National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
University of the Philippines, Diliman

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NIMBB hosts 2024 batch of PSHS student-interns in Science Immersion Program

Science Immersion Program closing ceremony at NIMBB. PSHS student-interns receive their certificates of completion for the SIP hosted by NIMBB, joined by the principal investigators of the host laboratories and PSHS staff.

The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-UP Diliman (NIMBB-UPD), through the Science Immersion Program (SIP), hosted 20 student-interns from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System on June 18-July 1, 2024. For over ten years, NIMBB has welcomed students from different PSHS campuses as one of the host institutes of SIP, providing an excellent opportunity for students to be exposed to ongoing research initiatives in molecular biology and biotechnology in the country. Through a dynamic set of academic and laboratory experiences, NIMBB supports the vision of PSHS in developing laboratory and critical thinking skills among their students to be able to formulate research questions and nurture their interest in pursuing a career in science and technology.

This year’s SIP in NIMBB commenced on June 18 with an opening ceremony that welcomed the PSHS student-interns and staff. The event was graced by NIMBB executive officials, including Dr. Pia D. Bagamasbad (Director), Dr. Ron Leonard V. Dy (Deputy Director for Academic Affairs), Dr. Jose Ramon G. Planta (Deputy Director for Facilities and Resources), and Dr. Ma. Anita M. Bautista (Deputy Director for Research and Extension), alongside other NIMBB faculty and researchers. Following the ceremony, students embarked on their two-week internships in their respective host laboratories.

A total of 5 NIMBB laboratories participated in this year’s SIP:

  • Evolutionary Genomics and Systems Biology Laboratory (EGSBL) headed by Dr. Isaiah Paolo A. Lee
  • Functional Genomics Laboratory (FGL) headed by Dr. Ma. Anita M. Baustista
  • Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology headed by Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma
  • Nanobiology Laboratory (NBL) headed by Dr. Eloise I. Prieto-Vasquez
  • Plant Integrative Genomics and Genetics Laboratory (PIGGL) headed by Dr. Jose Ramon G. Planta.

The host laboratories, through their research associates, curated a series of lectures and hands-on laboratory activities for the interns. These activities immersed the students in fundamental molecular biology techniques and demonstrated how these tools are used in answering research questions relevant to the research thrust of each laboratory.

By the end of the internship period, each of the 20 student-interns had rendered a total of 80 hours of service in their host labs, expanding their skillset on advanced molecular biology and biotechnology techniques. These included DNA extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, mammalian cell culture, light microscopy, bacterial culture, in silico bioinformatics analyses, and other relevant laboratory skills.

A closing ceremony was held to officially culminate the program on July 1, wherein student-interns expressed their gratitude to NIMBB and their host labs for the extensive training that they received, with one student describing it as an “experience of a lifetime”.

The NIMBB equally appreciates the opportunity to support SIP and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and excellence in the young minds of the country, both within and outside the Institute.