Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
The first University Evolutionary Biology and Bioinformatics Research Colloquium (UEBBRC) marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the students and faculty members of the Institute of Biological Sciences (IBS), who handle evolutionary biology. UEBBRC provided a platform for student researchers to showcase their studies at the College of Arts and Sciences Auditorium on May 20, 2024.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Mark Lloyd G. Dapar, Chairperson of the Plant Biology Division, urged the students to profoundly engage in the discussions and presentations. “Let us foster a spirit of curiosity and collaboration, for it is through the sharing of ideas and the challenging of assumptions that we will make the most significant strides,” Dr. Dapar said.
Hence, the students studying plant and animal biology defended 16 oral presentations and 17 posters. This year’s theme is “The Revolutionary Tool of Geometric Morphometrics in Interdisciplinary Studies,” which focuses on evolutionary biology and bioinformatics.
Moreover, Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres, Dean School of Interdisciplinary Studies, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) graced the event as the keynote speaker and talked on the Revolutionary Tool of Geometric Morphometrics in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Furthermore, Dr. Torres highlighted the application of geometric morphometric tools to be able to come up with a total evidence approach for studying organisms and evolution.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Ken Bien Mar L. Caballes, a student in the Plant Biology Division, expressed his thanks to the panel of judges, advisers, and organizing team. “I hope that we will be able to share our knowledge with everyone around us—because that’s what scientists do, and that’s what biologists do,” Mr. Caballes added.
The UEBBRC opened new avenues for research by integrating evolutionary theory and bioinformatics. It was attended by faculty and students of CMU-IBS. Dr. Dave P. Buenavista, Dr. Aprille Joy Luceño, Mr. Eric Claire T. Selpa, Ms. Jennifer G. Opiso of CMU-IBS, Dr. Mark Anthony J. Torres, Mr. Muhmin Michael E. Manting, Mr. Mark Anthony I. Jose, Ms. Kimverly Hazel I. Coronel of MSU-IIT, Ms. Sarah Grace G. Zamudio of De La Salle University, and Mr. Jay Are S. Montecino of the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary Philippine Eagle Foundation served as the panel of judges during the UEBBRC. [MJDBravo with reports from IBS Plant Biology Division]
