Department of Biology Faculty Members and MS CaRE Alumni Win Best Scientific Poster Award
The Department of Biology congratulates our faculty members Prof. Zenaida Baoanan and Assoc. Prof. Liezel Magtoto, and MS Conservation and Restoration Ecology (MS CaRE) alumni Shirley Jaene Valdez and John Paul Payopay, for receiving the Best Scientific Poster Award under the Biological Sciences Division during the 48th Annual Scientific Meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology. They received this award for their research entitled “From Natives to Exotics: Implications of Changing Plant Composition in Camp John Hay Forest Reserve”. We extend our warmest congratulations to the authors for their contribution to conservation and restoration ecology. #SDGs #SDG11 #SDG13 #SDG15 #SDG17
Microbial Genomics Using Nanopore Long Reads with Balik Scientist Dr. Arun Decano
FROM FASTQ TO FINDINGS: COMMAND LINE-BASED MICROBIAL BIOINFORMATICS WORKSHOPS Session 2: Microbial Genomics Using Nanopore Long Reads Following the successful conduct of Session 1: Microbial Genomics Using Illumina Short Reads, the Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, through the DOST-PCHRD Balik Scientist Program of Dr. Arun Decano, is pleased to announce the continuation of the Microbial Bioinformatics Training Series with Session 2: Microbial Genomics Using Nanopore Long Reads. This second session builds upon the concepts and skills introduced during the first workshop and provides participants with advanced hands-on training in the analysis of Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing data using command-line bioinformatics tools and reproducible analytical workflows. Participants will gain practical experience in: Quality Control Genome Assembly Genome Annotation Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Profiling  Workshop Details Date: Monday, 06 July 2026 Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Venue: Basement 1, Innovation and Technology Transfer Office, University of the Cordilleras – Legarda Campus Participants for this workshop were selected from among faculty members, researchers, students, and technical staff of UP Baguio and its partner institutions with interests in bioinformatics, genomics, antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, data science, and related fields. Through this workshop series, the program continues to strengthen technical expertise, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance microbial genomics and bioinformatics capacity within UP Baguio, its partner institutions, and the Cordillera region. We look forward to welcoming back our participants as they continue their journey from FASTQ files to meaningful scientific discoveries through the application of cutting-edge microbial genomics and bioinformatics.
The Department of Biology thanks BSU-OVCRE-CCARD for accommodating UPB Biology students in the Animal Care and Use for Research Training
The Department of Biology would like to thank the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) at the Cordillera Center for Animal Research and Development (CCARD), Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension (OVCRE), and Benguet State University (BSU) for accommodating fourteen (14) UPB BS Biology students in the Animal Care and Use for Research Training held last June 19, 2026 at the CCARD Building, BSU. The training serves as part of the Department’s efforts to ensure adherence to ethical principles and best practices in research. Photo credits to CCARD-BSU We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-04 (Quality Education); SDG-14 (Life Below Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The Department of Biology welcomes Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Awardee Dr. Arun Decano
The Department of Biology warmly welcomes our alumni and distinguished DOST Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Awardee, Dr. Arun Decano. Dr. Decano is currently a Senior Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Bioinformatician at City St George’s, University of London. She holds a PhD in Genetics and specializes in infection genomics, genome sequencing, phylodynamics, and antimicrobial resistance research. Her work integrates genomics and machine learning to strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance and improve evidence-based public health strategies. She previously held senior bioinformatics roles at the University of Oxford and the University of St. Andrews and has actively contributed to global capacity-building initiatives through Wellcome Connecting Science. Under the Balik Scientist Program, Dr. Decano will be on a short-term engagement hosted by the Department of Biology and the Science Research Center, University of the Philippines Baguio. During her stay, she aims to strengthen genomics and bioinformatics capacity in the Philippines, particularly in the Cordillera region. As part of her engagement with UP Baguio, the community can look forward to a series of seminar lectures, workshops, mentoring activities, curriculum enhancement initiatives, and collaborative research opportunities focused on genomics, bioinformatics, microbial ecology, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Collaborative networks and linkages are also expected to further strengthen regional research and training capacities. This engagement was made possible through the efforts of Dr. Roland Hipol, current coordinator of the Science Research Center (SRC), who initiated the request during his previous term as Chair of the Department of Biology. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
HIGHLIGHTS: 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics
It’s a wrap! The Department of Biology extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, organizers, and personnel whose efforts contributed to the success of the 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SINSM), held on April 16–18, 2026, at the University of the Philippines Baguio. We especially celebrate the 33 participants who joined us in exploring new concepts and techniques in microbial and fungal DNA isolation, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and basic bioinformatics. Your enthusiasm and engagement made this year’s SINSM both insightful and productive. The photos below capture some of the highlights of this enriching experience. We look forward to welcoming you again in next year’s SINSM! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life on Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The Department of Biology, with the College of Science, kicks off the 31st SINSM
