By Crisdeniele H. Clemente 

Peterson Tjaard Tijhuis, a graduate student from Wageningen University and Research (WUR) in The Netherlands, has commenced a professional internship at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) as part of his Master's studies in International Development.

Upon his arrival on November 13, Mr. Tijhuis was warmly welcomed by MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis at the FEM Building. His internship, facilitated under the Department of Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, will involve exploring potential research avenues and university collaborations within the campus. 

Specializing in sociological perspectives on environmental change, the Dutch student will collaborate closely with faculty members of the DSS as well as researchers from the Research DIrectorate and National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center. Dr. Rommel Dascil will supervise Mr. Tijhuis during his stay. In welcoming Tijhuis, Dr. Agrupis said, "Peterson brings a fresh perspective to the campus.” The MMSU president wished him a rewarding and memorable internship. 

Over the course of five months at the university, Mr. Tijhuis will engage in both theoretical and practical tasks, participate in independent and group research, and contribute to the creation or editing of academic articles. Immersing himself in the vibrant academic landscape of MMSU, he aims to make a meaningful impact during his stay. In his first two weeks, the foreign student has expressed deep appreciation of how MMSU strongly engages its diverse stakeholders. 

Tijhuis, who holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to live abroad, where his interests in the environment and the complex interplay between human communities and ecosystems have flourished.

Beyond enhancing his academic journey, Tijhuis's internship will be providing valuable insights for ongoing research initiatives at MMSU. (JVBT,StratCom)