#ProudViscans: 2 graduate students join summer school program in Taiwan

The VSU Graduate School sent two doctoral students to attend the University Consortium Summer School program hosted by the National Taiwan University (NTU). 

Ms. Jina May B. Morales (Doctor of Philosophy in Horticulture) and Ms. Nova Grace D. Puod (Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science) finished their comprehensive training on the latest agricultural advancements including crop model simulation, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) image analysis, and phenomics.

“[We learned about] crop model simulation, a powerful tool for predicting crop growth and yield, provided us with the ability to evaluate agricultural practices, assess the impact of climate change, and develop strategies for optimizing crop management. UAVs, on the other hand, have revolutionized data collection in agriculture. We gained hands-on experience in processing and interpreting UAV data to extract valuable information that is significant for crop production. This technology empowers farmers and researchers to make data-driven decisions and improve agricultural outcomes,” Morales shared.

The program's theme was precision agriculture, which utilizes imagery and modeling to optimize agricultural practices. 

“Additionally, the program introduced us to phenomics, the study of plant traits. By analyzing plant phenotypes, researchers can gain insights into genetic variation, plant responses to environmental conditions, and the underlying mechanisms of crop growth and development. The UCSS 2024 introduced us to the principles of phenomics and the application of imaging technologies for phenotyping,” she added.

She added that the training inspired her to pursue innovative research in her field. She also noted that the opportunity to connect with other participants helped her see a new perspective on the status of global agriculture.

“The program provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in cultural exchange with participants from various countries. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds offered us new perspectives on global agriculture. We learned about the unique agricultural practices and challenges faced by farmers worldwide, enriching our understanding of the interconnected global food system. This exchange was intellectually stimulating and underscored the shared nature of agricultural issues across borders."

On top of learning about modern agricultural practices, Ms. Puod’s team who presented the “Simulation of Sugarcane Yield in Selected Sea Countries Using DSSAT-CANEGRO” has won the Best Project Award in the team project presentations.

In a Facebook post, the VSU Graduate School congratulated Ms. Puod in recognition of her team’s effort in producing innovative agricultural research.

“Ms. Puod’s team’s achievement of the Best Project award is a testament to their innovative research and dedication. Their accomplishment not only brought pride to VSU but also highlighted the university’s commitment to producing exceptional agricultural scientists,” the caption reads.

The two-week-long Summer School Program that ran from August 6 to 17, 2024, is funded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, an international organization whose mandate is to “promote cooperation in education, science, and culture in Southeast Asia.”

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals: 2, (Zero Hunger), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).]

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