A STUDENT from the Philippine Science High School main campus placed second in the 2022 Clean Tech Competition, a special project of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning.

Gwen Lianna Valimento was one of the top three winners among entries coming from 50 different nations.

Titled “Development of a Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) flipper-inspired hydro Kaplan turbine blade,” Valimento’s research focuses on using biomimicry to develop a turbine blade that increases the efficiency of hydroelectric power generators.

“Inspired by the flipper of the Gentoo penguin, this blade generates energy at a higher rate than turbine blades commonly employed today,” the PSHS wrote on Facebook.

Adrian Sumalde served as her research adviser.

According to the Clean Tech Competition website, CSTL is a not-for-profit organization with a mission of encouraging science learning and literacy.

Its approach to science education is multi-faceted, but student inquiry and project-based learning is the foundation for all program development.