DTE faculty wins outstanding dissertation award from PNU

Newly minted Dr. Mark Gil Ardiente Vega, an Assistant Professor from the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), bagged the outstanding dissertation award, which is the highest recognition given to doctoral degree graduates of the Philippine Normal University (PNU). 

He finished his Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education on August 25, 2023, during the 115th Commencement Exercises of PNU held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Plenary Hall, Pasay City.

As an awardee, he received a plaque of recognition from the university and a cash prize amounting to thirty-five thousand pesos.

"My Ph.D. experience has been a learning experience and a winding one, taking longer than initially anticipated, primarily due to the unprecedented challenges both from personal and professional matters. My dissertation journey ultimately spanned over two years, a testament to the tenacity required to achieve one's goals. Lastly, I learned that the journey was a true test of resilience and faith," Asst. Prof. Vega shared.

He has been a regular faculty member at DTE for 8 years now and has been teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. Aside from teaching, Asst. Prof. Vega is also active in participating in different national and international research conferences such as in Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan.

On top of that, he is also a member of several organizations namely Asia-Pacific Consortium of Researchers and Educators, Inc., Philippine Educational Management and Evaluation Association, Inc., and the National Research Council of the Philippines. 

His outstanding dissertation is mixed-method research about the development of a model as a framework for science teachers' professional development program in Philippine secondary schools inspired by the Interconnected Model for Professional Growth (IMPG) and Context-Based Framework.

“It posits that context-based Learning Action Cell as a tool in professional development (PD) training is essential to science teachers’ competence in the subject matter they teach, their attitude toward PD, and the professional leadership of science teachers.”

Asst. Prof. Vega's big achievement as an outstanding dissertation awardee allowed him to deliver speeches on behalf of the graduating students both in the Gawad Parangal that happened on August 24 and the Commencement Exercises the following day. 

His advice to fellow #ProudViscans who are currently pursuing their graduate studies is to be patient and persevere whatever challenges that may come along the way.

“Be patient and persevere. Continue to draw strength from our faith and the challenges we have overcome, knowing that we are capable of achieving even greater things in the future.”

“Also, graduate students need to look for a good team to support and influence them to finish,” he added.

Dr. Vega just got married to another faculty member of the College of Education, Dr. Shalom Grace C. Sugano who currently serves as the Principal of the VSU Integrated High School.

• Prev
• Next