SCITECH RECENTLY: UST-ZESL Prepares Fourth-year Students for Upcoming Fieldwork
By: Krisha Maree Deloso
The UST Zooplankton, Ecology, Systematics & Limnology Laboratory (UST-ZESL) prepared fourth-year Thomasian students for field research through a seminar held in Room 701 of the UST Central Laboratory on August 1. The event focused on pre-fieldwork preparations, led by Mr. Kenneth Xavier O. Sanchez, MSc, and post-fieldwork procedures discussed by Ms. Justine R. De Leon, MSc.
Discussions opened by emphasizing the importance of having approved thesis proposals and proper documentation before commencing fieldwork. Mr. Sanchez covered necessary field and unit documentary requirements, fieldwork itineraries, safety guidelines, and also highlighted the need for site reconnaissance surveys.
Furthermore, Mr. Sanchez put emphasis on securing permits from regulatory agencies like the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for studies involving aquatic wildlife. Asst. Prof. Shea Kathleen P. Guinto, MSc highlighted the importance of planning realistically and ensuring safety during fieldwork.
Ms. De Leon stressed the importance of careful packing and budgeting, advising against unnecessary spending on new apparel such as waders for fieldwork. Meanwhile, Mr. Elfritzson M. Peralta, MSc reminded students to uphold UST’s reputation in all their activities.
The seminar also addressed post-fieldwork management, with Ms. De Leon noting that data collection is only a small part of the research process. She encouraged the students to use the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS) Aquatic Laboratories and the Department of Biological Sciences Laboratories for sample processing. She also informed them that submission of bi-monthly progress reports and thorough revision of their manuscripts are necessary before the final presentations at the RCNAS Student Symposium and other scientific venues.
The lecture concluded with a discussion of the students’ expected learning outcomes and the completion of necessary clearances. Participants were then divided into groups for further activities.
