NPRG Holds First Part of Capability Development Seminar-Workshops

by Q.M. Maquilang

The newly formalized Natural Products Research Group (NPRG) held a seminar-workshop entitled "Capability Development in Natural Products Research: 1. Chromatographic Separation of Bioactive Metabolites" on April 11-13, 2012 at the Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of San Carlos. Aside from the faculty and staff identified with the group, students from different year levels participated in the seminar-workshop as well.

Denniell Hurboda Earns Accolades

Denniell Ann Hurboda earned multiple awards and citations as a distinguished graduate of this year's batch of B.S. Chemistry students. She was presented the BPI Science Award last February 6 at the USC-TC CAFA Theater. Having graduated magna cum laude, she also garnered the Moises Soriaga Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry, which she received during the College of Arts and Sciences' graduation rites held last March 24.

During the aforementioned BPI Science Awards ceremony, Denniell presented her thesis entitled 'Comparative study on the alginic acid content and copper-sorption and cobalt-sorption capacities of brown seaweeds, Sargassum cristaefollium and Padina Australis'. During the event, Jack Hess Baricuatro, Ph.D., had this to say about his accomplished advisee —

Given her special aptitude for chemistry, Denden is always the Department’s representative to academic competitions such as those sponsored by the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Incorporated (CESAFI) or in many of the activities of the Chemistry Students’ Association, the official organization of the Department of Chemistry. Denden is an active participant of the Chemistry roadshows, tutorial sessions and exhibits. Determination, hardwork and faith are traits that allow her to endure all personal and academic struggles. When I interviewed her for this introduction, it was like extracting tooth from an inflamed gum: Denden is a typical chemist, self-effacing, almost to a point of not acknowledging how great her achievements have been. She told me that winning this award has clarified her passion for science and chemistry, and has brought direction to her dreams.

The faculty, staff, students and alumni of the Department of Chemistry all wish Denden a hearty congratulations as she lies on the threshold of a successful career.

Chemistry Roadshow Series of 2011 (Photos)

The Chemistry Roadshow is an ongoing community extension activity initiated and carried out by the USC Department of Chemistry (Chemistry Students' Association, faculty, staff and alumni) and the Cebu Chemical Society in the different high schools in Cebu.

The set of pictures that can be accessed via the link (by clicking on the image above) were made during the group's sojourn to Saint Louis School of Mandaue last September 2, 2011.

The set of pictures that can be accessed by clicking on the image above were made during the group's visit to Sisters of Mary - Girls Town in Talisay last September 9, 2011.

USC Chem Open House and Exhibits (photos)

From USC Chem Exhibits and Open House

The University of San Carlos Department of Chemistry opened their doors to a host of scientifically-inclined guests last August 24-25, 2011. The different exhibits were prepared and presented by the Chemistry Students Association (ChemSA) under the tutelage of their respective year-level advisers and other members of the faculty.

Congratulations to all those who were involved for a successful undertaking.

*Click on the album link on the lower right corner of the image above to view more pictures from the set.

Dr. Nonita T. Yap Advocates Green Economy

From Academic Forum - Dr. Nonita T. Yap

Dr. Nonita T. Yap espoused the benefits of creative waste reduction to the industry sector, and the country as a whole in her talk entitled Greening Investments through Industrial Ecology and Cleaner Production: Opportunities in the Philippines’ 2011 Investments Priority Plan given at the Fr. Albert van Gansewinkel Hall at the USC Main Campus last August 25, 2011 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

*Click on the album link on the lower right corner of the image above to view more pictures from the set.

USC Chem Pilot Tests Online Homework Systems

From Online Homework Systems

The Department of Chemistry adopted web-based learning resources Online Web Learning (OWL) from Cengage Learning and Mastering Chemistry from Pearson Education for use in its service and professional courses starting this first semester. Faculty and staff underwent a training seminar and workshop on the use of the service last June 6 and 25.

*Click on the album link on the lower right corner of the image above to view more pictures from the set.

JV Nazareno Conferred Moises S. Soriaga Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry

Jan Vincent Nazareno, a graduate of B.S. Chemistry batch 2011, was given the honor of receiving the Moises S. Soriaga Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry. The award was presented to him during this year’s graduation rites held last March 25, 2011 at the Church of Saint Arnold and Saint Joseph.

The recipient of the award is chosen by a faculty committee who select the most academically outstanding student from the current crop of graduates. The award consists of a plaque and a cash gift.

Past winners of the Moises S. Soriaga Award for Academic Excellence in Chemistry are Andrew Gil Desabelle (2007) and Noemae Lim (2010).