USHS, OVPRE Stage the 1st HYPE Congress to Showcase Senior HS Research Outputs

The University Science High School (USHS) and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (OVPRE) mounted the first High School Youth for Purposeful Engagement in STEAM R&D (HYPE) Congress 2024 participated by USHS Senior High School students who presented their research outputs through paper and poster presentations last May 14, 2024 at the R&E Amphitheater. With the theme “STEAM Research, Innovation and Development for All Genders: Breaking Barriers and Exploring Opportunities Through Purposeful R&D Engagements,” the congress funded by the University Gender and Development Office (UGADO) provided the students a platform to present their gender-responsive research outputs to a panel of evaluators with their junior counterpart as audience, and their families and friends who watched via Facebook livestreaming. Dr. Edgar A. Orden, Vice President for Research and Extension, initiated the event and warmly welcomed the participants. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the purpose of the congress, highlighting that CLSU, recognized as one of the leading higher education institutions in research and development in the country, is committed to providing an enabling environment for its students. This commitment aims to ensure that students are well-prepared and globally competent. Meanwhile, Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered an inspirational message on behalf of Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, University President. As an alumna of the school, VP Velasco shared her personal reflections and encouraged the participants to always strive for excellence. “You are not just presenting the data; you are presenting a piece of yourself. It is not the size of the thing that you have done but the magnitude of your passion and the depth of your inquiry. Ultimately, it is about making a meaningful contribution to the collective wisdom of humankind,” said VP Velasco. Gracing the event as the keynote speaker, Dr. Danilo S. Vargas, former CLSU Vice President for Administration and current President of CORE Gateway College Inc., addressed the students and expounded on the value of interdisciplinary learning and collaboration in advancing research and innovation. “The more we understand and appreciate different fields, the more we can contribute to the growth and development. This is where interdisciplinary learning and collaboration come. Serving as light blood of advancing research and innovation in STEAM research and other fields, it is through collective efforts that we can truly make a difference,” Dr. Vargas explained. Also in attendance were Dr. Verjun J. Dilla, Head of CLSU Laboratory for Teaching and Learning (CLTL), Dr. Aileen G. de Guzman, Sub-unit in-charge of CLTL-USHS along with the faculty and staff. The Grade 12 students presented their capstone research papers: 7 in the Basic Science; 8 in Applied Science; and 5 in Social Science Category, while the Grade 11 students presented their research through a poster presentation. CLSU faculty and researchers served as panel evaluators who determined the winners from each category. The following are the winners who received certificates of recognition and a 2,000 cash prize: BASIC SCIENCE CATEGORY Paper Title: Presence of Phytochemical in Petroleum Nut (Pittosporum resiniferum) Authors: Verline Gaudeene Dilla, Leia Jeinne Manig, Avril Christi Soriano and Maren Tomas APPLIED SCIENCE CATEGORY Paper Title: The Development of a KAMALIG Interactive Map Software as Proof of Concept for Tourist Navigation Authors: Chelsie Nicole Bartolome, Rion Fauszt Bustos, Joemarc Jr. Castillo, Kyx Hubilia, Mark Yohance Rafael, Ralph Andrei Del Rosario and Zamil Adriel Ortega SOCIAL SCIENCE CATEGORY Paper Title: Reveal or Conceal?: The influence of Social Media to LGBTQIA+ Filipino Youth’s Expression of Sexual and Gender Identities Authors: Allysa Joyce Zulueta, Ida Yeska Garcia, Leahkim Asseren Mabalay, and Lucky Elijah Mae Mabalay POSTER COMPETITION Paper Title: Investigating Barriers on Modern Romance Within Same Sex Couples and the Effects on Mental Health, Relationship Stability, and Social Skills: Basis for Advocating Gender Equality Authors: Alissa Anne Lourdes A. Tuates, Mikee G. Tolentino, Mark Christopher A. Caunte, and Zoe Jenae DC. Garcia