am celebrating here through The Script's music, "Hall of Fame" just like how the namesake of the building that we are constructing (the 'giant' on whose shoulders we stand, in this case) is in our UST Engineering Hall of Fame...

"Yeah, do it for your people, do it for your pride.

Are you ever gonna know if you never even try?"

***

Image credit:  The photos in the collage were borrowed from colleagues and used here with their permission - thanks.

***              

Saturday photo(s)

The dramatic skies and the lush vegetation

in my 'second home' and in my 'other' new workplace.

These days, I am getting used to waking up in the morning with the view of the skies about to let go of of the gray colors of dawn in anticipation of the arrival of sunrise.  It's such a beautiful scene... that sometimes, I stay transfixed on my bed staring at the scene in the window by my bed with nothing but the sound of my own breath and the happy chirping of the birds - so serene... until the sun finally burst in the horizon, slowly makes its way to the sky, brightening and intensifying the hues of the colorful surroundings, slowly spreading its fingers on the green, green grass visible in the opposite window until the last drop of mist disappears into the thinning air.  I cannot help but be filled with awe... and, everytime, it makes me wonder what magnificent luck life is about to reveal to me in the horizon of the day that just began.  Such wonderment puts a spring on my strides... and I go about my day with such excitement amid the serenity around me. 

The sky as it welcomes the sun
at sunrise - viewed from my bed
through my window

The trip from my new (second) home to my workplace is about 6km but I am, usually, able to cover the distance in only 10 minutes or so, regardless of the time of day... usually, it just takes two BTS songs.  From my new workplace, I am getting used to switching off my work gadgets as the air gently sways outside, making the branches of the seemingly countless trees and thick bushes around the building sway rhythmically as the chirping of the birds heightens, and the sound of crickets slowly blend in.  I make my way out of the building where I work while the skies make play of its fast-changing colors... from blue to various shades of orange as the sun makes its way into the depth of the horizon... or red, if the skies are generous enough to promise a beautiful day by the next sunrise.

My new workplace will be the seat of the 'highest' of high-technology to be developed by Thomasian scientists and innovators in the future.  It will be a buzzling place for interdisciplinary research for my University with its partners and stakeholders.  As we have a highly comprehensive University, just thinking about the extent of interdisciplinarity of our research and innovation activities in the future graces my imagination with a bonfire of ideas - very exhilarating!  But, of course, I make effort to rein in the excitement lest I resort to 'counting the chicks before the eggs hatch'.  So, I continue to work hard and persevere with my awesome Team in transforming that vast space that we have into what the future needs.

One day... nature and technology shall come together in a beautiful harmony that attempts to sketch God's generosity and wisdom.  The attempt shall fail, of course, as God's generosity and wisdom are boundless, and our attempt is merely to narrowly estimate... but the attempt shall be our way of expressing gratitude... and commitment to keep trying as we make ourselves worthy of, one day, seeing God's kingdom where the true beautiful harmony can be experienced... and not just estimated.  

Until then, we dream, we persevere... and we bask in the beauty of the experience.

***

Image credit:  All the photos in the collage above and the individual photos belong to me.  I took them all.

Wednesday Nostalgia...

...because it's been a while.
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by PAM

I've been missing taking at least one thousand steps per day.  The last time I did that - walk a thousand steps - was almost seven years ago.  Those were the years when I was still actively engaged in research while I enjoyed what I love doing the most, at least, professionally - teaching. 

I miss those days.  Those were 'nice', productive, exciting (in a kind of subdued way) and really enjoyable days... not to mention healthy days, given the guaranteed one thousand steps I took everyday as I walked back-and-forth from the Roque Ruaño Building (or Engineering Building), where I teach, to the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) in my university.  Except when it was raining cats and dogs, or when we were having a sweltering day, those walks were truly enjoyable. The outdoor air cleared the mind... and the laughter of people around engaged in a myriad of activities made me aware of how I was a part of a world that's alive and happy!  I would usually bump into someone... stopped to catch up for a few minutes, 'gossiped' a little and laughed a lot... before walking hurriedly to either rescue my experiment in my lab at RCNAS or try to be less than 10 minutes late to my class.

Yesterday, I savored the chance of re-living those days, like walking down memory lane... and it felt good.  Nah... it wasn't just good, it was very good!

Ah, that familiar walking route...

...through walkways that are lined with trees
and plants so thick and richly green...

...leading to this 'hallowed' hall where ideas become
an unforgettable experience!

