SU Biology hosts US students for International Research Program
Students from the US and Silliman University take a break from molecular lab work.
The Silliman University (SU) College of Arts and Sciences – Biology Department welcomed five (5) undergraduate students from the United States for its third cycle of the Philippines International Research Experience for Students (Ph-IRES) program from June 17 to July 31, 2024.
Supported by the United States National Science Foundation, the annual initiative aims to foster international scientific collaboration and provide valuable research experiences for students from partner institutions.
Faculty and students perform DNA extraction and PCR techniques on animal tissue samples.
The 2024 cohort of American students hailed from the University of Florida, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Old Dominion University (ODU), Nova Southeastern University, and Stetson University. They were paired with research mentors and faculty members from the Biology Department, including Dr. Nadia Palomar-Abesamis; Dr. Robert S. Guino-o II, Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management (SUAKCREM) director; Asst. Prof. Michael Lawton R. Alcala, Biology Department chair; Asst. Prof. Persie Q. Sienes; Assoc. Prof. Roy Olsen de Leon; and Asst. Prof. Jeanette Tan-Sumagaysay. Faculty mentors from the U.S. included Dr. David T. Gauthier from ODU, and Dr. Christopher E. Bird and Kevin L. Labrador from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (TAMUCC).
In addition to their U.S. mentors, the American students collaborated with SU’s own junior and senior BS Biology students, including Christian Catacutan, Francis Albina, Jazz Catubig, Lhear Elloren, Roxanne Real, and Alicia Gotonero, emphasizing cultural collaboration and skill development in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial conservation research and management.
Participants of the data analysis workshop from the US, SU Biology Department, SU Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences, and UP Marine Science Institute pose outside the Uytengsu Foundation Computer Studies Hall.
The research conducted this year spanned a range of topics critical to conservation efforts. Projects included genetic barcoding of lizards and freshwater macroinvertebrates from Negros Oriental, studying the population genetics of the blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus across the Philippines, developing genetic markers for the critically-endangered Philippine spotted deer Rusa alfredi, and assessing carbon sequestration rates of palm species Nypa fruticans and Metroxylon sagu.
Fieldwork took place in various locations, including Dumaguete, Valencia, Zamboanguita, and Ayungon. Students engaged in laboratory work, data analysis, scientific writing, and presentations. A key component of their training was a two-week workshop on data analysis, where participants learned to manage and analyze biological data using Git and R software.
This workshop was conducted in collaboration with SU’s Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.
The Ph-IRES program continues to strengthen ties between Silliman University, Old Dominion University, and Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, providing students with invaluable research experiences and fostering international scientific partnerships.
Faculty mentors and students celebrate over thanksgiving dinner at the end of the 6-week intensive program.
