NDMU BS Biology Students Explore Advanced Scientific Research Facilities at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand

Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) continues to expand students’ academic horizons through its International Educational Exposure Program (IEEP), bringing four BS Biology students of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department to Chulalongkorn University on October 26, 2026, for an educational visit focused on scientific research, laboratory facilities, and advanced research instrumentation.

The initiative reflects NDMU’s commitment to providing students with learning experiences beyond the classroom by connecting academic instruction with international research environments.

Representing NDMU-NatSci-Math Department were 4th year BS Biology Students: Glecy Angel A. Depaloma, Donessa Kate O. Garcia, Lellkim L. Librea, and Ian Christian E. Panza. The visit introduced the students to the academic programs, laboratory resources, and research facilities of one of Thailand’s leading universities, providing opportunities to explore how advanced scientific equipment and research practices contribute to interdisciplinary studies in the natural sciences.

The delegation was welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Apichat Imyim, Head of the Department of Chemistry at Chulalongkorn University, who delivered the opening remarks. The program continued with an orientation led by Professor Dr. Paitoon Rashatasakhon and Associate Professor Dr. Kanet Wongravee, faculty members of the department. They introduced the department’s academic programs and research activities, providing the students with an overview of its scientific learning environment and laboratory resources, including the role of chemical analysis in supporting biological and interdisciplinary research.

The students then toured the chemistry laboratories, guided by Cherish Baylon and Joshua Osorio, Filipino scholars pursuing graduate studies at Chulalongkorn University. The laboratory tour gave the students an opportunity to observe scientific instruments and become familiar with the facilities used in laboratory work and research. The laboratory visit highlighted the close relationship between chemistry and the study of living things. Understanding cellular processes, examining biological samples, and investigating biochemical reactions often require chemical analyses and laboratory techniques. Exposure to these facilities allowed the students to see how knowledge from different scientific disciplines contributes to biological research.

The students also visited the university’s Living Plant Museum, where the they explored botanical collections relevant to the study of plant diversity and classification. The visit complemented their biology coursework by providing an opportunity to appreciate the value of plant specimens in identifying species, examining plant characteristics, and documenting biodiversity.

The delegation also had the chance to visit the university’s Scientific and Technological Research Equipment Center (STREC), a central research facility at Chulalongkorn University. Associate Professor Dr. Prompong Pienpinijthan, Head of STREC, facilitated the tour and introduced the students to the center’s scientific and technological research facilities.

The STREC visit highlighted the role of specialized research infrastructure in supporting scientific inquiry across disciplines. Access to advanced instruments enables researchers to conduct detailed analyses, obtain reliable measurements, and generate data for scientific studies. For Biology students, exposure to these facilities provides valuable context for understanding how advanced analytical techniques can contribute to research in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, and other areas of the life sciences. It also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, as biological research often draws on chemistry, physics, and technology to investigate complex inquiry about living organisms and their environments.

The students were accompanied by Dr. Cecilie Sharon T. Porras, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Junar S. Cano, MST, Program Head of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Department.

The educational visit formed part of NDMU’s continuing efforts to enrich student learning through international academic engagement. Introducing the BS Biology students through international educational exposure program complements classroom instruction with opportunities to observe how scientific knowledge and laboratory techniques are applied in real research settings. The experience further reinforces the value of international exposure in preparing future biologists to develop scientific skills, appreciate interdisciplinary approaches, and contribute to research addressing biological and environmental concerns for a sustainable future.