23rd MSU-IIT Annual In-House Review of Research and Development Projects

Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan is a Chemistry Professor and the current Director of International affairs at MSU-Naawan, specializing in the wide applications of nanotechnology and Material Science. His research interests are in areas of synthesis, characterization, and applications (biomedical and environmental) of various polymers and nanomaterials. Dr. Capangpangan received his BS in Chemistry from the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and an MS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman. He received his doctorate degree in Chemistry (Molecular Science and Technology) from National Tsing Hua University-Academia Sinica, Taiwan, under the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP). Dr. Capangpangan is able to publish several scientific papers in ISI/Scopus-indexed journals. He also received numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Research, Presidential Award for Excellence in Resource Generation, Outstanding Faculty, and National Awardee (PCHRD-NHRS), among others. He also received a Research Fellowship at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. He is actively involved in mentoring young researchers and is the founding head of the nanoCORE Lab (@MSU Naawan) and the Material Science and Polymer Chemistry Laboratory (situated at CSU).

Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan

Dr. Elmer P. Dadios is a Distinguished Professor at De La Salle University (DLSU) and a leading authority in robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems. He earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Mindanao State University–Marawi, MS in Computer Science from DLSU, and PhD in Manufacturing Engineering with specialization in Robotics and Intelligent Systems from Loughborough University, UK, which he completed in just two years. A 2023 NAST Academician and 2022 ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar, Dr. Dadios has received numerous honors, including the NRCP Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 Leaders in Innovation Fellowship from the UK Royal Academy of Engineering, and recognition among the Top 100 Asian Scientists. He has authored over 570 Scopus-indexed publications and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Computational Intelligence in Engineering Applications. His research advances robotics, smart cities, biomedical systems, and computational intelligence. He also leads the Intelligent Systems Innovation Corporation as its founding Chairman.

Engr. Alex L. Maureal is the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) in Cagayan de Oro City. He also serves as the Director for Innovation and Technology Solutions at the same institution. He was a recipient of the 2023 PRC Outstanding Professional. He spearheads the university’s strategic research initiatives, promotes technological advancements, and fosters a dynamic academic growth and innovation environment. Engr. Maureal has been instrumental in developing and implementing research projects that bridge the gap between technology and practical applications in agriculture and other fields. One of his notable projects is the Management Information System for Smart Agriculture (MISSA) Soil Sensing System, which utilizes advanced sensor technologies to monitor soil quality and nutrient content, thereby contributing to improved agricultural practices in Misamis Oriental. With his background in engineering and research, Engr. Maureal is key in promoting research collaborations and technological innovations that address local challenges and contribute to the university’s mission of producing impactful and sustainable solutions. His leadership has positioned USTP as a hub for research excellence and innovation in Mindanao.

Engr. Alex L. Maureal

Dr. Meldie A. Apag is the Dean of the College of Computer Studies of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. She earned her academic degrees in Doctor in Information Technology at De La Salle University with a CHED-FDP Scholarship, Master of Science in Information Technology at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan with an MPSC- FDP Scholarship, and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Xavier University. She is the President of the Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators of Region 10 in her second term. She has been teaching computing courses for more than 20 years. In the research field, she is a research paper reviewer for the Association in Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Research and Scientific Innovation Society Journals (RSISJ). She was able to publish her research studies in various international and national scientific journals while also being able to present her studies at various international and national conferences and forums. Her interests in computing include assistive technology, emerging technology, multimedia technology, usability engineering, expert systems, decision support systems, learning systems, business intelligence, project management, and cloud computing. A teacher and researcher by heart who continues to grow in learning, reaching out, and touching lives. Rising from the ranks and gaining experience with time.

Dr. Nonillon M. Aspe is a distinguished professor of Biology at the Mindanao State University at Naawan, Philippines at the Dean of the College of Environment and Life Sciences. His research expertise lies in the biodiversity and systematics of Philippine earthworms, with a particular focus on taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and evolutionary biology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Master of Science in Biology from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). He later completed his Ph.D. in Natural History Sciences at Hokkaido University in Sapporo City, Japan. Dr. Aspe has made significant contributions to the field of biology, having described nearly 100 new earthworm species and published numerous research articles on the ecology and phylogenetic relationships of these organisms. His work has shed light on the processes of earthworm diversification and biogeographic distribution in the Philippines, enhancing the understanding of local biodiversity. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Aspe was honored as an Outstanding Young Scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in 2018. That same year, he was named one of the Ten Outstanding MSU-IIT Alumni (TOMA) for his exceptional achievements in research and education. Currently, Dr. Aspe is engaged in collaborative projects with national and international scientists to explore the potential applications of earthworms in agriculture, soil bioremediation, solid waste management, and the discovery of biochemical products derived from native earthworm species. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Environment and Aquatic Resources, a scholarly publication of MSU-Naawan, further contributing to the academic community through his editorial work.

