Article by: Kandhalvi Maidinshifwell-Asaali & Crismhil S. Anselmo
Graphics by: Andrea Nicole Recella Villasanta
Mapúa University’s School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering (SCEGE) Dean Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy was recognized as one of the most outstanding scientists in the 2021 edition of Asian Scientist 100 last April 26.
Aiming to recognize researchers and scientists with national or international accomplishments, the Singapore-based Asian Scientist magazine issued the annual list acknowledging Dr. Uy for his achievement as a recipient of the David Consuji Award for Engineering Research from the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology last year. This was a result of his various contributions and innovation projects in the field of engineering.
Dr. Uy noted that being included in the list is not only about his accomplishments as he owes his feat to his colleagues and team members. “I basically just represent […] the result of collaboration and good teamwork – [these resulting] to such a recognition,” he said.
“We assume fully online [classes] until we get advice from CHED and the IATF [on] when they will allow limited face-to-face [classes] … that is what we're looking at for our school year 2021 – 2022,” he said.
In collaboration with various research institutions, the SCEGE dean has engaged in numerous research projects that had led to this recognition. These include the Philippine Light Detection and Ranging (Phil-LiDAR) project which makes use of advanced mapping technology for flood mitigation, the Automated Real-Time Monitoring System (ARMS) project for dams and water flow regulation, and the Data Analytics for Research and Education (DARE) project which plans and operates a next generation traffic management system.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Dr. Uy is also the President of the research-driven Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System (USHER), a startup company that produces structural monitoring sensor devices which analyze the structural integrity of buildings in occurrence of earthquakes.
Although he is currently focused on improving and sustaining USHER, he is also working on the ARMS and DARE projects in hopes of launching their own startups and become of significant use to the people.
When asked to give advice to aspiring researchers, the scientist emphasized the importance of the applications of research. “If you really wanted to make a dent, an impact, then you really have to listen to […] what [the people] really need,” he imparted.
Alongside Dr. Uy are seven other Filipino in the Asian Scientist 100 list – Kathleen Aviso from De La Salle University, Annabelle Briones from the Department of Science and Technology, Salvacion Gatchalian from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Desiree Hautea from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Sandra Teresa Navarra from the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Jonel Saludes from the University of San Agustin, and Edgardo Vasquez, inventor of the Vazbuilt Technology.
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