I am actively engaged in research again!  After six long years... I am back to RCNAS, and I love it!

***
About the photos:  I took these photos as I walked from TARC to the Roque Ruaño Building, after spending hours at the RCNAS.

***

"Eco-ing"...

...with the boys.

'Saturday Engineering' = Eco-friendly innovation + fun

It's always great when you see these "kids" - "your kids" - playing big boys' game.  Fresh from high school a few years back, they came to the University with their playfully enthusiastic eyes all lit-up... College boys already, and it's Engineering, baby!  You see them over the last few years, looking awkward at first, trying to be "one of the big boys"... and failing miserably.  And then, they start fitting in... not so awkward anymore.  They start to master "the walk"... the Engineering kind - cool and humble... but, yeah, with some subtle swag.  I know, that's not easy to master... you need to pass through the eye of the needle to learn it... first, some humbling moments - lots of those!  

And then, they begin to understand that they can't survive without giving up the "glamorous" teenage life.  Realizing that affording to walk with the "Engineer's swag" comes with a cost: some sweat and blood!  It's all about spending most of their waking hours doing the most "uncool thing" ever in the history of teenage life: study like there's no tomorrow!  But knowing that the tallest structures and the fastest cars in the world can only be built by them who lost "coolness" in their early years in the University, they know, too, that it's worth it.  And, so, they submit themselves to "the process".

Voila!  A few years later, here they are competing in the "big boys' game"... and winning, too!  I'm very proud of our boys!  They call themselves UST Eco-Tigers. They built the T400H - the prototype, hybrid gas-electric car, which is the entry of the University of Santo Tomas to the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015 in Manila, Philippines. It won the 7th place in Asia, and first place in the Philippines with a mileage of 137 km/liter of gasoline. 

Not bad, boys!  Let's do even better next year!

***

Video credit:  It's my video, but thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

***

Word of the Day: Festschrift

A celebration!
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by PAM


This morning, I joined a 'celebration'... a celebration of the life and achievements of an educator, a brilliant scientist and a formidable scholar who is beloved and respected by a multitude of current and former students, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of a Scholar's life and achievements... 

...a celebration of the joy of being an educator.

  
Indeed, if you commit to pursuing excellence in what you love most in this life, enjoying the journey, spreading love as you travel... appreciating the people you meet, offering them your sincere friendship, and appreciating the 'scenic views' along the way, keeping a snapshot of each in your mind, and in your heart... indeed, life would reward you with the same appreciation and love you spread as you go through life.  I consider myself to be truly fortunate to have worked with the one person whom I have always admired from afar.  I thought I will never be worthy to be a part of his circle, and yet, somehow, fate put me within his circle of influence... and it changed my life and the way I view things forever - for the better.

This morning, as part of the 75th Year celebration of the Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), a Festschrift, in honor of the most accomplished scientist and educator in UST, Prof. Fortunato B. Sevilla III, Ph. D., was launched. The 'Festschrift' launched was a volume of Acta Manilana, the official publication of UST in Science and Technology, containing 71 papers, 40 of which are contributed by Prof. Sevilla's colleagues and collaborators abroad.  The Festschrift was a tribute to Prof. Sevilla's work as a scientist and his contributions to the advancement of Chemistry education and S&T research in UST... and in the Philippines.

Congratulations, Sir Fortune!  We love you!

*** 

QOTD

QOTD #21: It's 'mathematically correct'!
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by PAM

"Mathematical knowledge is unlike any other knowledge. Its truths are objective, necessary and timeless."

         - Prof. Edward Frenkel (UC Berkeley)
           In the article, "Is the universe a simulation?"
           The NY Times Sunday Review

What an interesting article. I still subscribe to Brian May's personal rule as a Scientist though, that we can only hope to understand what is in front of us. Beyond it, is a Truth that our abilities and logic as human beings and the capacity of the highly sophisticated tools that we have developed to enhance our abilities, such as Science and Technology, can never match for absolute understanding. Therefore, scientists must stop at a certain boundary, and dare not cross it. And yet, as Christians, we embrace that Truth with all our being, that Truth that is God, that is of God.

