Meet a Scientist

PANEL DISCUSSION ALERT

The Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences, in collaboration with the GESTSOC Faculty, and assisted by the Behavioral Sciences Society (BSS) invites the academic community to

GESTSOC's first "Meet a Scientist" panel discussion titled:

‘HOT MINDS, COLD FACTS': The Making and the Remaking of a Scientist

Date: July 30, 2025 (Wednesday)
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Yuchengco Hall, Rm 407-409,
DLSU-Manila Campus

This event features a distinguished panel of expert speakers sharing their unique, firsthand experiences! They will share what it truly means to be a recognized scientist in today's landscape. Students and all attendees will gain valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the journey and identity of contemporary scientists!

Don't miss this opportunity to engage directly with leaders in the field, absorb critical insights, and connect with brilliant minds!

About the Speakers:

Dr. Rowalt Alibudbud
Dr. Alibudbud is a faculty member in the Department of Sociology and Behavioral Sciences at De La Salle University Manila and a fellow of the Philippine Psychiatric Association. He is also a member of the Geopsychiatry Group of the World Psychiatric Association and an editor for the Philippine Journal of Psychiatry. His work focuses on gender, social justice, and mental health, particularly among students, young people, and the LGBTQ+ community. He has published over 100 publications in Scopus-indexed journals. According to SciVal, he holds the highest number of international publications on mental health and psychiatry in the Philippines since 2020. He has also worked as a consultant and co-investigator on numerous projects funded by government agencies and non-governmental organizations, with several of his contributions incorporated into national policy documents. His works have also been cited in both Philippine and international media, including Yahoo News Singapore, Asian Scientist, and Bloomberg. In recognition of his achievements, he was invited as the only Southeast Asian member of the Editorial Development Board of The Lancet Psychiatry (Elsevier), the world’s leading journal in mental health, for the term 2022 to 2024. He also serves on the Boards of the Journal of Lesbian Studies (Taylor & Francis), the only journal devoted to lesbian feminist scholarship, and the Geopsychiatry journal of Elsevier. Recently, he was named the 2025 Outstanding Young Scientist in Psychiatry and Health Social Science by the National Academy of Science and Technology, the Philippines' highest scientific advisory and recognition body.



Mr. Ruston Banal
Mr. Banal is an accomplished transmedia artist whose work spans the fields of photography, filmmaking, design, and writing. With a career dedicated to visual
storytelling, he has played a significant role in shaping the global recognition of Filipino talent. For several years, he was a key figure in organizing the International Photography Awards (IPA), one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world, held in Broadway, New York. Through this platform, he established a Philippine network to provide Filipino photographers with international exposure and opportunities. As a cinematographer, Banal has contributed to numerous independent film projects that celebrate Kapampangan culture, some of which have received accolades at both local and international film festivals. His work highlights the depth and richness of regional narratives, preserving heritage through the lens of cinema. Academically, he is a top graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman’s College of Fine Arts. He further pursued advanced studies as a CHED scholar at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he achieved summa cum laude distinction in design studies. His exceptional contributions to Philippine arts and culture have earned him the prestigious Ani ng Dangal Award three times, conferred by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Most recently, he expanded his cultural advocacy into the literary world by publishing a pioneering book on Kapampangan gastronomy. This work serves as a significant contribution to Philippine culinary heritage, shedding light on the depth and uniqueness of Kapampangan cuisine. Through his multifaceted artistic practice, Ruston Banal continues to be a driving force in promoting Philippine culture and identity on the global stage.


Engr. Claude GM Sta. Clara, Ph.D.
Engr. Sta Clara is an Environmental, Metallurgical Engineer, NLP Trainer, and Meta Coach. He has been Training, Facilitating, and Coaching for more than three decades. He has extensive experience in Program Development,
Personal Leadership & Organizational Change; Adult, Teen & Kiddie Camps; Teambuilding & High Ropes Adventure; Corporate Planning, Belief Change & Cultural Transformation; Leadership for Teachers & Students; Executive Coaching; Creativity & Innovation; Learning Management Systems. He is now teaching at the DMMME, UP, Diliman, College of Engineering. He has more than two decades of experience in the Semiconductor, Cement, and Water-Wastewater industries. He has developed expertise in Process and Developmental Engineering, Engineering Project Management, ISO Quality Systems Implementation, Quality and Reliability Engineering, Technical Research and Development, Failure Analysis of Materials, Wastewater Plant Design, and Water Quality Monitoring. He has a Ph.D. in Environmental.
Engineering from UP, Diliman. Engr. Sta. Clara is also a cyclist, darts player, choir member, bottle artist, DIY nut, PowerPoint animator, PTSD responder, and a Deaf facilitator. He is a member of the UP 49ers, the Society of Metallurgical Engineers of the Philippines (SMEP), the UP Tau Alpha Fraternity, and is a Knight Officer of Rizal.


We look forward to seeing you there!
For online attendees:
Please register here: https://fb.me/g/gyM4mNDlG/ltPRdmDl
For more information, please email: Y3phcmluYSAhIGxhYmF5byB8IGRsc3UgISBlZHUgISBwaA==
Dr. Czarina Labayo-Prieto
GESTSOC Coordinator

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