Dimensions Vol. 2 - Issue 1 - December 2024

Volume II | Issue 1 | December 2024

DIMENSIONS The Newsletter of SOSE & ARISE

Growing Produce & Communities: AIC’s Hydroponics Project PAGE 5

SOSE Spotlight:

Award-winning Achievements PAGE 14

Biodiversity in the City PAGE 10

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FEATURE

Lab-at-Home Kits: Chemistry during the pandemic and onwards TEXT: NATHANIEL CAPISTRANO

Delivering laboratory courses posed a significant challenge at the onset of the pandemic. Hands-on lab experience is crucial to Ateneo’s chemistry courses, and so the added challenge of how to deliver laboratory classes arose. For Dr. Erwin Enriquez (Doc Epe), the solution couldn’t rely on virtual simulations alone.

Their department recognized early on that while those could clarify theoretical concepts, they lack in explaining the practical side of chemistry. The initial response was to look for ways to adapt the laboratory experiments into ones that can be done at home.

However, students noted that it was often time-consuming to source the materials on their own, even with the help of online shops. “The one feedback we got was that it’s doable, it’s just time consuming…it was hard for students to procure the materials for themselves,” Dr. Enriquez added.

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| Developing the Kits As the pandemic extended beyond what was initially thought of, Doc Epe and the department anticipated that it could last long and so, they began working on Lab-at-Home kits. They took existing laboratory experiments and translated them into safer, more accessible versions that could be performed at home.

The revised lab manuals were then completed in early 2021, just in time for the second semester.

Certain subjects however, such as organic chemistry, posed additional difficulties because of the nature of the materials to be used. The department had to adapt by delaying more complex experiments until students could return to the lab. Unlike some universi-

“Instead of just discussing it by lecture, you let the students do an activity first. Then they learn some concepts and techniques, and then you can discuss it. If you don’t experience it, the definition is abstract.”

ties that relied heavily on virtual labs, the department remained committed to providing hands-on learning, albeit remotely. “One of the comments I got from students in purely virtual labs was that they weren’t really doing anything—they were just watching,” Dr. Enriquez noted, reinforcing the department’s decision to offer a more practical alternative. Thus after development, the Lab-at-Home kits were assembled and delivered to students of the university, allowing them to participate in hands-on learning wherever they were.

This ensured that chemistry education is well-supplemented by practical education despite the limitations of remote learning. | Expanding the Kits to High Schools While the Lab-at-Home kits were initially for university, students the project soon expanded to cater to the high school level. With the introduction of the K to 12 program, Senior High School chemistry now covers some courses that used to be taught in college, which led to the removal of General Chemistry in some curricula. This meant many college-level students would not have hands-on lab experience since most high schools do not incorporate lab classes.

Thus, the kits seek to address this gap, ensuring that high school students are able to experience the laboratory in a safer, more accessible set-up. “We [rewrote] the lab experiments to put it into a high school setting,” Dr. Enriquez explained. These kits were

particularly valuable for schools that lacked full laboratory facilities, enabling students to perform basic experiments in the classrooms, or even at home.

Dr. Enriquez describes this approach as ‘experiential learning’ where students do the activities before learning the concepts. “Instead of just discussing it by lecture, you let the students do an activity first. Then they learn some concepts and techniques, and then you can discuss it,” Doc Epe commented. “If you don't experience it, the definition is just an abstract,” the Professor added. | Looking Ahead Through collaboration with the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), Doc Epe and the Department of Chemistry are now sharing the now called Lab-in-aBox kits with other schools, particularly high schools and local government units (LGUs) that may lack laboratory resources. In fact, the Department of Physics, with Mr. Ivan Culaba, has also started on a similar project for physics laboratory simulations.

The Lab-at-Home kits have proven to be an effective alternative which delivered science education in a time of crisis–ensuring that students continue to gain practical skills, even outside of the traditional laboratory.