But going back to Math... just a few days back, I sat to listen to a lecture by one of our Math professors in the UST Faculty of Engineering, one of the activities in the celebration of our "Engineering Week". He lectured about Quaternions, which are a number system that extends complex numbers so they can be analyzed the same way we do matrices in linear algebra. Even when our colleague tried to make the lecture sound "light" and not too "stressful" for the applied science audience (myself included), somehow the questions that he extracted were leaning towards application rather than the theoretical aspects of Quaternions. And, we gathered that Quaternions have vast applications in animation and game development... to the delight of our Computer Science comrades, quite naturally! :)

Apparently, the application of Quaternions is in 3D computer images, and make possible the quick transition of a thousand frames, one after another, that makes animation, specifically in computer games, more realistic in simulating real movement. I know, very cool. And yet, that is still a very small thing compared with simulating the Universe... at least, from the context of limited human understanding. At the end of the series of a variety of lectures was a lecture on Liturgy by our Regent... the best way, I think, to put all our wonderful S&T stuff in their right places.

Yeah, it was a great (geeky) day - the Catholic University way!

***

S & T is the coolest thing...

...without a doubt!
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by PAM

I love writing and reading, listening to music and appreciating art immensely... but there's nothing like seeing a useful idea brought to life and made to work in an innovative way through the Science and Technology platform.  This is why I love Engineering... the problem analysis, the design of the most appropriate solution... troubleshooting... breaking things down to their smallest elements, and then putting the elements back together again, this time with added elements (or fewer elements), in order for the thing to function more efficiently, and more appropriately for a given purpose.  It's always exhilarating to be taking a deep breath and putting the switch on, and experiencing a mix of nerve-wracking emotions in that split of a second before the switch does its job, and putting the thing to work... or not!  Aw, priceless!  

A mix of everything, 'cooked' in the pot of S&T = fun time!

This is the reason why I look forward to "Engineering Week" in my University... a week-long exhibition of the best stuff that the Faculty of Engineering came up with in a span of one year... and celebrating the foundation of the FIRST Engineering School in the Philippines.  There's an array of electronic innovative gadgets that are useful for biomedical applications, manufacturing automation, risk and disaster control, and smart vehicle operations, just to name a few.  There's an array of new products, from personal care products to food, from household products to 'smart materials', you name it, they've got it all!  And then, you have a variety of commercial cars with modified features... modifications that were done by the students themselves.  Then you have a variety of impressive structural designs - innovative, climate change-resilient, and aesthetically deserving of appreciation.  There are incredible array of computer and smart phone apps... digital solution to management problems. Too many to mention... all guaranteeing a week-long fascination!  And, in all of the wonderful exhibits, the Thomasian three C's are all on display:  Competence, Commitment, and Compassion.

The added benefit is I work in that Faculty! :)  Therefore, it's doubly special.   

Ah, I love my job!  :)

***

Saturday photo

Lucky to be a part of an important event.

Earlier this week, a colleague and I had a great opportunity to be a part of an important event for Electronics Engineers in the country.  The Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spent the morning with their colleagues in the Industry, Academe and the Government to mark an important milestone: the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC).  The Center is to be built in a strategic location: at the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) Compound in Bicutan, Taguig City, right across the DOST Compound.  The EPDC project is funded by the DOST through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), which is headed by Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara as its very able Executive Director.  Dr. Guevara is former Dean of the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.  The event was attended by the dynamic DOST Secretary, Hon. Mario G. Montejo.    

Once operational, the EPDC is expected to help boost the country's electronics export revenue by product development and innovation as well as manpower training in the various sectors of the Electronics Industry.  It is expected to lower electronic products cost in the country by boosting local manufacture as product development and innovation is strengthened and manpower skills are further enhanced.

I know, this blog is described as "(almost) never about work", but I can't help it... it was such an exciting event, I had to make sure I mark it somewhere in my "e-diary" (this blog).  I, of course, hope and pray that the EPDC becomes operational soon... and my University becomes one of its biggest partners - for national progress.

Talk about concentrating on good things... and blocking negative vibrations radiated towards us.  We build a shield using inspiring deeds and pursuits such as the EPDC, and use that shield to protect us from being consumed by negative thoughts around.

We march forward!  :)

***

Saturday photo

by PAM

Faith + Perseverance + Brilliance = A Dream Realized

Speaking of "Fields of gold", the kind that joyfully sparkle with brilliance... I had a chance to walk in one again today - yep, I'm that lucky!  Not sure if I deserve it though.  ;)

It all started with a little dream... Serj (Serjan Abalos), Nica (Angelica Francisco) and Sarah (Sarah Alyssa Cruz) were dreaming to represent the University in a prestigious research contest, like the amazing alumni of our research lab did last year.  Their work was on the production and physico-chemical characterization of yogurt made from heat-treated carabao's milk with adjusted whey protein-to-casein ratio.  They worked very hard... even on weekends and holidays.  Their faith - in God, in themselves, and in one another - grew stronger each day as they persevered through all the 'good-data' and 'bad-data' days, and it made them believe that they can do it.  I am fortunate to have seen their transformation from curious-kids-with-a-dream to humble-little-experts-in-the-making in that little lab of ours... and it's incredible! 

