TWO Ateneo graduate students triumphed at the 10th National Research Conference in Science and Mathematics Education held last month.

Patrick John Fernandez, a PhD candidate in Mathematics Education, was named Best Oral Presenter in the doctoral research category.

Meanwhile, Wendy Villamin, an MS in Science Education student, secured second place in the technical poster presentations for the same category.

Both winners received certificates and monetary prizes of P10,000 and P6,000, respectively, marking a significant achievement for Ateneo scholars.

The annual conference, organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), gathers researchers from various institutions to present and discuss advancements in STEM education.

This year’s event, hosted by Central Luzon State University, featured over a dozen scholars from Ateneo de Manila University’s School of Science and Engineering.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel Cornelio, an Ateneo alumnus, delivered the opening remarks, addressing critical issues such as slow research productivity and the shortage of scientists in the country.

The conference also included keynote speeches and plenary talks, covering topics like ethical considerations in research, internationalization in STEM, and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals in education.