All Aboard! Thomasian Scientists kickstart MEOOWS 2024
By: Tobey Fhar Isaac B. Calayo
Following the week-long preliminary examinations for this semester, the College of Science celebrates its Modified Enhanced Online and Onsite Week of Science (MEOOWS) 2024 with the theme Magic SCI Bus and Open Science, starting with an opening ceremony at the Medicine Auditorium at 8:00 am today.
Hosted by Mr. Vitus Paul L. de Jesus and Ms. Kiana De Castro-San Juan from the Department of Math and Physics and the Department of Psychology, respectively, the opening ceremony gathered the Science community under the advocacies and camaraderie of the week-long event.
Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, Ph.D., the Dean of the College of Science, gave his opening remarks; he highlighted the importance of ‘Open Science,’ a central theme to this year’s Science Week, as it progresses throughout the years since the global pandemic. This year, he highlights has less restrictions and additional spaces of mobilization for news events and activities for the community.
Dean Papa added that this is the first time Science Week will feature an Art Exhibit in the Main Building Lobby with submissions from alumni and students. Charity and advocacies will also gather the Science community in preparation for the Centennial Year.
He ended by giving thanks to every community member who worked tirelessly for this year’s event, “I would like to say, enjoy tayong lahat and sana maging magandang learning opportunity… Maraming nakahanda na [activities] bukod na mag-eenjoy kayo, marami pa kayong matututunan.”
This was immediately followed by a message from the Overall Chair for MEOOWS 2024, Mr. Gerald Soliven, MSc.
A keynote address from Dr. Chelle Gentemann of the Office of Chief Science Data Office Program Specialist of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) followed; she emphasized the importance of making science accessible to all. “NASA supports Open Science, Science for All... We know we need every one of you to get to where we need to go,” Gentemann said.
Another speaker, Acad. Mudjkeewis D. Santos, Scientist 5 of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology, highlighted the importance of Science communication in social media.
