Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
Central Mindanao University (CMU) celebrates the academic achievement of Dr. Bryan Lee D. Celeste, an Associate Professor at the Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, who was recently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy by Research in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
Dr. Celeste successfully earned his PhD through the Higher Degree Research Scholarship at the University of Newcastle and was also a partial scholar under the Faculty Development Program. His research, titled “Cultural Agency: Power and Resistance in Everyday Life among Manobo-Pulangiyon,” explores cultural dynamics and resistance within the indigenous Manobo-Pulangiyon community.
The Sociology and Anthropology program at the University of Newcastle is ranked among the top 150 in the world and is recognized for its excellence in research by the Australian Research Council (ARC). Dr. Celeste began his PhD journey in 2020 and completed it this year at the university’s Callaghan Campus.
While studying in Australia, Dr. Celeste actively participated in conferences, workshops, and academic competitions, all funded by the University of Newcastle. He highlighted how the experience broadened his research and presentation skills through postgraduate events such as the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Festival Conference, Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, and online and face-to-face writeshops.
“Studying a PhD at UON has allowed me to broaden my horizon, particularly in doing research,” Dr. Celeste shared. “Collaborating with international PhD scholars and researchers from various research centers and institutions can potentially open more academic engagement, research collaboration, and global linkages,” he added.
With his return to CMU, Dr. Celeste is eager to share his expertise, experiences, knowledge, and skills in doing research within Bukidnon and beyond. [yren D. Neri with information from Dr. Bryan Lee D. Celeste, faculty, CAS]