PHOTOS: ATENEO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, PRINTED ELECTRONICS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY LABORATORY

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FEATURE

Ateneo Mathematics Society on its Diamond Year TEXT: ALTHEA MYCKA ELLA BONG | PHOTOS: ATENEO MATHEMATICS SOCIETY

For sixty years, the Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS) has served as a support system for all Ateneo Mathematics majors. AMS has since pledged to support and take care of its members and other Mathematics students. According to Miguel Yapan, AMS’ past president, the organization primarily strives to help people understand and recognize the worth of mathematics through various projects and initiatives that reflect their core values. | Mathematics Appreciation The Ateneo Mathematics Society has made it its mission to give students an avenue to appreciate mathematics. The organization hosts numerous projects that would boost mathematics appreciation, including seminars and workshops like Mathcon and Mathventure. These events conduct workshops and feature talks by esteemed mathematicians and professionals, which offer students a glimpse into the realworld applications of mathematics. | Education Education is at the heart of AMS. The organization goes beyond the traditional classroom learning set up as it offers tutorial services that cater to the needs of the students. AMS also organizes problem-solving enrichment programs and collaborates with state universities to further this advocacy. | Math Excellence Lastly, maintaining the integrity of mathematics remains a key mission for AMS. The organization’s flagship program, Sipnayan, is established among high

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schools in Metro Manila for promoting mathematical excellence through an inter-school math competition.

This, however, did not come easy for AMS to push through, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning back to onsite projects has been a tough challenge as they are all relatively new to the concept. Moreover, AMS is not immune to the constant issue of member burnout. The difficult nature of mathematics as a course contributes to the shift in perspective when it comes to student organizations. It also adds to the pressure to excel and focus on extracurricular activities and internships, rather than organization involvement as grade inflation became an issue in recent years.

However, AMS recognizes these challenges and it remains committed to overcoming them with careful effort. The organization makes attempts to do so by hosting hangouts and tambay weeks to support their members’ well-being. Their tutorial services also provide support as they help students cope and manage with academic pressure. Most importantly, AMS prioritizes quality over quantity in all its initiatives.

Looking ahead, AMS aims to establish a stable culture not only for Mathematics majors but for the entire student body. It aspires to further enrich the reputation of Mathematics, as well as its versatility and expansiveness when it comes to careers, especially within the Ateneo community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMS BY VISITING ATENEOMATHSOCIETY.ORG

Growing Veggies & Communities: AIC’s Hydroponics Project TEXT: CHRISTIANE ORIANA | PHOTOS: ATENEO INNOVATION CENTER

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he urban jungle can make finding fresh, healthy, and affordable food options difficult. Fortunately in the Ateneo, every once in a while an email is sent out bearing the subject “SOSE lettuce for sale!!!” On these days, one can find flocks of Ateneans carrying bags of their freshly purchased produce, still planted in small white cups.

A tucked away rooftop on campus houses rows and rows of these lush leafy greens. But they are not planted in soil. Their roots are suspended in what seems like water. These beds are found in a greenhouse, literally green with its green wall netting, that is run by the Ateneo Innovation Center (AIC). And their hydroponics project is their sustainable solution to food security for the immediate community and beyond.

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| Necessity is the mother of innovation Hydroponics is a soil-less farming technique that instead uses a nutrient-rich solution. Unlike traditional farming, it does not require vast lands or heavy equipment. When combined with monitoring sensors, it becomes smart hydroponics which enables precision agriculture. And with greenhouses or other similar structures, it becomes an enhanced method for protected agriculture. Precision and protection are important when optimizing for higher yields, particularly for high-value crops.

Paul Cabacungan, AIC operations manager, shares that the project was developed as a response to the scarcity in food supply during the pandemic. They built on their previous work where they explored how indoor light affected the growth of plants.

Due to restrictions, their pilot set-up was at the home of Reymond Cao, one of AIC’s long-time research assistants. At first, Cao was able to only feed his family homegrown vegetables. Eventually, they were able to share with the neighbors as well.

Their small scale farm showed one could earn Php 400-500 with just 1 sqm of space. With this initial success, the team requested to scale up on campus. They received financial support from the Office of the Dean of the School of Science and Engineering and were given their rooftop space. In December 2023, they started selling produce to the Ateneo community. Each harvest yields about 400 lettuce heads which translates to earning around Php 7,000.00-8,000.00.

| Teach a man to farm, and you feed him for a lifetime The agricultural sector of the Philippines faces many challenges that are exacerbated by the typhoons and droughts intensified by climate change. Cabacungan explained that the rice farming cycle only yields 1 or 2 harvests per year. The changing weather conditions and the rise in pesticide and fertilizer prices make it even more difficult. This makes farmers describe their livelihood as a gamble. AIC envisions helping these farmers to convert to hydroponics where they can earn so much more. “Ang farmers naming kamag-anak kumikita sila ng 50k a year. It’s a very sad story. And that’s why we are into this. It’s not for us. It’s for our kababayan.” (“Our relatives who are farmers only earn Php 50,000 a year. It’s a very sad story. And that’s why we are into this. It’s not for us. It’s for our fellow Filipinos.”)

