School: University of the Philippines Diliman

Dr. Izrael Zenar Bautista is a licensed Electronics Engineer and a Chief Science Research specialist at the Philippine Space Agency’s Space Mission and Control Operation Division. He specializes in satellite engineering and operations.

Dr. James Cesar “Jace” Refran is the Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Earth Sciences Space Mission Studies Division of PhilSA. He is currently studying the utilization of space technologies for hazard preparedness in the country.

Nicole Ortiz is a PhD student of Neuroscience at Sorbonne Université, France specializing in cell and molecular biology, and developmental neurobiology. Her Master thesis was about investigating the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor signaling on locomotor responses in zebrafish larvae.

Gizelle Danine Jamero is a Fire Safety Engineer with 10 years of experience in the field currently working for Arup in Dublin, Ireland as a Project Fire Engineer. She evaluates buildings and architectural plans for compliance with regulations and guidelines, conducts risk assessments, and develops fire safety strategies accordingly.

Joey Cabasan is a PhD student at the University of Antwerp’s Department of Biology in Belgium. She is currently working at their Functional Morphology (FunMorph) and Evolutionary Ecology Laboratory (EVECO).

Herdeline Ann Ardoña, PhD is a materials chemist that specializes in developing biomaterials, bioelectronics, and biosensors. With numerous publications and a patent under her belt, she heads the Ardoña Research Group where they develop macromolecular-based materials that serve as sensors and modulators for various biological processes.

Ramir Seraphim Angeles is a bike enthusiast whose work as a sustainable transport planner and Civil Engineer has involved, among other things, the development of bike routes and public transportation infrastructure in cities. His company collects and processes transport data for clients in both the government and private sector.

Cathy Manalo is an NGO worker focused on countermapping and human rights. She believes in employing participatory methods and collective work to further scientific knowledge and in using science to advance human rights.

Jason Paolo Telles is a PhD candidate and Assistant Lecturer at the School of Media, Films and Journalism in Monash University, Australia. His Master’s thesis on the Cultures of the People of the Cordillera in Radio Broadcasting was awarded the Most Outstanding Thesis in Media Studies in 2018.

Maria Elena Grace “Meggy” Katigbak is a Gender Specialist and Feminist Researcher-Writer working for various International Development Organizations as a researcher and consultant. She is also a fellow for Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO), tackling unpaid care work in the Philippines.

Kimberly “Kim” Lagrama is a materials engineer and tribologist working on the construction of the European Spallation Source in Sweden as a Lead Design Engineering and Piping Engineering Specialist.

Lesly Zaren Endrinal is a Failure Analysis industry expert clocking in 25 years of experience in the field. Her thesis was on the failure analysis of microelectronic devices.

Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. is the first and current Director General (DG) of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). He is a Full Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. As the PhilSA DG, he also holds the rank of Cabinet Secretary and is the Presidential Adviser on Space Matters.

Ma. Criselda “Dang” Baldago is a licensed geologist and Science Research Specialist at the Philippine Space Agency. She uses satellite radar data to observe ground movements. This provides insight into ground subsidence, earthquake and volcano deformation, flooding, and urban changes, among others.

John Paul “JP” Almonte is a licensed Electronics Engineer and Senior Science Research Specialist at the Space Mission Control and Operations Division of the Philippine Space Agency. He manages the operations of satellite ground stations and the Philippine microsatellite Diwata-2.

Paterno “Jowi” Miranda IV is a coastal engineer who is taking up his PhD jointly with Deltares and the University of Twente, Netherlands. His PhD research explores the modeling of mixed (sand-mud) sediments.

A geologist by training, Dr. Likha Minimo is a faculty member of the Science and Society Program (SSP) of the College of Science, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. She teaches Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Disaster Risk Mitigation, Adaptation, and Preparedness Strategies (DRMAPS).

May Angelu Madarang is a research trainee at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology School at the University of Science and Technology. Her research deals primarily with device fabrication and testing, specializing in tunnel junction and solar cell fabrication.

Robert Aguilar is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, United States of America and Vice President of GradMAP Philippines. He is currently studying the genetics involved in the nervous system development of C. elegans.

Kristine Jane Atienza is an analog astronaut and registered nutritionist-dietitian with the Space Generation Advisory Council. She has participated in a number of studies about how nutrition affects astronaut physiology and psychology for analog missions such as Asclepios, CHILL-ICE, and LunAres.