The Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (DMPCS) hosted “STEM Live!: The 2025 STEM Student Research Conference” on September 19, 2025, at the Center for the Advancement of Research in Mindanao Complex (CARIM), University of the Philippines Mindanao.
Assoc. Prof. Alexis Erich S. Almocera, chair of the STEM Live! committee, opened the event by warmly welcoming all participants and expressing sincere gratitude to the faculty, staff, student volunteers, and presenters for their dedication and hard work. He stated that the event’s mission is to promote research excellence, build strong networks among young scientists, and inspire innovation. Prof. Almocera also shared his enthusiasm for the day’s lineup of presentations, seminars, and awards. He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of opportunities to learn, connect, and inspire others throughout the event.
Students and faculty from several high schools joined the event. These included Davao City National High School, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Calinan National High School, Mintal Comprehensive Stand Alone Senior High School, Compostela National High School, and Los Amigos National High School. In the morning, they presented research projects at different stages to DMPCS faculty judges. Their diverse topics ranged from energy storage to ocean acidification in seawater. The winners were announced at the end of the day.
- First Place: Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, “ARABITECT: Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis of Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots from Coffea arabica L. as Fluorescent Probe with Cytotoxic Effects for Selective and Sensitive Novel Macroscopic Detection of HCT166 Human Colon Adenocarcinoma.” (Gared Arthur S. Tribunalo; Faculty Adviser: Regie P. Rodrigo.)
- Second Place: Davao City National High School, “PROJECT NIDHOGG: Quantum Scarring Analogues via Periodic N-gon Particle Orbit in Convex Polyhedra.” (Mauver John Sarif L. Adlawan, Faculty Adviser: Sherwin S. Fortugaliza.)
- Third Place: Mintal Comprehensive Stand Alone Senior High School, “SWIFTCARE: Mobile Application Software Prototype for Enhanced Patient-Barangay Emergency Medical Response in Davao City.” (Harrold King Talicug, Faculty Adviser: Rosallen G. Batingal.)
- Honorable Mention: Los Amigos National High School, “Project CHOCI: Cold Thermal Insulator Using Theobroma cacao Linn. Pod Husks as Expanded Polystyrene Substitute.” (Jhouie J. Patron, Faculty Adviser: Melodie Claire W. Juico.)
In recognition of a promising ongoing project, the panel of judges led by Assoc. Prof. Cinmayii G. Manliguez accorded the honorable mention awardee the title of “Rising Star”.
In the afternoon, the judges also served as resource speakers. Mr. Rapha Julysses E. Perez started by sharing tips on effective research communication. Asst. Prof. Jeremiah D. Juevesano delivered a talk on open data and citizen science, providing an introduction to Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider. Asst. Prof. Sherelyn A. Evangelio introduced RABDASH, a department project that supports the public sector. Assoc. Prof. Cinmayii G. Manliguez presented AI projects, such as PASYENTE, AIDurian and DALISAI, introduced the UP Mindanao’s AI and Robotics Fabrication Laboratory (a Shared Service Facility of DTI), and encouraged students to consider DMPCS degree programs. The session concluded with a roundtable discussion on the importance of collaborating with Senior High Schools.
DMPCS department chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Giovanna Fae R. Oguis concluded the event by extending heartfelt thanks to all participants, mentors, judges, organizers, and the UP System API. She celebrated the vibrant energy, curiosity, and world-class talent that the students demonstrated. Prof. Oguis emphasized the importance of collaboration, lifelong learning, and building strong networks. She urged everyone to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation. She invited participants to consider joining UP Mindanao’s programs and encouraged them to carry the spirit of STEM into their communities and everyday lives. She concluded by urging everyone to collaborate to make science and engineering a force for the greater good.
STEM Live! marked the conclusion of the DMPCS Live! 2024 Academic Program Improvement (API) Project. The project’s first part, DMPCS Faculty Live!, was completed earlier. CSAMDS Live! followed on December 2, 2024. With support from the DMPCS Faculty Live! grant, faculty members shared their research at conferences. The CSAMDS Live! roadshow visited senior high schools in Davao City to introduce DMPCS degree programs. All these activities promoted DMPCS and supported UP Mindanao’s “Road to 5K” vision. The goal is to enhance academic programs and aim for enrollment of 5,000 students by 2029.