About two weeks ago, their prayer was answered... they got qualified in the Championship Round of the "Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers National Undergraduate Research Contest 2013"!  Unfortunately, pressing demands from work prevented me from experiencing the joy of seeing their final transformation to young experts, first hand, as they presented the results of their research work to a national audience. :(  But it felt wonderful to receive the news that their hard work paid off.  They bagged the first runner-up trophy in a fierce competition!  I almost flipped with happiness when I learned about it! All the sacrifices, missed weekends, and exhaustive struggles to get the job done were so worth it. I hope that this experience would be a source of inspiration for them, and a source of strength and faith when they finally venture in the 'real world' and face some tough challenges.

Ah, the perks of being in the Academe - so many priceless moments! :)  Yep, I'm one very proud research mentor and thesis adviser! :)  Woohoo!

Congratulations, guys!  Good job! 

***

QOTD

QOTD #10:  On  batteries, innovation and mentoring
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by PAM

 

"In a battery, I strive to maximize electrical potential.  When mentoring, I strive to maximize human potential."

- Prof. Donald Sadoway, Ph. D. 
  Energy Engineer and the John F. Elliot Professor of Materials Chemistry
  Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT)
  via TIME magazine, "The 100 Most Influential People in the World"

This makes me miss teaching my beloved "Innovation Course" in the University.  I am particularly proud of that Course just because I can say that I built most of it from scratch.  The challenge of turning what used to be a boring Course into something that is innovative and fresh was truly exhilarating.  Seeing students glow upon discovering their own strengths and talents as they clear the innovation "hurdles" along the way brought absolute fulfillment. 

So, why am I sounding nostalgic-and-all over this?  It's because, for the first time, since 2007, I am not teaching that Innovation Course, and  I miss it.  I miss interacting with students directly.  I guess, this is just another trade-off involved when sitting on "big chairs", you lose your daily dose of merry wonderment in the classrooms and research labs, and the tremendous joy of watching incredible talents unfolding and innovative minds lighting up and coming to life to bring forth solutions to pressing problems right before your very eye as the semester proceeds.  Oh, well.... 

Since I am already publicly lamenting over not teaching the Innovation Course this Academic Year anyway, let me just go all the way and 'wallow in grief', and turn pathetically green with envy over this...

"Perhaps, overlooked, Volta's invention of the battery, for the first time, also demonstrated the utility of a professor.....  So, you see, the liquid metal battery story is more than an account of inventing technology, it's a blue print for inventing inventors."

Aaawww...sweet!  Too good, too good... and I feel left out! :(

The happy part is, these "big chair days" will not last forever.  One day, they will come to an end, hopefully after a few of those many "challenging puzzles" on the equally "big tables" have been figured out... and all systems are up and running, and humming healthily.  Therefore, I look forward to teaching that Course again - the sooner, the better!  :)  In the meantime, I'll try to find comfort in the great challenge of filling out this "big chair" in my own little humble way, and savor the opportunities to mentor "big kids" from where I currently stand - around the vicinity of the "big chair".  Yep, I'm still uncomfortable sitting on the cold "bigness" of it... in fact, I think I will always find it "uncomfortable", just because I'm just a simple dudette with simple needs and wants...  I just want to set foot on planet Mars, that's all. ;)

Alright, let's get those "puzzles" figured out then so we could go back to the classroom/research lab soon... aw, yeah!  :)  Here we go.... one challenge/puzzle at a time.  We'll get to the finish line eventually... and then we set out to run the more interesting run, the run that all engineers and scientists committed their professional lives to: the "hard science" for "good life" run!  Leeeezdoit! :)

***
Video Credits:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.  

Celebrating what's good about pop culture...

