We’re Always Here for You

Need help or have questions about admissions, programs, or campus life? Our USC team is ready to assist you — reach out anytime and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Hi there! Welcome to the University of San Carlos.

May I have your full name, please?

Thanks, [Name]!

What level are you enrolling in?

Great

What grade level are you enrolling in? (For example: Kinder 1, Grade 3, Grade 11)

Awesome!

What course are you enrolling in? (e.g., BS Psychology, BSBA Marketing, etc.)

Got it!

Please specify the program or course you’re interested in.

Is this your first time enrolling at USC?

Email Address

Mobile number

Preferred campus or location?

When do you plan to enroll?

Any questions or notes for us?

We value your privacy.

The information you provide will only be used for enrollment processing and communication related to your application at USC. We handle your data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

I agree to the collection and processing of my data for enrollment purposes.

logo

Thank you, [Name]!

Your information has been received. Our admissions team will reach out soon to guide you through the next steps. Welcome (or welcome back!) to the University of San Carlos

Ma. Kristina O. Paler

Paler, Ma. Kristina O.

Assistant Professor

mopaler@usc.edu.ph

Degrees

B.S. Biology, University of the Philippines Cebu
M.S. Environmental Science, University of San Carlos, 2011
Ph.D. Environmental Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Research Interests:

Applied ecology, ecotoxicology, pollution studies, waste management and valorization, plastics (macro and microplastics)

List of publications:

  1. Langcamon, A.A.J.D.; Paler, M.K.O.; Fujita, E.; Kameda, Y.; Walton, M.E.M.; Skov, M.W.; Hiddink, J.G.; Taboada, E.B.. Patterns of plastic occurrence during the pre- and post-Super Typhoon Rai (Odette) event in Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS), Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.119014.
  2. Tagalog, S.K.M.; Paler, M.K.O.; Walton, M.E.M.; Skov, M.W.; Hiddink, J.G.; Taboada, E.B.. Are mangrove ecosystems plastic accumulation zones?. Science of the Total Environment. 2026, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181208.
  3. Leocadio, R.K.R.Y.; Polidoro, B.A.; Cahill, T.M.; Paler, M.K.O.. Dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues among farmland communities in the selected municipalities of Bukidnon, the Philippines. Cyta Journal of Food. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2025.2541894.
  4. Alfafara, P.A.M.; Nacario, P.B.; Ceniza, N.A.M.; Bacolod, E.T.; Paler, M.K.O.; Suico, M.L.S.; Monotilla, A.P.; Hernandez, R.J.Y.; Tan, N.P.B.; Banabatac, L.I.C.. Physiological responses of Gutweed Ulva intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1753) exposed to high-density polyethylene microplastics. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118282.
  5. Walton, M.E.M.; Wedinger, M.; Mason, V.; Paler, M.K.O.; Taboada, E.B.; Skov, M.W.; Hiddink, J.G.. Global microplastic pollution at levels harmful to marine life. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-37149-x.
  6. Nacario, P.B.; Alfafara, P.A.M.; Ceniza, N.A.M.; Bacolod, E.T.; Paler, M.K.O.; Suico, M.L.S.; Tan, N.P.B.; Banabatac, L.I.C.. Uptake, growth, and oxidative stress responses of Rhizophora mucronata (Poir. in Lam.) propagules exposed to high-density polyethylene microplastics. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117569.
  7. Leocadio, R.J.K.R.Y.; Paler, M.K.O.. Pesticide-related Health Risk Prevalence among Farmland Communities in the Selected Municipalities of Bukidnon, the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 2024, https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85217796163.
  8. Cappa, P.; Walton, M.E.M.; Paler, M.K.O.; Taboada, E.B.; Hiddink, J.G.; Skov, M.W.. Impact of mangrove forest structure and landscape on macroplastics capture. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115434.
  9. Amaba, A.S.; Villanueva, K.C.; Tan, N.P.; Siacor, F.D.; Paler, M.K.. Preparation of bioplastic film from chitosan and mango (Mangifera Indica L. Anacardiaceae) kernel starch by casting method. Applied Chemical Engineering. 2023, https://doi.org/10.24294/ace.v6i3.2819.
  10. Paler, M.K.O.; Tabañag, I.D.F.; Siacor, F.D.C.; Geraldino, P.J.L.; Walton, M.E.M.; Dunn, C.; Skov, M.W.; Hiddink, J.G.; Taboada, E.B.. Elucidating the surface macroplastic load, types and distribution in mangrove areas around Cebu Island, Philippines and its policy implications. Science of the Total Environment. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156408.
  11. Yong, M.M.H.; Leistenschneider, C.; Miranda, J.A.; Paler, M.K.; Legaspi, C.; Germanov, E.; Araujo, G.; Burkhardt-Holm, P.; Erni-Cassola, G.. Microplastics in fecal samples of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and from surface water in the Philippines. Microplastics and Nanoplastics. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-021-00017-9.
  12. Paler, M.K.O.; Leistenschneider, C.; Migo, V.; Burkhardt-Holm, P.. Low microplastic abundance in Siganus spp. from the Tañon Strait, Central Philippines. Environmental Pollution. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117166.
  13. Paler, M.K.O.; Migo, V.; Delara, A.V.. Preliminary Assessment on the Histological Changes in Juvenile Siganus guttattus (Bloch, 1787) Exposed to Plastic Debris. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-021-03211-w.
  14. Galarpe, V.R.K.R.; Jaraula, C.M.B.; Paler, M.K.O.. The nexus of macroplastic and microplastic research and plastic regulation policies in the Philippines marine coastal environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112343.
  15. Paler, M.K.O.; Malenab, M.C.T.; Maralit, J.R.; Nacorda, H.M.. Plastic waste occurrence on a beach off southwestern Luzon, Philippines. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.02.006.

Back to Department Homepage