By Karren Jay G. Asgar
The lecturer, Dr. Rigoberto C. Advincula, is the Governor’s Chair Professor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
On August 2, 2024, Central Philippine University (CPU) hosted a lecture-forum on Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Philippine Innovationeering at the Henry Luce III Library Conference Room.
The objectives of the said lecture were to share cutting-edge research and developments in materials science, particularly in the areas of AI/machine learning (ML) and 3D printing; to showcase the opportunities for innovationeeering and for supporting Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG9) on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; and to provide a platform for faculty and students to interact with an international expert, facilitating networking and potential future collaborations.
The lecturer, Dr. Rigoberto C. Advincula, is the Governor’s Chair Professor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Additionally, Dr. Advincula is recognized for his work on the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers and nanostructured materials capable of controlled assembly, tethering, and self-organization in ultrathin films. As a Group Leader at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at ORNL, Dr. Advincula is an expert in organic and polymer chemistry, nanomaterials, flow chemistry and reaction engineering, additive manufacturing, and biomaterials. His portfolio includes leading major projects including the ML flow chemistry laboratory at ORNL and advanced nanocomposite manufacturing with DOE.
Attendees in the lecture-forum on “Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Philippine Innovationeering” together with CPU Officials, Prof. Rigoberto C. Advincula, and Mr. Peter Jerry P. Gavina.
Dr. Advincula’s achievements include being a Fellow of the U.S. National Academy of Inventors, Fellow of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Science and Engineering Division (ACS), Fellow of the Polymer Chemistry Division (ACS), Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Netzsch NATAS 2023 Fellow. He has been appointed to the World Economic Forum, Advanced Materials Council. He has held several visiting Professor positions including Waseda University in Japan and the Max Planck Institute for Polymers (MPI-P) Research in Germany. His career features prominent positions such as President of PAASE, Trustee and Board member of PhilDev, a highly distinguished alumni awardee of the University of the Philippines, a corresponding member of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and a frequent Balik Scientist and Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) Fellow. His contributions to the establishment of the first comprehensive Philippine 3D printing center (AMCEN) in ASEAN, second only to Singapore, underscore his commitment to advancing science and technology.
Prof. Advincula’s academic journey began with a BS in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines, followed by a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Florida. He further honed his expertise through post-doctoral positions at the MPI-P in Germany and Stanford University. His commitment to mentoring students and establishing interdisciplinary STEM programs is a testament to his passion for education and innovation.
The event began with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of CPU Communications, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem conducted by Dr. Crista S. Huyong, Director of the CPU Cultural Affairs Office. CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his opening remarks.
“My prayer is that when we will leave this place, we will leave equipped, renewed, and empowered for the welfare of our Alma Mater, Central Philippine University; the communities around us; our country; and more importantly, for God’s glory, honor, and praise,” Dr. Dagohoy emphasized during his speech.
Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Vice Chairman of the CPU Committee for the Lecture-Forum and Director of CPU RCECC introduced the speaker, who is known to be passionate about mentoring students and establishing interdisciplinary STEM programs.
Dr. Advincula mentioned that he was blessed to finally visit CPU as he has heard about it and has interacted with friends and colleagues from the University. He was glad to be able to talk about kinship in Christ with the CPU community.
“We are actually a rich country. Naturally, we are blessed with many, many resources untapped or waiting for the right technology but sometimes, maybe, the timing is not right.” Dr Advincula said.
Although there were many problems and possible solutions that he discussed, he emphasized,”…the secret is the people: more PhDs, more master’s students, more training in the sciences, more people who can do good empirical science, laboratory physicists, chemists, biologists, biomedical engineers, petroleum engineers, all of these will be needed for our country. We have actually one of the lowest among our peers in ASEAN per capita or per population with the number of PhDs.”
Dr. Advincula stressed that action is needed to respond to the needs.
Mr. Peter Jerry P. Gavina, Chief of the Science and Technology Scholarship Division of the DOST-SEI, also graced the occasion. Onsite participants came from various colleges and units of CPU.
The event was hosted by Engr. Bernie C. Cangrejo, Chairperson of the CPU Packaging Engineering Department. The awarding of certificates was led by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and assisted by Engr. Dany C. Molina, CPU Vice President of Administration; Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Chairman, CPU Committee for the Lecture-Forum; and Dr. Lenny Rose P. Mucho, Vice Chairman, CPU Committee for the Lecture-Forum.
Dr. Sheila Mae B. Pingul-Ong, Faculty of CPU Chemical Engineering Department, led the closing prayer.
A recording of the event is on the official Facebook page of CPU TV: https://www.facebook.com/CentralPhilippineUniversityTV/videos/526773599776924
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