...and its "happy marriage" with academic life.
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by PAM

It's been gloomy how many days here in Manila with all that rain, and flooding in some parts of the Metro.  Yep, it's that time of year.  What made the gloomy days sad and shocking was the news story on the senseless killings in Aurora, Colorado during the screening of "Dark Knight Rises", which is the last installment in the Batman trilogy by Christopher Nolan.  Apparently, the alleged gunman, James Eagan Holmes, who left 12 innocent people dead and more than 50 more wounded from the shooting rampage is a scholarly young man with sterling academic record who was pursuing his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Colorado.  Man, how did that happen?  Here's a young person who, obviously possesses extra-ordinary academic capabilities, looking to put all that potential to good use by pushing himself to the boundaries of academic challenge.  And then he dropped out of his Ph.D. Program... and then this!  After his arrest, he allegedly likened himself to Joker - the villain in the Batman comic series.  What happened?  What went wrong?  Once again, being in the academic world, this bothers me. *sigh*      

With the previous post on pop culture and teaching "big kids" these days, and the circumstance around which this senseless killings in Colorado happened, it's difficult not to imagine a connection between the influence of pop culture on young people and how they go about figuring life out as they feel their way into the realities of adulthood.  Just how big a role academics play in smoothing out this connection so these kids do not trip, stumble to confusion, and drown in moral paralysis daunts me!

I think I need to gather positive thoughts to calm down nerves here... so I'm pulling out a couple of my "power shots" in my "pop culture and academic life healthy marriage" trunk.  It's a two-part video from one of my favorite talk shows, BBC's "HARDtalk", with the one and only, Stephen Sackur, interviewing the one and only, Brian May, the legend of a guitarist of the phenomenal rock band, Queen, and an accomplished astrophysicist.  I keep these videos somewhere in the cyberspace, and when the going gets tough, I try to to cheer myself up with these videos.  Here's the first part...

"I got very, very depressed... (difficult) but it (depression) can be the making of you."

... yeah, that feels good.  Okay, here's the second part...

"I love being a scientist, asking all those questions of how things work... I also love being instinctive and becoming a part of the universe in a much more unquestioning way...."

Hmmm... okay,  I think that  Mr. Holmes's case was just a glitch.  I will always believe that a "happy marriage" between pop culture and the academe is possible, and when they march out of the church - happily united at last, it should be celebrated!  And yes, God must be present... it is His presence that makes this "happy marriage" possible really... and it is the educators' job to try and stand at the "interface" where the mind and the soul meet for these kids to recognize that those two exist on the same plane.  The pop culture is the mirror of a society's soul, and what we do when we "learn learning" in school is to keep finding the best possible way to keep feeding and sustaining the soul with the incredible mysteries - God himself - through the daily enlightenment of our open minds.   

Alright... I'm feeling better now.  I'm going shopping! :)

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.  
.

Saturday photo

S&T junkies' field day!

We had a great time joining the Department of Science and Technology's "2012 National Science and Technology Week" at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.  The activity's theme was: "Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development".  


I was fortunate enough to get a "duty" at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) booth on the event's fifth day. Don't let the photos above fool you, I took those when the day was ending, the huge crowd was already gone.  Considering it was already the fifth day, it is very reassuring to know that "S&T junkiness" is alive and well in the Philippines!  The exhibits were fantastic, from hi-tech electronic stuff to green building models, to agri-related innovation, to process technology whoa-inducing stuff, to biotech huh?-come-again wonders, to food and food-related things - all from different parts of the country.  Oh, and I bought cheese making stuff. Hurrah!  :)  


It rained like mad after we left SMX yesterday evening - Friday the 13th.  The streets were all heaving desperately to contain the wild downpour... and the usually 15-20 minute travel time from SMX to the UST Research Center became a three-hour fun exchange of stories between old and new friends!  I never thought getting stuck in heavy traffic in flooded streets can be that enjoyable though... I guess it's all about who you're stuck with. :) I thought I'd post something here to remember it by later, and remind myself to join again next time... floods and traffic notwithstanding. :)


*** 

"Ignite"!

It finally came to "life"!  Woohoo!
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by PAM



A dream and vision realized... by persistence and labor of love.


It took a while... but the dream finally came true... and through! 

The maiden issue of "Ignite", the Thomasian Chemical Engineering Product Innovation Magazine, is already out in limited circulation.  The magazine is primarily the Department's yearly 'product portfolio' of sorts, which features products exhibited in the yearly "UST Chemical Engineering-Rebisco Product Innovation Challenge + Mini Expo".  It also contains feature articles on the event and the winners of the Challenge.  The maiden issue features products from the 2011 edition of the Mini Expo dubbed as "InnoVision", organized and participated in by the UST Chem. E. Batch 2012 - the Neo-Centennial Batch - under the very able leadership of Mr. Aaron Joseph J. Peñano, Miss Heidy V. Cruz, Mr. Emmanuel P. Jimenez and Mr. John Lester C. Lim.

