Ask Theory

Dr. Luis Razon is an adjunct professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering of De La Salle University. He worked in the food industry from 1987 to 2001, after which he returned to DLSU. There, he also served as the Director of the University Research Coordination Office (URCO). In addition, he has been an RD Lead of the National Research Council of the Philippines and a Section Editor-in-Chief of the ASEAN Engineering Journal. He has published extensively on a variety of topics, including chemical reactor stability and dynamics, biofuels, nitrogen fixation and life cycle assessment.

We talked about pursuing science abroad and coming home, the long process of researching food flavors, the importance of doing “weird” research, the secret to being a prolific scientist, improving logistics for the PH scientific community, and more.

How to contact Dr. Luis:

Email: [email protected]

The discovery of well-preserved mammoth remains across Europe has made genetic material from the behemoth more accessible. Paired with continued advancements in gene-editing technology, it’s becoming increasingly possible for the prehistoric creatures to make a comeback. Indeed, the question of species de-extinction, also known as resurrection biology, is steadily becoming less about how to do it… and more about why.

Dr. Renier Mendoza is an Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Institute of Mathematics, University of the Philippines Diliman, where he earned his MS in Applied Mathematics. He holds a doctorate from the Karl-Franzens University of Graz in Austria, and recently completed postdoctoral work at Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea. His research focuses on numerical optimization, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, delay differential equations, inverse problems, image processing, and mathematical modeling.

We talked about negative perceptions about mathematics, mathematics in work and everyday life, challenges in doing mathematical research in the Philippines, applying math in environmental conservation, reasons to pursue a graduate course in mathematics, and more.

How to contact Dr. Renier:

Facebook: fb.com/renier.mendoza

Email: [email protected]

Interested in DOST scholarship opportunities? Check them out here: https://www.sei.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/scholarships/postgraduate-scholarships

Attention, graduate students and early-career mathematicians from the Philippines and neighboring countries! The 2023 SEAMS School on Scientific Computing for Differential Equations and Applications will take place at the UP Diliman Institute of Mathematics from November 22 to December 1, 2023. It aims to bring together experts in numerical analysis and scientific computing to give introductory lectures on recent numerical techniques in solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and their applications. Funded by the Southeast Asian Mathematical Society through the support of CIMPA, it involves lecture series and hands-on computational exercises. Registration is FREE, but slots are limited. Participants from developing countries in Southeast Asia and nearby regions may also apply for financial support for airfare and/or accommodation. For more information, visit https://math.upd.edu.ph/seamsschoolmanila2023/.

More than a quarter-century has passed since the Ozone Disco fire, an incident that left a lasting scar on the history of the Philippines. In the years to come, it will undoubtedly continue to remind us of the very real dangers of fire. But what were the factors that made this tragedy one of the deadliest nightclub fires in the world?

Dr. Kathleen Aviso is a University Fellow and a Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering at De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines. She is also the current Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering of the university. Her main research interest is the development of decision support tools for environmental decision-making.

We talked about process systems engineering and climate change, creating tools and models for environmental management and conservation, artificial intelligence in making environmental policy decisions, what we mean when we say “Science has no boundaries,” the support that Filipinas need to pursue the scientific path, and more.

How to contact Dr. Kathleen:

This episode of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Now on its third year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship Programme. Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship to study a master's degree or an Early Academic Fellowship in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a prestigious UK university. Enjoy benefits including a 12-month stipend, accommodation allowance, Visa and insurance coverage, and even Special Support for applicants with children.

The full lists of universities, courses offered, and eligibility criteria are available on the British Council Women in STEM website: ⁠⁠https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM⁠⁠

The deadline for University of Strathclyde applications is on March 31, 2023, while the deadline for Newcastle University and Middlesex University applications is on April 23, 2023.