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Deploying the technology to farming communities has its own challenges. Cabacungan shared that traditional farmers can be reluctant, saying, “‘Alam mo narinig namin yan. Hindi namin alam yan eh, bat kami magsusugal jan?” (“You know we have heard about that. But why would we gamble with something we are not familiar with?’”) But the AIC team is unwavering in their advocacy and they take their time to introduce hydroponics to these communities. “Merong tinatawag na local heroes. If you do not train the local heroes on the ground it will not take off,” said Cabacungan. (“There are local heroes. And if you do not train those on the ground, it will not take off.”)

The team first began sharing the knowledge on campus. They have developed a manual which is freely available and have also conducted a number of hands-on training sessions on campus. With these foundations established, they were ready to take hydroponics from the heights of Loyola to the plains of Pampanga.

AIC has established a new hydroponics facility in Candaba and has recently celebrated their first harvest. They grew eggplants, tomatoes, and some varieties of chilies. As this is a new terrain, they are still working on addressing the various variables for different crops in this environment. But with just a few more optimization experiments, they will soon onboard the local heroes.

| Practice, sunshine, and passion make perfect Multiple trial-and-error is not new to the team. “‘Yung unang attempt talagang magfe-fail ka. Lalo na kung beginner ka, kasi beginner ka eh,” Cao shared his experience and the journey. (“On the first attempts, you will really fail, that’s part of being a beginner.”) So his advice to those who want to try hydroponics is to keep going and to stay persistent.

Cao even shared a funny story from their beginnings. In one of their iterations, they have tried all the variables but it was not yielding results that hit their target. As it turns out, they overlooked a critical essential: sunlight.

Parallel to the off-site farm, the homebase on campus continues to iterate, improve, and expand.

It has enabled research on phytoremediation using coconut. Other projects were also able to grow black rice and okra. Now, they are looking into strawberries as the next project.

The AIC hydroponics project is at the crossroads of science, business, education, and advocacy. And at the core of their work is something as essential as sunlight is for plants: grit and passion.

Inspired to start your own hydroponics project?

Visit bit.ly/AICHydrop or scan the QR code!

The campus greenhouse is located on the 3rd floor of the PLDT-CTC Building (pictured).

On the opposite page, Paul Cabacungan (left), Reymond Cao (right), and their farm helper, Mario Naval, poses in their newly-built hydroponics facility in Pampanga. The assorted crops below are fruits of their first harvest.

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NEWS & EVENTS

SOSE students intern in Japanese graduate university TEXT AND PHOTOS: RICHELL ISAIAH FLORES POLAROIDS BY: DR. EIJI ARAMAKI

Six students from the School of Science and Engineering participated in the Nara Institute of Science and Technology Project for Interns (NAPI) 2024 in Nara, Japan from January 14 to January 31, 2024.

The students were assigned to different laboratories where they worked on related research projects with a final presentation on the final day of the internship.

Christell Doria (BS AMF 2024) was assigned to the Computational Behavioral Neuroscience labo-

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ratory where she worked on neurodivergence in relation to gaming behaviors in “Exploring the Link Between ADHD and Flappy Bird Gaming Performance via Eye-Tracking Metrics” using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) scores tested using ANOVA and regression analyses.

Kendra Go (BS CS 2023, 5 MS CS) worked in the Robot Learning laboratory, focusing on “Enhancing Robotic Manipulation through Imitation Learning” where she developed and implemented imitation learning algorithms which enable image-based robotic manipulators to autonomously perform object

pickup tasks in IsaacSim, a robotics simulation software.

Richell Isaiah Flores (BS AMDSc 2023, M DSc 2024) and Jimson Paulo Layacan (BS MA 2023, BS CS 2024) were placed in the Social Computing laboratory. Flores, in collaboration with Gamar Azuaje, a NAIST doctoral student, presented “Towards a creation of a JLPT Sentence Generator”, a large-language model-based graded sentence generator geared for a more targeted Japanese language learning in preparing for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

Layacan researched on an “XLMR-GPT hybrid approach to Social Media Adverse Drug Event Detection,” a two-step approach for detecting adverse drug events (ADEs) from user-generated content on social media, first classifying tweets as ADE or nonADE, and then using GPT to predict specific symptoms in the identified ADE tweets.