"A Benavides..."

...is their gift this year.
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by PAM

"Gift" for our Department and our lab from "my kids"... :)

  

Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award
For Outstanding Achievement of Regional, National or International Importance.  A tribute to the pioneering spirit of the founder of the University, Fr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., the award is conferred on student(s) whose performance in regional, national or international competitions, conferences or congresses symbolizes the University's commitment to excellence.

Last Monday's excitement from the opening of our "2012 UST Chemical Engineering Product Innovation Challenge + Mini Expo" quadrupled when our Department Chair shared with me the happy news that my research students were chosen to receive "a Benavides" this year, and asked if I could let them all know.  I said 'yes'... but not after giving a little excited squeal! ;)

The good news was confirmed on the next day, the second day of our Expo, by our Faculty Secretary... with a
'My kids' are in the news... :)letter from the University's Office of the Secretary General, informing us that the Food Engineering Research Group of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) has been chosen to receive the Benavides Award - Group Category for Outstanding Achievement this year.  The Group won the First, Second and Fourth Places in the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) National Undergraduate Research Contest last month, and it is for these achievements that a Benavides is being awarded to them.  This time, I was already emotionally composed enough to say a (what I hope was a) dignified-sounding, 'thanks, sir'. :)  Unfortunately, it was an extremely busy day (and evening, too) that I was not able to pass the info to my students until really late via text message. They were absolutely excited, of course! :)

"Innovention" - Day 2

Lift off!  Houston, we're on orbit... aw, yeah!  :)
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by PAM


When your efforts are supported and appreciated by Science and Technology Innovation stalwarts in the campus and in the country...

Tell me who your supporters are... and I'll tell you 'what' you are! :)

...does that mean, you are actually doing something along the innovation line, too... and, perhaps, doing a few things right?  Aw, gosh, we sure hope we are!  :)  "Innovention", the 2012 edition of the "UST Chemical Engineering-Rebisco Product Innovation Challenge + Mini Expo", was such a fantastic feat, and it's hard to keep joy hinged on jubilation alone.  Therefore... oh, humility, please come!  I need you right now! :)

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Blast-off to innovation outer space... up, up, and away!

Yes, we have managed to "throw ourselves" out there!  From a 15-entry "mini-er than mini" product development challenge and exhibit at Room 110 of the UST Engineering Building in 2008, we grew to a 52-entry "Product Innovation Challenge + Mini Expo" at the UST Qudricentennial Pavilion Covered Court this year... ah, it looks like we have managed to grow our "baby rocket" to an "Innovation Enterprise" and sent it out in a blast-off to the innovation outer space!

And it's all because... we have brilliant students - past and present!  

Ah, UST Chemical Engineering Batch 2013... how do I describe you, guys?  I wish Mr. Webster had words to describe people like you... but he hasn't!  Naturally, I haven't either!  Your unassuming and understated awesomeness limits my vocabulary... you put the 'bottomlessness' of innovation to utter shame!  Ah, and what a shame, too!



Our "INNOVENTORS"...
The UST Chemical Engineering Batch 2013... indescribable --- in an, oh, so fantastic way! :)

"Innovention" - Day 1

Kick-off!
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by PAM


So, if your day started like this...

Day 1... before the Opening Program.

...and then progressed like this, despite the rain...

Day 1... getting 'in the zone'.

...does it mean something was going right?  We sure hope so!

We give thanks... and we pray for continued guidance and the inspiring presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

Bring on Day 2! Go, Batch 2013!  :)

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When it rains, it pours...

...literally and figuratively.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Last February 15, my undergraduate research students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Department of Chemical Engineering competed in the National Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Research Contest, organized by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PIChE) and PIChE-Metro Manila Academe Chapter, in conjunction with the 73rd PIChE National Convention in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.  All three groups that recently finished their research projects in my Food Engineering Research Lab at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) at the UST Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC) qualified in the final round of the contest!  So, we were "3 for 3".  A former colleague of mine, aware of my "addiction" to sports, called it a "Grand Slam".  :)  I believe it was the first time that something like this happened in my Department and at RCNAS... and I am, of course, absolutely proud to have been a part of such a wonderful feat from our undergraduate Thomasian scientists .  The students were joyfully elated and incredibly thrilled that our whole TEAM was going to the prestigious national research competition - no one was left out. Sweet!

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Turning up the heat...