For more information, you may contact:

Dr. Chona VinceCruz-Abeledo is a scientist, teacher, and science communicator from the Philippines. She leads a team of brilliant researchers who develop innovations that help fishers and farmers produce more with less, and the technologies they create are at the nexus of molecular biology, genetics, ecology, big data, machine learning, and information technology. She is also the creator of the science channel SHE-ensya, fueled by her advocacy in the improvement of communications between the scientific community and other sectors of society.

We talked about the crown of thorns starfish and why it merits further study, using data about mangrove crabs to help fishers,  the #EcoSquadGoals initiative and what it seeks to accomplish, science communication and the SHE-ensya project, why there’s a need for more women in STEM, and more.

How to contact Dr. Chona:

This episode of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Now on its third year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship Programme. Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship to study a master's degree or an Early Academic Fellowship in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a prestigious UK university. Enjoy benefits including a 12-month stipend, accommodation allowance, Visa and insurance coverage, and even Special Support for applicants with children.

The full lists of universities, courses offered, and eligibility criteria are available on the British Council Women in STEM website: ⁠https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM⁠

The deadline for University of Strathclyde applications is on March 31, 2023, while the deadline for Newcastle University and Middlesex University applications is on April 23, 2023.

For more information, you may contact:

Celebrating how far women have come plays a crucial role in fueling the ongoing quest to reject and resist gender inequality in all forms, especially in the field of science in the Philippines. And there are few better ways to honor and celebrate Pinays in STEM than by learning about some of the greatest scientists in Philippine history.

This episode of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Now on its third year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship Programme. Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship to study a master's degree or an Early Academic Fellowship in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a prestigious UK university. Enjoy benefits including a 12-month stipend, accommodation allowance, Visa and insurance coverage, and even Special Support for applicants with children.

The full lists of universities, courses offered, and eligibility criteria are available on the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM

The deadline for University of Strathclyde applications is on March 31, 2023, while the deadline for Newcastle University and Middlesex University applications is on April 23, 2023.

For more information, you may contact:

Magmula noon hanggang ngayon, malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ng mga babaeng scientist sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng Pilipinas at ng mga mamamayan nito. Kilalanin ang ilan sa mga Pinay scientist ng nakaraan at kasalukuyan, at alamin kung bakit kailangan ng mas maraming babaeng scientist sa Pilipinas para sa mas magandang kinabukasan ng bayan.

This episode of the Ask Theory podcast was made possible by The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

Now on its third year, the British Council is accepting applicants for its Women in STEM Scholarship Programme. Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship to study a master's degree or an Early Academic Fellowship in science, technology, engineering or mathematics at a prestigious UK university. Enjoy benefits including a 12-month stipend, accommodation allowance, Visa and insurance coverage, and even Special Support for applicants with children.

The full lists of universities, courses offered, and eligibility criteria are available on the British Council Women in STEM website: https://www.britishcouncil.ph/study-uk/women-in-STEM

The deadline for University of Strathclyde applications is on March 31, 2023, while the deadline for Newcastle University and Middlesex University applications is on April 23, 2023.

For more information, you may contact:

With its long, wavy coat of mostly white fur, lustrous eyes, drooping ears, and jet-black nose, the Manilla Spaniel is - was - as magnificent as it is mysterious. But what happened to this "lost breed" of Philippine dog? How did a dog that enjoyed massive popularity over a century ago just vanish without a trace? And was it really a legitimate, unique dog breed in the first place?

Ang Kaliwa Dam ay bahagi ng tinatawag na New Centennial Water Source Program na naglalayong solusyonan ang kakulangan ng tubig sa Metro Manila. Naging matunog ang pangalan ng proyektong ito sa mga nakaraang taon, bunsod ng lumalalang krisis sa tubig sa Metro Manila. Pero bakit nga ba mariing tinututulan ng iba’t ibang grupo ang Kaliwa Dam? Posible nga ba na ang isang proyektong isinusulong upang solusyonan ang isang krisis ay magdudulot ng mas malaking problema? At ano ba ang sinasabi ng siyensya at ng mga eksperto tungkol dito?