Ask Theory

This episode features Dr. Pierangeli Vital, an environmental microbiologist and one of the 2021 Outstanding Young Scientists recognized by the National Academy of Science and Technology.

We talked about pursuing environmental microbiology research, the best and worst parts of working as a microbiologist, popular myths and misconceptions about food safety in the Philippines, what the general public should know about food safety research, the impact of microbiology research on everyday life, and more.

How to contact Dr. Pierangeli:

Co-hosted by Angela Mae Bagarra of the Northern Exotics and Wildlife Troopers – Nueva Ecija Branch (NEWT-NEB), this episode features Jazz Ong, an educonservationist and the Chief Executive Officer of Wildlife Matters.

We talked about how Wildlife Matters started, the King Cobra Initiative, the difference between “venomous” and “poisonous,” bringing attention to endangered species that aren’t regarded as “cute” or attractive, why snakes are an important species to conserve, and more.

How to contact Jazz:

Facebook: fb.com/wildlifemattersinc

Instagram: @wildlife_matters

Instagram: @jazzwildlife

How to contact Angela:

Facebook: fb.com/NEWTNEB

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @newtneb

This episode features Shaira Panela, an award-winning science writer from the Philippines. Her work has appeared in local and international publications such as Asian Scientist Magazine, GMA News Online, Rappler, and SunStar.

We talked about the differences between writing about science and writing about crime, politics, or entertainment, the toughest science stories she has ever worked on, her most memorable experiences as a science writer, why science communication matters in the Philippines, communicating science to the public, and more.

How to contact Shaira:

This episode features Dr. Thomas Neil Pascual, a nuclear medicine physician and Science and Technology Fellow III for the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI). He serves as a technical adviser and research coordinator, providing high-level expertise and advice to researchers while developing and implementing projects aimed at applying quality management in nuclear medicine and diagnostic imaging practices.

We talked about why people tend to associate nuclear energy with destruction, the responsible use of nuclear energy to benefit the public, the field of nuclear medicine, some exciting applications of nuclear energy in health that Filipinos can look forward to, and more.

How to contact Dr. Thomas:

Dr. Pascual will be the resource speaker for “Nuclear Science and Technology Applications: Frontiers in Diagnostic Nuclear Medicine,” a virtual talk via Zoom and FB Live on November 26, 2021, at 8:00 AM. Register here: www.bit.ly/NSTW2021PNRIForum

This episode of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by the Department of Science and Technology, in celebration of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) happening on November 22-28, 2021. For more information on the 2021 NSTW, visit www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and follow the hashtags #2021NSTW, #DOSTTugonSaHamon, and #ScienceForThePeople on social media.

Co-hosted by Daisy Acuña of the Veterinary Circle for 10, this episode features Dr. Jose Isagani "J.I." Janairo. He is a Full Professor at the Biology Department of De La Salle University, where he also serves as the Head of the Biological Control Research Unit under the Center for Natural Sciences and Environmental Research. 

We talked about how microplastics end up in the ocean, the adverse effects of microplastics on animals and humans, how the pandemic impacted plastic pollution in the country, what we can do to help solve the microplastics problem in the Philippines, and more.

How to contact Dr. J.I.:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @dr_jij

How to contact Daisy:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Daisy C. Acuña

Facebook (Official Page): @veterinarycirclefor10

IG: @veterinarycirclefor10

Twitter: @CLSU_VC10

This episode features Jay Fidelino, a wildlife biologist working with the Biodiversity Research Laboratory of the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Institute of Biology. We talked about life as a wildlife biologist, working in a research laboratory, the many fascinating things about bats, common misconceptions about bats, initiatives for conservation education, and more.

[0:00] A quotable quote from Jay Fidelino.

[1:42] Introducing Jay.

[2:26] How Jay fell in love with science.

[9:34] Jay’s mission as a scientist.

[10:54] What the life of a wildlife biologist looks like.

[18:32] The work that a wildlife biologist does in a research laboratory.

[26:10] Why Jay decided to specialize in bats, and what he finds unique and fascinating about them.

[33:23] The most common misconceptions about bats.

[39:33] Upcoming development projects in the Philippines that pose environmental risks.

[43:46] Jay’s initiatives for conservation education.

[50:38] Information about Jay’s book on Philippine vertebrate biodiversity.

[58:14] The best way to reach out to Jay.

[1:00:29] Jay’s advice to aspiring Filipino scientists.

How to contact Jay:

Facebook: Jay Sebastian Fidelino

Twitter: @jsfidelino

Instagram: @jsfidelino

This episode features Lisa Paguntalan, the Executive Director of the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. We talked about the work of a biodiversity conservationist, the challenges in Philippine biodiversity conservation, inspiring ordinary citizens to become biodiversity conservationists, the amazing rediscovery of a Philippine species once thought extinct, and more.

[0:00] A quotable quote from Lisa Paguntalan.

[1:00] Introducing Lisa.

[1:39] How Lisa fell in love with science.

