Batch 2015 WMSU BS Biology graduates Alinasser Alfad Yusop and Nurullaji A. Aguil of College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) qualified to have their thesis published on International Network for Natural Sciences (INNSPUB) in Rajshahi, Bangladesh under Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) category last February 28.
The research entitled “Using Thin-Plate Spline Grids in Modeling Sex Differences in the Shapes of the Apical Disc in Sea Urchin (Tripneustes gratilla”), was recognized by INNSPUB because of its well-studied properties on sea urchins through a software medium, an epitome of advancing through the modern technologies being offered nowadays.
INNSPUB is a wing of Shamokal Publications, Bangladesh dedicated to publish scholarly research journals and books of new scientific knowledge in the field of natural sciences, biology, medicine and agriculture all over the world. Impressed with their study, Research Consultant Dr. Mark Anthony Torres of Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) helped their application in INNSPUB. Their study will be published once the copyright is secured.
“We wanted to do a novel study. Yung hindi pa nagagawa ng iba. Something we will be proud of and not just for the sake of passing or graduating,” Yusop said when asked why they chose their topic. In this research, they determined sex differences through Geometric Morphometrics (GM) with the use of software called Thin-Plate Spline (TPS).
Being WMSU’s first undergraduate thesis to be published globally, they are honored to give pride to the University. These graduates are pleased that their hard work on this thesis could help future related researches and contribute to saving our planet.
Before reaching the success, both Yusop and Aguil have been through difficulties. “Naranasan rin namin yung maraming sleepless nights, meron din kaming di pagkakasunduan ng partner ko along the way. Mapagalitan man kayo ng mga advisers niyo,” Aguil advised, “Ituloy niyo lang as long as nasa right path kayo.”
They also encouraged the aspirants to focus, to be patient, to view criticisms as constructive and also to practice time management to give equal attention to curricular and domestic concerns. Aguil is currently taking Professional Education Curriculum (PEC) at WMSU and is also a volunteer at Philippine Red Cross as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while Yusop will start his classes for a master’s degree this summer at MSU-IIT, Iligan, Lanao Del Norte.
Written by Liezel M. Parreño, PAO
Interviewed and photos by Lynette May V. Pamunag, PAO