The USC Senior High School (SHS) Department, in collaboration with the USC Center for Statistical Services and Training (CSST), successfully conducted a Research Synergy Expert Lecture Series on February 22 and March 1, 2025. 

In line with Lesson 4 (Learning from Others and Reviewing the Literature) of the Department of Education’s curriculum guide for Practical Research, this initiative provided an avenue for SHS students to engage with leading and established researchers and professors in the tertiary departments of USC, equipping them with valuable insights for their research proposals.

The February 22 schedule featured two parallel sessions for STEM students at Norton Hall in USC North Campus and for HUMSS students at Buschick Hall in USC South Campus.  

Chemistry professor and USC Tuklas Lunas Development Center (TLDC) program leader Dr. Patrick John Y. Lim discussed his research on synthetic inorganic chemistry and its environmental applications, as well as natural products drug discovery and development at the USC TLDC. Dr. Lorafe F. Lozano, Chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering and program leader of the USC Center for Research in Energy Systems and Technologies (CREST), discussed the significance of research in advancing renewable energy and sustainability, highlighting key insights from both literature and practice. 

For HUMSS students, Dr. Leny G. Ocasiones, Chair of the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, History (DASH), presented the areas of research in anthropology with focus on her research interest in gender and peacebuilding studies. Dr. Enriqueta Reston, a professor in the School of Education and coordinator of USC CSST, focused on selecting theoretical frameworks and developing conceptual frameworks in social science research. 

The second lecture series held on March 1, 2025 expanded to cover a broader range of disciplines with four parallel sessions held on-site in three campuses of USC and one online session via Zoom, ensuring that students had access to experts relevant to their research interests.

For STEM students, research in the following disciplines was shared by the experts: Physics, Biology, Pharmacy, Marine Biology, Computer Engineering, Robotics, and Architecture. 

At the North Campus, Dr. Rommel G. Bacabac, a physics professor and program leader of the MBG Center for Tissue Engineering and Biological Soft Materials, covered topics such as bone cell mechanosensitivity, microgravity, and artificial tissue constructs. This was followed by Dr. Ma. Kristina O. Paler’s discussion on biology and environmental science, where she tackled applied ecology, ecotoxicology, and microplastics research. 

At the Gansewinkel Hall in the Downtown Campus, Dr. Luis Gerardo S. Cañete, Jr. presented his research projects in computer engineering and robotics technology, particularly in developing assistive systems for stroke patients. Dr. Rowell Shih presented an insightful talk on research in building science and energy-efficient design in the field of architecture. 

In the online sessions via Zoom, Dr. Gerald Lee L. See, a pharmacy professor and Dean of the School of Health Care Professions as well as a USC TLDC project leader, presented his research on drug development, pharmacokinetics, and nanotechnology. Dr. Danilo B. Largo, a biology professor and head of the Marine Biology Section, discussed marine botany, seaweed cultivation, and carbon sequestration.

For ABM students at Buttenbruch Hall in the Downtown Campus, Dr. Challoner Matero, Chair of the Department of Accountancy, shared his own experience with research in accountancy along with how to systematically review related literature in the field. Dr. Vicente Maravilla Jr., an assistant professor of the Department of Hospitality Management, presented various areas of research in the field of hospitality and tourism management. 

Meanwhile, students from the Arts and Design track and HUMSS strand attended sessions at Jaschik Hall in USC South Campus. Dr. Joanne Marisse P. Tan, Chair of the Department of Communications, Linguistics, and Literature, explored topics in gender studies, literary criticism, and Philippine mythology. Dr. Leah Auman, Chair of the Department of Psychology, discussed health psychology, values and antisocial behavior, and developmental psychology. Carla Marie M. Adlawan, Coordinator of the Advertising Arts Program at the USC Department of Fine Arts, shared her expertise on visual identity and branding, copywriting, advertising strategy, and visual communication

Throughout these sessions, students actively participated and engaged in meaningful discussions with the resource persons. Some stayed beyond the scheduled time to ask questions and seek guidance from the experts on their research topics of interest. Dr. Bacabac noted the enthusiasm of the students, while Ms. Adlawan highlighted the depth of conversation she had with students from the Arts and Design track.

This lecture series was made possible through the efforts of the Senior High School Department, led by its principal, Andrew Dy, in partnership with CSST, a support unit of the Research, Development, Extension and Publications Office (RDEPO). The event was also supported by Dr. Marilou R. Gallos, Assistant Director for Academics and Curriculum, Basic Education, whose guidance has been instrumental in enhancing research initiatives within USC SHS.

With the success of this initiative, students can look forward to more research-driven activities in the future.

by Carla Marie Adlawan, Department of Fine Arts