“Illuminating New Worlds of Opportunity through Research” was the theme of the recently conducted Undergraduate Research Forum held Friday, January 29 at the Emilio Aguinaldo Main Auditorium. This seminar was spearheaded by the Department of Psychology under the chairmanship of Prof. Prof. Randy Wilson C. Delfino. Prof. Jonathan Rey Pelonio served as master of ceremonies for the forum. Students from all schools of EAC attended the seminar to learn more about research and witness the presentation of the best research papers from the students of Psychology, Mass Communication, Business Administration, Medical Technology, Pharmacy and PT/OT/RT.
Prof. Sharonne De Asis, Coordinator for Languages and Humanities, cluster head for Business and Social Sciences opened the forum welcoming the participants and guests. She congratulated the Psychology Department for spearheading the first research forum. One of the speakers at the seminar was our very own Dr. Jose Paulo E. Campos, the EAC President. In his talk he gave this advice: In doing a research paper, you have to be partly an adventurer and partly a philosopher. An adventurer because you have to be a person who is not contented with what is present, you should be restless in finding new knowledge and goes to the “other side of the hill”; a philosopher where you should approach the adventure systematically and have clear objectives, you should also validate existing knowledge and gain insights on a specific subject. Research comes in different packages and sizes. You should look at research in a new light and cultivate an interest in it. The real thing can be interesting at the same time dangerous, which can mean changing the world. Research is a part of a totality of who you are; you, as students, are always partly a researcher. Ending his message, he thanked and gave credit to School of Liberal Arts Dean Nelida V. Lares for organizing the forum and gathering all of the students and guests in the seminar.
The keynote speaker was Prof. Rosarito T. Suatengco of Philippine Normal University. In her talk, she said “Research is a never ending process. Through research we find new truths and knowledge and a way to explain what is blurry and foggy. It opens opportunities not known to man. Without research, things we know now will not be known. Long-lasting benefits of research can be seen in your academic and personal development. Personal benefits may include improve social skills, learn what is essential, improve communication skills and develop confidence and competence. Academic benefits may be practice and enhance writing, in-depth knowledge and understanding of the topic, appreciate the discipline you are into and learn more about your chosen profession. Research is knowing what you want to know. Mentors of research should help students to look beyond themselves and develop a thirst for knowledge. Topics are limitless. Choose a topic that motivates you. Research helps you to discover and rediscover. It is a lifetime of learning.”
Serving as critics for the research papers were: Dr. Eleanor S. Jimenez, Dr. Supachai Basit and Prof. Yasser F. Sarona, Prof. Maria Fe, Dr. Adoracion Bionesta and Dr. Alvin A. Ayque. Their critiques hopefully will enable the participants to improve their research papers now and in the future.
The seminar ended with the awarding of certificates to the presenters by School of Liberal Arts Dean Nelida V. Lares and Prof. Randy Wilson C. Delfino; soon after, School of Liberal Arts Dean Nelida V. Lares gave her closing remarks.
(by Andrea Altarejos/Magdalo Publications)