The Department of Biology, along with other departments in the College of Science, kicks off the 31st Summer Institute in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SINSM). This year, the Department of Biology warmly welcomes our 33 participants from various educational institutions. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being); SDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-5 (Gender Equality); SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); SDG-9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-14 (Life on Water); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
New paper out entitled “Youth networks as bridging actors in environmental governance: Roles, achievements and barriers”
The Department of Biology is proud to share a recent publication by our BS Bio alumnus and former faculty member, Deign Frolley Soriano. The paper is entitled “Youth networks as bridging actors in environmental governance: Roles, achievements and barriers” Congratulations! The full paper may be accessed through the following links:Full Article: https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70302Plain Language Summary: https://relationalthinkingblog.com/2026/03/20/plain-language-summary-youth-networks-are-key-but-overlooked-actors-in-environmental-governance/ We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-10 (Reduced Inequalities); SDG-11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); SDG-13 (Climate Action); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong students visit the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology warmly welcomed students from Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong during their academic visit on March 4, 2026. The visit was coordinated by the Department’s Graduate Program Coordinator, Jeno Rey Pagaduan, who facilitated the engagement between the visiting students and members of the department with some MS CaRE students. The Department of Biology extends its appreciation to Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong for the opportunity for academic exchange and looks forward to strengthening collaboration in the future. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-17 (Partnership for Goals)
The 5-day World Lecture Series during November 13-17 organized by the Department of Biology, College of Science, UP Baguio, concludes
The 5-day World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) with Dr. Raelene Crandall and Dr. Jennifer Fill, organized by the Department of Biology, with the Lecture Series Committee, College of Science, UP Baguio has come to a close. The World Expert Lecture Series was celebrated along with the National Science Technology Week, ran from November 13 to 17. Explored topics included the initiatives to safeguard the Camp John Hay Forest Reserve, which were shared by distinguished speakers, Engr. Editha M Mejia and Professor Zenaida Baoanan. WELS speakers Dr. Crandall and Dr Fill also shared the ecology of pine savannas and Florida’s experience with the use of fire to harness and promote diversity in forest and savanna ecosystems, emphasizing the role of fire and fire regimes as important ecological processes. A two-day field trip and workshop at Camp John Hay was conducted on November 15–16 with MS CaRE and undergraduate students. The activity focused on analyzing tree size structure to understand the effects of fire on population dynamics. The event concluded with a discussion of possible collaboration with the faculty of the Department of Biology, Dr. Crandall, Dr. Fill, and other members of government agencies. A huge and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Crandall and Dr. Fill for generously sharing their vast knowledge, expertise, and insights with us. We appreciate the time and effort dedicated to preparing the presentations and the courage to present a new perception about fire in a community where fires carry a negative connotation. We hope that you have enjoyed your short stay in the Philippines. We would also like to extend our appreciation to all participants who have joined us throughout this lecture series. This event wouldn’t be successful without your active involvement and enthusiasm throughout the event. We would also like to extend our thanks to Assoc. Prof. Aris Reginaldo and the UP Office of International Linkages for making this event possible. Your hard work and commitment to fostering international collaboration have played a crucial role in bringing this lecture series to life. We wish to also recognize the CLAN Office, CPDMO, and the OPA for providing us with much-needed technical support. See you at our next WELS! We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals)
The World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) with Dr. Raelene Crandall and Dr. Fill officially commences
Today, the Department of Biology and the Lecture Series Committee of the College of Science officially opened the 2nd 2025 World Expert Lecture Series (WELS) in celebration with the National Science Technology Week (NSTW)! We were honored to have Vice Chancellor Leah Abayao deliver the opening remarks who inspired the participants to maximize the activity for program improvement by extending the laboratory to the communities. Prof. Aris Reginaldo followed by sharing the significance and the upcoming activities of WELS. Dean Gilbert Peralta capped the event with closing remarks that fanned the flames of curiosity, scientific inquiry, and more meaningful collaboration. A warm welcome to Dr. Fill and Dr. Crandall—we look forward to engaging and insightful discussions in the coming days! This event would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the Lecture Series Committee (College of Science), Office of International Linkages (OIL-OVPAA), Campus Planning and Development Office, and the Computer/LAN Office. We support the Sustainable Development GoalsSDG-4 (Quality Education); SDG-15 (Life on Land); SDG-17 (Partnership for the Goals)