[7:58] Lisa’s mission as a scientist.

[12:03] How to become a biodiversity conservationist.

[19:09] Does biodiversity conservation work ever stop?

[23:12] Giving attention to less popular endangered species.

[32:02] The species that got Lisa started in the conservation world.

[38:28] How a conservation effort saved species, improved a town’s reputation, and inspired citizens to act.

[50:34] Measuring the success of conservation efforts through an inclusive citizen campaign.

[1:03:22] The best way to reach out to Lisa - and how PBCFI can collaborate with biologists and scientists-in-training.

[1:07:10] Lisa’s advice to aspiring Filipino scientists and biodiversity conservationists.

How to contact Lisa:

Facebook: Lisa J. Paguntalan

Facebook Page: Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

This episode features Engr. Marlon Llana, the Technical and Operations Director at Nanotech Analytical Services and Training Corp (NASAT). We talked about disruptive technologies, nanotechnology and its impact in our everyday lives, how radical technologies may affect the Pinoy job market, and more.

[0:22] A quotable quote from Engr. Marlon Llana.

[1:33] Introducing Engr. Marlon.

[4:42] Engr. Marlon’s mission as a scientist.

[7:04] Defining disruptive technology.

[8:21] The radical technologies that may advance drastically in the next 5 to 30 years.

[10:18] What nanotechnology is, and why it matters.

[12:28] Understanding electron microscopy and its role in nanotechnology.

[18:00] The current applications of nanotechnology in everyday life.

[25:05] Will these disruptive technologies drive Filipinos out of jobs?

[34:55] The best way to reach out to Engr. Marlon.

[37:38] Engr. Marlon’s advice to aspiring Filipino scientists.

How to contact Engr. Marlon:

Facebook: Marlon Llana

Email: [email protected]

YouTube: Marlon Llana

This episode of ASK THEORY was made possible by NASAT Labs, the first independent nanotechnology laboratory in the Philippines. NASAT Labs provides failure analysis and material characterization, water and environmental testing, and technical training sessions to various industries and the academe.

This episode features Kristine Buenafe, a quantitative marine biologist. She is a graduate of the TROPIMUNDO program, an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems. We talked about quantitative marine biology, community-based species conservation and management, marine protected areas, the TROPIMUNDO program, the dynamics of biodiversity conservation, and more.

[0:00] A quotable quote from Kristine Buenafe.

[1:33] Introducing Kristine.

[2:00] More information about Kristine.

[3:42] Kristine’s mission as a scientist.

[4:55] The work of a quantitative marine biologist.

[7:48] Why it’s important to clearly define the boundaries of a marine protected area (MPA).

[9:30] Why some fisheries managers don’t like to hear the word “conservation.”

[11:15] The complex dynamics of biodiversity conservation.

[15:00] Why species conservation must be inclusive, and why the Philippines is considered a pioneer in community-based species conservation and management.

[16:50] The biggest challenge Kristine faced as a researcher.

[18:50] More information about the Erasmus Mundus TROPIMUNDO Master Degree Program, and why Pinoys would want to apply for it.

[23:12] The perks of being in the TROPIMUNDO program.

[24:16] The application timeline and process for the 2021 TROPIMUNDO program.

[26:49] What Kristine learned after joining the TROPIMUNDO program.

[31:40] Applying the lessons from the TROPIMUNDO program in Kristine’s professional career.

[33:54] The best way to reach out to Kristine.

[35:17] Kristine’s advice to aspiring Filipino scientists.

How to contact Kristine:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Tin Buenafe

IG: gelatin_011

TROPIMUNDO Program FAQ: https://tropimundo.eu/userfiles/files/tropimundo_faq.pdf

This episode features Genea Nichole Cortez, a mangrove botanist and professional teacher. We talked about the challenges of teaching science in a virtual setup, how learners are adjusting to online science education, effective techniques for teaching science to elementary, high school and college students, how to encourage student participation in online learning, areas for improvement in Philippine science education, and more.

[0:00] A quotable quote from Genea Nichole Cortez.

[1:16] Introducing Genea.

[2:27] More information about Genea.

[5:30] Genea’s mission as a scientist and educator.

[6:05] How being a scientist influenced Genea as an educator, and vice versa.

[9:56] The importance of having credible references and resource materials for educators.

[11:05] Encouraging students to interact with their teachers.

[13:12] Different approaches to teaching elementary, high school, and college students.

[18:20] How complex mathematics lessons actually have real-world uses.

[21:18] The pros and cons of teaching science in a virtual setup.

[26:15] A suggestion for measuring effectiveness of virtual teaching methods.

[27:32] How college students respond to Genea’s virtual envi sci lessons.

[31:24] The areas in which science education in the Philippines can be improved.

[38:09] The best way to reach out to Genea.

[39:32] Genea’s advice to Filipino science educators.

How to contact Genea:

Twitter: @neyteachyou

Instagram: @teachtraveltrain_ney