Dr. Joval Martinez of the BS Biology Program under the University's College of Arts and Sciences has been invited by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) to serve as a visiting professor for its inaugural international internship program from May 15 to July 13, 2026.
The appointment marks another milestone in the deepening partnership between USLS and TMU. Notably, TMU is among the first international partners established by the University at the onset of its internationalization initiatives, reflecting a long-standing and strategic collaboration grounded in academic exchange, research, and intercultural learning.
During his stay in Japan, Dr. Martinez will supervise USLS students participating in the TMU Internship Program while also assisting prospective exchange students through interviews and pre-departure guidance. His engagement is expected to further strengthen two-way academic mobility opportunities between the two institutions. He is likewise set to participate in a joint research initiative with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, particularly in areas connected to environmental and biological sciences.
The visit also opens broader opportunities for the Biology Department of USLS, including expanded collaborative initiatives in biology education and research, particularly at the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory of TMU. Discussions are also expected to support the reactivation of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program, which aims to connect students and faculty from both universities through shared virtual learning experiences and collaborative projects.
The partnership continues to create pathways for student and faculty exchange programs, international internships, and possible scholarship opportunities at the TMU Biology Department, further enhancing the global exposure of Lasallian learners and educators.