Dr. Francis Thaise Cimene is Professor VI at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) and Head of the Center for Inclusive Development Studies since 2020. She serves as Director of the Research Integrity Office and Coordinator of the Social Sciences Unit, and formerly led Academic Affairs and the Research, Innovation, and Extension Division at USTP-Villanueva. A Career Executive Service eligible scholar, she holds a PhD in Educational Management, MA in Sociology, MA in Educational Administration, AB Sociology magna cum laude from Xavier University, and a BEEd. Her research focuses on inclusive development, public sector innovation, community safety, and evidence-based governance, including commissioned policy studies for the Cagayan de Oro City Council and biannual police community satisfaction surveys in Region 10. She has authored numerous books and over two dozen journal articles, and serves as editor and reviewer for Frontiers journals. She is a USTP PRAISE LUMEN awardee and Metrobank Outstanding Filipino qualifier.

Dr. Laila S. Lomibao is Professor 1 and is currently designated Dean of the College of Science Technology and Education (CSTE) of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). She obtained her PhD in Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics Education) at USTP, as an Exchange Visitor Program-Enhancement Training Sponsorship Project (EVP-ETSP)scholar, MSiEd Physics at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, also as recipient of the DOST-ASTHRDP; BS Physics for Teachers from Philippine Normal University, Manila, as DOST-SEI scholar. She has published many studies dealing with Mathematics, Teaching pedagogies, and Teachers' Professional Development and has been cited and recognized by AD Scientific Index 2022 as among the most cited research scientists. She also served as a journal reviewer for local and international journal publications. She was awarded the USTP PRAISE Awards for 2020 & 2021 Research Productivity. She sits as President of the Graduate School Foundation-USTP and concurrent Secretary of the Council of Deans in Teacher Education, Region 10.

Dr. Ruby Castrence-Gonzales is a Professor VI and the Director for Research, MSU Naawan. She obtained her MS Marine Biology degree at MSU Naawan in 2002 and her Ph.D. in Marine Biology at MSU Naawan in 2017 with a Fulbright Scholarship for her Dissertation at George Washington University, Computational Biology Institute in Ashburn, Virginia, USA, and conducted her genetic laboratory analysis of her crab tissues at the Laboratories of Analytical Biology of the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. USA. She is received a training grant for the Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources in Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium with follow-up trainings for alumni in Vietnam and different parts of the Philippines. She also joined the delegates of the Philippines in the Japan-Philippines Friendship Program for the 21st Century. Dr. Gonzales spearheaded several research projects funded by DA-BFAR, DA-ACEF, and the congressional appropriation from Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonnie” Angara with varied themes such as aquaculture, institutional development, and natural resources management and conservation. Noteworthy is the recently approved House Bill 2653 on establishing a crab hatchery in MSU Naawan where she is the project leader. As a task leader and member, she is also actively involved in various university research projects with funding from CHED, DOST-PCAARRD, DOST-PCIERRD, DOST-PCHRD, and DA-BFAR. She has attended and presented papers in several conferences and fora and served as one of the resource persons in some seminar workshops on coastal resource management and other topics.

Dr. Ismael Talili stands at the forefront of academic excellence as the Director of Research at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City. Esteemed not only for his administrative prowess, Dr. Talili's scholarly endeavors as a Professor of Research and Communication within the Department of Technology Communication Management have earned him accolades from peers and students alike. His dual doctoral qualifications – a Doctor of Arts in Literature and Communication coupled with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a major in Research and Evaluation – both from Cebu Normal University, underscore his commitment to multidisciplinary knowledge and rigor. Dr. Talili's depth in literature and communication is seamlessly integrated with his expertise in research, bridging the arts and the empirical in a harmonious confluence. Under his leadership, the research landscape at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines flourished, becoming a crucible for innovation and discoveries. Beyond his roles, Dr. Talili is a mentor, an innovator, and a visionary, championing the synthesis of arts and empirical research to illuminate new frontiers of understanding. His legacy, built on a foundation of dedication, passion, and intellect, is an invaluable asset to the academic community.