Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Hokkaido, Japan — Aizhel Rhea D. de Gracia, a fourth-year Civil Engineering student from Central Mindanao University (CMU), recently completed a research-based international internship at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Held from April 10 to May 28, 2025, the program took place under the Sustainable Resources Engineering Division – Rock Mechanics Laboratory.
Supervised by Professor Satoru Kawasaki, de Gracia dealt with a research theme “Ground Improvement Using Bio-cementation,” particularly focused on Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP). MICP is a biological process where ureolytic bacteria promote the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which binds particles in the soil and enhances ground stability. This innovative technique is increasingly recognized for its potential in sustainable and eco-friendly geotechnical engineering applications.
The internship provided de Gracia with valuable hands-on experience in advanced laboratory research, enhancing her technical knowledge and reinforcing her academic foundation in geotechnical engineering. Her participation provided an opportunity to engage with emerging technologies in ground improvement, effectively connecting her academic knowledge to real-world applications.
Throughout the program, she worked alongside international graduate students from China and Sri Lanka, as well as Japanese undergraduate and graduate students. This internship not only improved her research and communication skills but also fostered cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, and professionalism in an international environment.
She highlights that embracing difficult experiences not only brings greater personal fulfillment but also equips students with the resilience and skills needed in competitive environments. Moreover, she encourages her fellow CMUans to pursue an internship at Hokkaido University, as it offers not just academic growth and research exposure but also cultural exchange and personal development.
By taking part in this international program, she embodies Central Mindanao
University’s vision of cultivating globally minded students. Her journey highlights CMU’s proactive role in creating international academic opportunities that empower students to engage with global challenges, collaborate across cultures, and contribute to meaningful advancements in research and development.