After the initial celebration for our qualification in the final round, we realized what a HUGE task it was before us... and we cringed at the prospect of  a "make or break" situation for us... there were six national finalists, three came from our group, and three will be chosen as final winners.  Therefore, we had "no right" to lose!  Dang! 

As have always been my Thomasian (con Cornellian) educator philosophy, the chance to represent UST in any competion is an incredible privilege... one that comes with an equally daunting responsibility to keep the pristine name of the University untarnished by poor
The "Amazing Race" - Research edition.showing, and an opportunity that should not be squandered with mediocrity and lack of passion for excellence.  My students knew this... and they expected me to play my usual "relentlessly pushy, bishy mentor" self - and there was no way around it.  =) 

We learned our qualification to the finals a week before the event, which was to be held in another City - more than 1 hour away from Manila... by plane!  And so, the "Amazing Race" marathon preparation began... with my blood pressure shooting up to the ceiling a few times, and the students' terrorized-meter shooting up to the skies - uhm, ahem... the whole time!  Haha...  but we did have enough "buffer" - our research team has become a "family", and the dynamics within our team are similar to family dynamics.  Plus, they know I have nothing but good intentions for them... and our University. :)  Therefore, we are all on the same page.

It was tough to coach three groups who were, in principle, competing with one another.  I had to make sure that there were no obvious differences in the quality of their posters and presentations, and in the depth of the content of their works.  But the fact that all three groups were "my kids" was the sweetest of all tough situations, I'd gladly endure it with all my heart anytime!  :)  There were sharp turns and numerous bumps in the logistic aspects of the preparation that were beyond our control... and I felt we were all deeply frustrated and almost to the point of giving up our slots in the finals... it turned out, I was
Our talented chocolate trio: PJ, Noel and Jho.the only one feeling that way.  All my students had a steel determination to get to Surigao City to compete, hardship notwithstanding!   Hmmm, passion... it was a good sign.  I heard one of them said, "God must have a reason for sending us all to the final round... it's up to us to find out what that is."  Hmmm, faith... I knew then that I had nothing to worry about.  I calmed down, gathered my wits together (including forgetting there's such thing as "UEFA Champions League" for a while.  Hehe...), and tried a, uhm, ahem... Pep Guardiola-ish coaching approach.  Sorry, I just can't help it!  ;)

To make the long story short, we made it to the rain-soaked Surigao City... a miracle on its own, because so many who have booked their flights many months before we did got stranded in various places, and didn't make it to Surigao until the second day (or on the last day, for some) of the Convention because of heavy rains that were blasting the City, and the nearby towns, causing numerous flight delays and cancellations.  Others had to be re-routed to various places, and then traveled by land for eight hours or so, putting their total travel time to 48 hours!  On the other hand, there was no major hitch in our flight going to Butuan City... and traveling by land for more than three hours - in the dark and in the rain, and on a few stretches of roads under construction - from Butuan City to Surigao City was not all that bad.  I think one of my students was right... God must have had a reason for sending the whole research team to the competition's final round because He kept us safe the whole time. 

So, game on!

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Sailing on their own...

I think that the most amazing thing in a research teacher's life is watching students stand on their own,
Our team's membrane fouling specialists:
Clang, EJ and Jen.and sail on the challenging, and sometimes even treacheous, waters of scientific research. While it is extremely nerve-wracking to train students to approach, dissect, and solve a research "puzzle", knowing that whatever they learn from you would be the ground on which they would stand as they grow their own roots in their chosen scientific field, the joy of watching them all "grown-up" and ready to take on formidable challenges in their field of study is also extremely joyfully fulfilling.  That was the kind of joy I felt as I watched my students calmly and confidently present their research findings in a competition that was meant to be won only by those with hearts brave enough to expose themselves and their work to close scrutiny by "merciless research vultures".  It was almost impossible to think that, just a few months ago, all the things they were talking about in the competition were "Greek" to them... and then, after some gruelling training, there they were, confidently educating their audience, including some seasoned scientists, about their area of study - just amazing... almost a miracle!

