Asst. Prof. Michael Castro wins Second Prize in the 2023 NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists

Mecaelah Palaganas • June 20, 2023
Asst. Prof. Michael Castro has won Second Prize in the 2023 NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists.

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) conducted the NAST Environmental Science Award Paper Presentation and Awarding Ceremony and NAST Talent Search for Young Scientists Paper Presentation last April 21, 2023 (Friday) at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Quezon City. NAST is mandated to recognize outstanding achievements in science and technology as well as provide meaningful incentives to those engaged in scientific and technological researches.

Michael presented his research entitled “Techno-economic and financial analyses of hybrid renewable energy system microgrids in 634 Philippine off-grid islands: Policy implications on public subsidies and private investments.” (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.124599)

The First Prize Winner is Assoc. Prof. Jayson G. Cosme, PhD from UP National Institute of Physics with the study entitled “Observation of a continuous time crystal.” (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abo3382)

This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent that Michael has displayed at such a young age throughout his journey as a Young Scientist. We cannot wait to see what he will achieve in the future.
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The Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering (LEE) held a despedida party to bid farewell to two of its active members — Ms. Rosela Lazaro and Asst. Prof. Michael Castro — as they embark on a new chapter of their academic journey. The LEE members, along with their laboratory head, Prof. Joey D. Ocon, celebrated through a friendly competition at the Ever Gotesco Bowling Alley, Commonwealth Avenue last August 19, 2024. This also fostered camaraderie and strengthened the bond and friendship between the lab members. Ms. Lazaro will be studying MS in Environmental Science and Engineering at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea. Meanwhile, Asst. Prof. Castro will be pursuing a doctorate degree in Nuclear Engineering and Management at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He will be returning to UP Diliman to tend to his duties at the Department of Chemical Engineering. Indeed, ‘goodbyes’ are not the end. It marks a beginning of a new ‘hello’, a step closer to making dreams come true. To Sir Michael, ganbatte! To Sela, hwaiting! We are all rooting for you both! Article by: Lora Monique Sapanta
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