Theresa Denise Magsajo (BS AMDSc 2023, M DSc 2024) and Mark Kevin Ong Yiu (BS AMDSc 2023, M DSc 2024) were mentored in the Mathematical Informatics laboratory. Magsajo’s work, “Exploring CEBRA in Image Anomaly Detection,” verified that applying compression algorithms such as CEBRA dimensionality reduction techniques on image data also preserves the representability of the data, especially in terms of whether they contain potential anomalies.

Ong Yiu dug deep into source codes of statistical packages in “Regularization in Dynamic Factor Models” where he explored the effect of using L1 and L2 regularization on the correctness of dynamic factor models (DFMs), measured by its performance in predicting hidden factors as well as nowcasting GDP. Between laboratory work, they were given a tour to cultural spots in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. They also met with the vibrant Filipino community in NAIST. “NAIST was a short but sweet experience, especially for someone who wants to pursue a career in research,” shares Layacan on his NAPI experience.

“It gave me a taste of what it's like to be a researcher. The labs, particularly the Social Computing Lab, were excellent. Surrounded by brilliant peers, engaged in regular research discussions, and getting regular feedback from professors and classmates, I’d say it was a great research experience.”

Organized by NAIST, NAPI “continues to strengthen the relationship between the [NAIST and the Ateneo] in terms of research and collaborations.”

Learn more about NAPI: napi-naist.jp/about

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SCJOHNSON FEATURED ARTICLE

Biodiversity in the City TEXT: ALTHEA MYCKA ELLA BONG | PHOTOS: THE ATENEO WILD, COVY ANGELES, JANINA CASTRO

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hat began with casual bird walks around the Ateneo campus turned into a shared passion for Ateneo’s rich greenery and wildlife. The Ateneo Wild began as a humble initiative between Abigail Favis and Trinket Constantino back in 2010. Over the years, The Ateneo Wild has grown into a larger community, drawing in many new faces eager to learn about the campus’s biodiversity.

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In 2017, The Ateneo Wild received funding from the Faura fund, which allowed them to expand by purchasing binoculars and hosting events. The Ateneo Wild grew even more in 2018 when they began to utilize social media platforms to showcase Ateneo’s diverse ecosystem. This helped not only encourage appreciation for nature but also cultivate a stronger community within Ateneo.

Moreover, The Ateneo Wild’s impact had

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is the fastest animal on earth. It can reach over 320 kph when it dives for a prey!

Every year they can be found on campus during the winter migration season. This has been documented since 2011. © THE ATENEO WILD

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gone beyond the walls of Ateneo, as UP Wild was later founded in inspiration of the former.

Cordyceps fungi (Ophiocordyceps sobolifera)

Sundathelphusa sp.

Molave tree (Vitex parviflora) Giant Philippine Honeybee (Apis breviligula)

The Ateneo Wild also boasts the fact that it is mostly grounded in citizen science, wherein they rely on everyday people to help catalog different species and organisms found on campus. Such collaboration allows valuable data to reach the administration, which guides the decisions on managing green spaces and highlighting the need for biodiversity in urban areas.

The Ateneo Wild is driven by the main goal of building a comprehensive biodiversity inventory for the Ateneo campus. It also aims to use this data to influence management strategies and policies on campus green spaces.

Lastly, it hopes to encourage more people to connect with nature and raise awareness of urban biodiversity.

They aim to ensure that future generations grow up environmentally aware, recognizing the value of nature beyond aesthetics. The Ateneo Wild’s advocacy is especially important in highly urbanized spaces like Metro Manila, where green spaces are often overlooked.

“I didn’t know we had this!”

The Ateneo community’s response to The Ateneo Wild has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many people are surprised by the biodiversity on campus, and according to Favis and Constantino, this curiosity and support significantly validate their advocacy.

This enthusiasm has led to more involvement from the community, with The Ateneo Wild being approached by various organizations, administrative offices, and even faculty members, all eager to collaborate on new initiatives.