While other finalists where put in crucibles after their presentations, my students and I were very happy that the judges did not have tough questions to ask after their presentations, except for a mere curiosity-induced question that was sufficiently answerable by two words.  Apparently, the presentations were clear enough to warrant the highly-priced "I have no question" remarks
Our team's tough mathematical model girls:
Kiki, Joy and Shiela.from the judges - distinguished scientists all.  I have to admit, albeit embarrassing, that I got a bit emotional hearing the very nice comments from the judges after listening to my students' presentations - too flattering... and humbling.  I could only quietly utter short prayer of thanks and praises to God that I could be a part of that glorious transformation of these "kids" from merely curious students to budding scientists of boundless promise.  And, I was extremely proud to see them humbly acknowledging the flattering comments made by the judges with a mere nod of their heads, a simple - almost shy - smile, and with a quiet, "thank you, sir," before calmly walking back to their seats - no swagger, no visible elation.  That confidence and poise in a gruelling battle that could only come from deep understanding of their research topic... the grace and humility amidst flattering praises that they demonstrated in a national stage... it made my heart swell with pride. :)

When the winners were being announced, the initially neutral audience was chanting the name of our University - too sweet to our ears.  That alone made us feel like winners!  :)  When they learned that they won FIRST and SECOND places... my students hugged one another and clapped in their seats happily, still with a lot of humility.  They looked back to where I was sitting, and I forced a smile to try to keep the tears of joy from falling... and I blew them heartfelt kisses.  :) 

My goodness, what did I do to make them such good students - extremely good at what they do, but totally humble and unassuming?  Am I even part of all this?  It's too heartwarming!  It must be the "Thomasian way".  I'm totally, abosolutely proud! :)

GO, USTe!!

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A very fulfilling journey, indeed!

We figured out our research puzzles as a team at TARC, we tried our luck to get to the PIChE contest final round as a team, we traveled to Surigao as a team, we competed as a team... and we won AS A TEAM!  No one is claiming first place or second place... we captured the first and second places in the competion - AS A TEAM!  Therefore, we celebrated as a team, too!  Woohoo!  :)

My Research Students at the University of Santo Tomas Department of Chemical Engineering and The Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences, winning First and Second Places in the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers Undergraduate Research Contest... the third place slipped out of our grasp by a fine thread margin. Ugh!  They are:  Joy Angelique R. Alday, Mark Paolo Julius A. Consignado, Clarisse R. Domingo, Noel C. Ligero, Mary Graciela L. Maragay, Emmanuel John P. Rieza, Ma. Hezekiah Anica B. Singson, Jennifer Cathryn L. Suarez and Joanna Marie N. Yuson.  THANKS and CONGRATULATIONS, guys!  Incredible feat - your Thomasian family is very proud of you! Woohoo!


With the task fulfilled... and we were "mission accomplished" at that, we thanked God with all our hearts.  My students accepted their awards during the Opening Night of the Convention, in front of a national audience, which included distinguished licensed chemical engineers of the country, no less.  They all looked beautiful.  :)

I let my students sleep-in the following morning to regain their energy, and permitted them to "acquaint themselves" with the City as I took care of Convention business.  And then, we all let our hair loose and partied like there was no tomorrow in the Convention Fellowship Night! :)  Like what I hope I usually did in the lab... I was the "teacher" - I showed them how to have a good time - and good students as they all are, they followed my lead, and we all had a great time with all the Convention participants - dancing and singing with a live band 'til the break of dawn!  The formula is simple:  work hard... party hard!  :) 

The final song sang by the band was very apt to our TEAM's journey, "Salamat" by The Dawn.  "Kay tamis ng ating samahan... sa lungkot at kaligayahan - tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maaasahan - SALAMAT!"  Ah, what a journey!  Too sweet... too fulfilling! :)

Of course, I had to give my own technical presentation the next day... but it was alright, my students lent me a bit of their youthful energy and brilliance... and I think I didn't bore my audience too much either.  ;)

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Saturday photo

Maradjaw Karadjaw Surigao!  Salamat, Karadjaw!

Thank you, Surigao, for the wonderful memories... you have been very kind to us - my students, colleagues and I - even if your weather was a bit 'moody' while we were there. :)  You gave my students great winning moments, the
Almost a clean 'sweep'....exhilaration of adrenalin rush, immeasurable happiness and fits of heartfelt laughter, incredibly warm memories of friendship and teamwork, exciting adventures and youthful fun, and the awesomeness of faith that can put one's heart on fire to believe that, indeed, everything is possible with hardwork... and in God - all invaluable lessons in life.  Thank you for this joyful sense of fulfillment that fills our hearts - now a vast reservoir of determination to keep going and to keep believing that, for as long as we keep our intentions pure and unselfish, God will help us find the way to "Victoryville" - all in His greater glory.

We hope that you would open your arms to us again soon... next time, we hope your weather will let us explore that piece of paradise on your lovely waters - Siargao!  Thank you!! 


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