Australia-trained microbial ecologist shares expertise as Balik Scientist at MMSU
By Jedd Bryant Boado
A globally trained microbial ecologist has returned to the country to share her expertise. Dr. Imelda Forteza of the Australian National University officially began her three-month stint as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist on May 19 at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).
The Balik Scientist’s presence at the university opens opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in microbial ecology and environmental genomics.
Dr. Forteza was warmly welcomed during an opening program at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Audio-Visual Room. She was received by Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, who represented MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. He was joined by CAS Dean Marlina Lino, faculty members from CAS, the College of Engineering, and the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development, as well as selected Biology students, especially those whose theses are related to microbiology.
During the program, Dr. Cajigal delivered a message from Dr. Manzano, expressing admiration for scientists like Dr. Forteza who choose to return to the country to share the knowledge and training they gained abroad. He also said he looks forward to working with her to advance the university’s goals and address the needs of communities in Ilocos Norte and nearby areas.
“We are excited about the possibility of working with Dr. Forteza in areas related to environmental sustainability, microbial and molecular research, biodiversity, agriculture, ecosystem resilience, and community-based scientific work. These are important areas that connect closely with the needs of our region and the direction of MMSU as a university committed to innovation and sustainable development,” Dr. Cajigal said.
Meanwhile, Department of Biological Sciences Chair Alice Geraldine Pagaling introduced Dr. Forteza to the participants of the program by presenting her academic background. She completed her master’s degree in Environmental Systems from the University of California, Merced, and her master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Santo Tomas. Her research has also been published in scientific journals worldwide.
In her message, Dr. Forteza thanked MMSU for its hospitality and strong support for the Balik Scientist Program. She emphasized the importance of establishing systems in universities that encourage large-scale research and strengthen the foundations of science.
“What I have learned from my past experiences is the importance of building systems that promote reproducible research. It is also important for researchers to know the basics of conducting studies, from proposal writing to testing ideas and concepts. More than anything, we should be willing not only to teach ideas but also to learn new ones. My goal is to share the lessons I have learned and my experiences with all of you during my stay as a Balik Scientist here at MMSU,” Dr. Forteza said.
To conclude the program, CAS Dean Lino thanked Dr. Forteza for gracing the opening program marking the start of her engagement at MMSU. She expressed hope that the university’s collaboration with her would produce favorable results.
“We are truly blessed as a university to have Dr. Forteza as our Balik Scientist. We know that what our faculty and students will learn from her will be shared not only within the university but also with the communities we serve,” Dr. Lino said.
Dr. Forteza’s interest in becoming a Balik Scientist at MMSU stemmed from conversations with Dr. Rowena Antemano, a Biological Sciences professor at MMSU and her former labmate at the University of the Philippines Diliman. As a Balik Scientist, Dr. Forteza will work with MMSU through seminars, workshops, mentoring sessions, and other academic activities aimed at improving the university’s research processes and capacity.
The DOST Balik Scientist Program encourages Filipino scientists, technologists, and experts abroad to return to the Philippines. Through the program, Balik Scientists are expected to help develop new technologies and strengthen research and development in academia, government, and industry.
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