Peter's fruit bat (Cynopterus brachyotis)

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, The Ateneo Wild continues to work on exciting projects. They have published books like “Wild City: A Photo-

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Tibig (Ficus nota)

Spotted House Gecko (Hemidactylus brookii)

graphic Guide to Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles in Metro Manila”, which recently won Best Book in Science at the 42nd National Book Awards. Additionally, their wildlife-inspired coloring books, showcasing the creatures found around campus, are available at the LS bookstore and can also be purchased online via platforms like Lazada and Shopee.

well as snakes, bats, and frogs.

Some species are especially unique to the environment, such as the paradise tree snake, which is typically found in forests. There have also been surprising discoveries, like freshwater crabs in Ateneo’s waterways! (Well, we are quite far away from the sea.) Also found was a black palm cockatoo – likely an escaped pet.

nature walks, which are a great way to explore the campus’s greenery and wildlife firsthand. Or contribute to their citizen science efforts by reporting your observations and findings to help them build a more comprehensive biodiversity inventory. You can also follow them on social media for daily updates and insights into Ateneo’s growing ecosystem.

In addition, one of their most exciting ongoing initiatives is the citizen science program, through which they also offer workshops.

It invites everyone in the community to contribute to the biodiversity inventory by reporting sightings of plants and animals around campus. They also host monthly nature walks, offering a more hands-on way for the community to engage with nature.

One of the group’s most popular social media posts was about the discovery of Cordyceps, a fungus that is not only fascinating but also unknown to many. This discovery, among others, highlights The Ateneo Wild’s mission: it is not about finding the rarest or cutest species but rather about raising awareness of all the species our campus can support.

In a world where urbanization often disconnects us from nature, The Ateneo Wild stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving green spaces—not just for our physical health but for our mental well-being, too. So why not take a moment to explore the nature around you? You might be surprised by what you find.

Wild Facts Ateneo is home to an incredible range of species: with at least 100 species of birds, 95 native trees, 65 types of butterflies, as

Get Involved Whether you are a student, faculty member, or just a nature enthusiast, there are plenty of ways to get involved with The Ateneo Wild. Join their monthly

Got a campus wildlife sighting?

Get in touch with The Ateneo Wild through Facebook or Instagram: @theateneowild You can also reach them through theateneowild@ateneo.edu

LEFT: “Wild City: A Photographic Guide to Amphibians, Mammals, and Reptiles of Metro Manila” won “Best Book in Science” during the 42nd National Book Awards. Trinket Constantino (left) and Abby Favis (right) wrote the book together with Jelaine Gan. RIGHT: The Ateneo Wild conducts monthly Nature Walks where one can discover and appreciate the many wonders of campus.

This includes the various wildlife pictured on the opposite page. Championing citizen science, The Ateneo Wild welcomes submissions from the community. The crab and the gecko pictured are contributions from citizen scientists Covy Angeles and Janina Castro, respectively.

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SOSE

SPOTLIGHT Award-Winning Achievements 1

Obie Cambaliza is one of Marikina’s Outstanding Women Dr Maria Obiminda L Cambaliza, chair of the Department of Physics, was awarded as one of Marikina’s Outstanding Women.

She was recognized for her dedication to atmospheric science through her work on air quality. Cambaliza received the award on March 8, 2024 at the Hardin ng Bayan in Marikina. She joins several other awardees from different sectors of society as part of the City’s celebration of International Women’s Day. IN PHOTOS: 1, 3

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2

Toby Dayrit awarded for EPIC Dr Fabian M Dayrit received an award for Excellence in Project Implementation and Completion (EPIC) from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCIEERD). The prestigious award was presented at the DOST-PCIEERD Project Leaders’ Summit held in Makati on 19 June 2024.

Dr Dayrit's dedication and expertise in implementing this critical training course to elevate the safety awareness of PNP personnel are truly commendable. His work exemplifies the highest standards of project execution and impact, setting a benchmark for projects aimed at benefiting society.

IN PHOTOS: 2, 4

3

5

© Marikina City Information Office

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ECCE’s Macabebe wins Outstanding Innovation Award from Hitachi Dr Erees Queen B Macabebe, chair and associate professor of the Department of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering (ECCE), has won the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2023.

Launched in 2020, the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award is an award program promoting science, technology, and innovation that solves social issues and realizes a sustainable society in the ASEAN Region. Dr Macabebe’s research entry “Energy management solutions for renewable energy technologies” was one of five entries to receive the Outstanding Innovation Award. Her work contributes to the emergence of household and community renewable energy systems as renewable energy technologies become accessible to more people.

