A STUDENT from the Technological University of the Philippines Manila placed second in the International Science and Invention Fair organized by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association.

Christian de Guzman, a third year BS Civil Engineering student, won a silver medal under the Physics, Energy, and Engineering category of the competition.

His work was titled “Pulverized Roasted Watermelon (Citrullus Iantus L.) and Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima L.) Seed Shells as Partial Aggregate in Concrete Production.”

De Guzman said his innovation aims to produce low-cost and eco-friendly concrete by utilizing pulverized seeds of watermelons and pumpkins.

The IYSA aims to develop students’ potential, talent and creativity by providing them opportunities to participate in scientific competitions in Indonesia and abroad.

It is affiliated with various countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China, India, Taiwan, Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt and Abu Dhabi, among others.