USLS Shines at the 30th Philippine Society of Microbiology - Visayas Regional Scientific Convention
The 30th Philippine Society for Microbiology (PSM) Visayas Chapter Regional Conference and Scientific Convention concluded with resounding success, leaving participants and organizers filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future events.
The conference, held at Santuario de La Salle from October 19 to 20, 2023, featured a wide array of scientific presentations, elections of officers, and the awarding of the best poster presentation.
Highlighting the accomplishments of USLS, four faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences' Natural Sciences Department were elected as PSM - Visayas Officers for the fiscal term 2023 - 2024.
Leading the way is Dr. Joval N. Martinez, who now serves as the PSM Visayas Chapter president, taking charge of the chapter's initiatives.
Dr. Eva Grace Chavez has assumed the role of Public Relations Officer, while Mr. Carl Errol Seran and Ms. La Vera Sombito were elected as Division Representatives for Microbiology Education and Food Microbiology, respectively.
Mr. Kyle Patrick Taruc was a standout plenary speaker, captivating the audience with his presentation on the microbiological perspective of sugarcane diseases in Negros.
One of the most prestigious honors of the conference was bestowed upon a group of Bachelor of Science in Biology graduates, namely, Emmanuel Ignacio, Ann Marie Juesna, Rhea Lynne Billones, Vermilah Ann Despi, and Efraen Balinas under the advisory of Mr. John Moises Relles and Dr. Joval Martinez.
Their poster, titled "Phosphate-Solubilizing Potential of Hot Spring-associated Thermophilic Bacteria," emerged as the victor among the 42 posters in both Undergraduate and Professional categories, earning them the esteemed American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Choice Poster Award.
Dr. Stanley Maloy of ASM had the honor of choosing and presenting the award to these talented young researchers.
The success of the regional conference and the warm hospitality provided by the University of St. La Salle, along with the leadership of Ms. Lilian M. Planella as PSM-Visayas Immediate Past President, played a pivotal role in a significant announcement.
It was revealed that the National PSM Convention will be hosted in Bacolod in July 2024.
This decision represents a substantial achievement for both USLS and the PSM Visayas Chapter, recognizing their capability to host one of the country's most important scientific events.