"We envision a future where energy technologies powered

by AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) are available to households and communities such that energy

management and conservation decisions are made using real-time data. This award is an affirmation that our team is aligned and is making significant contributions towards the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals]," Dr Macabebe said.

Her win is a proud moment for Ateneo and the Philippines.

Her research has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people in the Southeast Asian region, and it is hoped that her work will inspire other researchers to develop innovative solutions to the world's sustainable energy challenge.

For 2023, there were entries from 27 universities and research institutions in the six ASEAN countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam contributing to the UN's SDG 1: no poverty and SDG 7: affordable and clean energy.

IN PHOTOS: 5 | TEXT: ROBERT ALFIE PEÑA

HSP Students Awarded Best Paper in International Conference Two groups from the Ateneo’s Health Science Program won the Best Paper Award during the “15th International Multi-Conference on Complexity, Informatics and Cybernetics: IMCIC 2024”.

One of the papers was “The Influence of Needs Satisfaction and Support on the Well-Being of Physicians Deployed in Underserved Communities.” This was authored by Karl Hendrick Bautista, Jianna Capillo, Mari Jazmin Ezekielle Lopez, Edgardo Javier Santos, Ivan Matthew Severino, Chloe Angela Mae Sio, and Samantha Marie Tanchanco. They were

mentored by Dr Genejane Adarlo and Dr Michelle Pia Eustaquio. The other was entitled “Examining the Social Determinants of Seeking Help for Postpartum Mental Health.”

Also mentored by Adarlo, this group’s members were Cristyanna Minda Ong, Daryl John Briones, Miguel Alberto Mallari, Annielov Paboroquez, Janna Mikaela Sanchez, Neki Lora Rufino, and Antonni Mikela Agustin.

The conference was held virtually on March 26-29, 2024.

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FEATURE: ARISE-ING SCIENTIST

Happy’s Passion

for Research & Ateneo TEXT: MICHAEL LOPEZ II

Raphael Alampay, PhD, has been a faculty member of the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS) for around six years. Fondly known by many as Doc Happy from his peers and students, Dr Alampay is one of the geekiest members of the department due to his influential passion for academic research. Staying true to his character, he remains to be affiliated with Ateneo ever since his formative education years. We sat down in an interview with him so that he may have the opportunity to reflect on his tenure for being an integral part of the DISCS community and what he had learned as he grew with the University.

One of the reasons for him to have always been “pulled back” into the Ateneo is the culture of the

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work. He acknowledges that he dislikes any repetitive activity, which makes him gravitate more towards research. “I choose to stay [in the Ateneo] because research is an intellectual adventure. So, this is something you can’t get out of routinary work,” he described. There is some fulfillment on how venturing into the uncertain may spark happiness on him due to the discovery of something novel. From here, it could possibly lead to a more significant contribution.

This is why after receiving his Doctor of Philosophy degree, he was given the opportunity to co-lead the Ateneo Laboratory for Intelligent Visual Environment (ALIVE) alongside the department’s Chairperson Patricia Abu, PhD. Yet despite the circumstances surrounding his appreciation towards research, Doc

Happy admits that academic work is not as financially appealing compared to an external opportunity such as the industry. “It is not as lucrative. So I guess it is a work of passion more than anything. Thankfully I do have other things that I, on a professional scale, allows me to still stay in Ateneo. And for that, I’m thankful for it,” he shared.

At the moment, their studies focus on computer vision, a specific sub-discipline in computing that requires specific equipment to ensure machines could “see” with special consideration to its neural network structure. It is still a young entity, which only recently expanded its membership after the pandemic. Their work with the undergraduate and graduate students revolves around biomedical imaging, and even optimizing transportation routes. While there is no external funding at the moment, the primary goal of the laboratory is to be recognized by conferences and open-sourced journals so that it could build credibility over the next years.

worth taking care of so that the culture still lives on for generations to come,” he emphasized. Because of it, he learned throughout his stay that always choosing to be truthful is the highest form of kindness someone may practice. Doc Happy promotes that the truth is more consequential since it will liberate someone from stagnancy. Hence, it builds a collection of people towards a productive society. ◆

Besides research, there are still some customary work that Doc Happy must uphold. He is accountable for evaluating the current intake of graduate students for the department. Similarly, he handles their Individual Program of Study (IPS) on a regular basis.

And if that is not enough, he is in charge of the logistics of such post-graduate thesis defenses, ensuring that all of them comply to the timeline of that particular semester. When asked on whether he gets tired pursuing these administrative tasks, he said that it is a requirement so that the department would be able to function. “Admin work is something that is tedious to do. But it is needed to be done,” he added.

Brought upon by his hands-on involvement with the graduate community, he has also led him to meet interesting students.

One of his rewarding experiences is able to assist and support the students on their toughest times.

There were moments that being a Graduate Coordinator has paved the way for him to help out the difficulties some students face. Of course, there were some restrictions in order to maintain the cordial nature with them. Yet over time, it is something that both the students and Doc Happy cherish once they have graduated. “I think it is also the responsibility of faculty to be able to in some capacity help out. Para matawid ‘yung difficulties na ‘yun,” Doc Happy said it proudly.

At this point, he feels that there is no reason to “escape” Ateneo regardless of how hard he tries. It was realized he has grown used to the means and ways of how the University conducts itself. This community that promotes a holistic perspective for growth is something he does not take for granted. “It is more of a cultural aspect. And I think that’s something that is

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAPHAEL ALAMPAY

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Remembering

CATHERINE a tribute to Irene Dela Cruz

TEXT: ERIN BIANCA DELA CRUZ

Ma. Catherine Dela Cruz, or Irene to most, and mama to us children, was always just one message away. We would turn to her for both the smallest and biggest decisions we had to make, and we would figure them out together over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. She was someone who went above and beyond to serve others, even when it meant putting herself second. And she did so with warmth and a reassuring smile, showing that no challenge is too big to be overcome.

Through the stories that her friends, colleagues, students, and alumni shared, we realized that the love, care, and generosity she wholeheartedly showered on us three children were not confined within the walls of our home. She was always ready to give—whether it was a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, or encouragement in times of doubt. And we're happy that she was able to share so much of herself and reach people from different walks of life. This showed us that, though her life might have been short, it overflowed with love, laughter, and joy.

Our mom loved to write, and though her time here on earth may have ended, we humbly ask you to continue the story of her life by extending the same warmth, openness, companionship, and faith that she showed you to the people you encounter. It is through this that we hope to keep her presence alive.

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The

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Newsletter

E D I T O R I A L & C R E AT I V E S: Clark Kendrick Go Christiane Oriana Maria Leonora C. Guico Grace Majella Gozun Jhennylea Dela Cruz Pan Margot Revilla C O N T R I B U T O R S: Althea Mycka Ella Bong Nathaniel Capistrano

YOUR STORIES, TO A HIGHER DIMENSION From the walls of Faura, the labs of Schmitt, the classrooms of SEC and CTC, to the wider world. Share stories that inspire, milestones to celebrate, or moments that make us a cut above the rest.

Erin Bianca Dela Cruz Richell Isaiah Flores Christiane Oriana Michael Lopez II

Visit bit.ly/DimensionsSubmission or scan the QR code to share us your stories.

Raphael Alampay Raphael Guerrero Robert Alfie Peña

The Ateneo School of Science and Engineering:

Ateneo Innovation Center Ateneo Intellectual Property Office Ateneo Mathematics Society Marikina City Information Office Printed Electronics and Nanotechnology Laboratory The Ateneo Wild About the Cover:

This Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina) is an uncommon migrant to the Philippines from Northeast Asia. Pictured is the male of the species, the female display a brown, tan, and white plumage. On campus, they has been spotted around SEC field, JGSOM forest, and the Gonzaga parking lot.

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Biology

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Chemistry D EPARTMENT OF

Information Systems and Computer Science D EPARTMENT OF

Eletctronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering D EPARTMENT OF

Environmental Science D EPARTMENT OF

Mathematics Health Sciences P ROGRAM

Read the previous issues: issuu.com/ateneodimensions

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Physics

DIMENSIONS NEWSLETTER | 19

Dimensions is the newsletter of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) and the Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering (ARISE). Published twice in an academic year, it is a portfolio of our achievements, a repository of our experiences, and a canvas of our aspirations. Dimensions is a mosaic of our identity – a celebration of what makes SOSE truly unique.

ateneo.edu/sose dean.sose@ateneo.edu ADMU School of Science and Engineering

arise.sose@ateneo.edu Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering- ARISE

Sponsored by:

20 | DIMENSIONS NEWSLETTER