With the ongoing partnership between MSU at Naawan and universities in Turkiye, five outstanding graduate students from Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) have embarked on a transformative mobility exchange program funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The initiative, titled 'Development of Academic and Exchange Programs among Universities in the Philippines and Turkiye', has opened doors for our students to immerse themselves in partner universities in Turkiye.

Before delving into their academic pursuits, the MSUN students had the unique opportunity to soak in the rich cultural heritage of Turkiye through engaging historical and educational tours. Among the five graduate students, Maria Lyn Magcanta-Mortos, pursuing a PhD in Marine Biology, and Floriefe G. Torino, working towards a PhD in Aquaculture, were selected to represent MSUN at Kastamonu University.

Under the guidance of Professor Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Keriman YÜRÜTEN ÖZDEMİR, the students spent their initial week at Kastamonu University conducting an extraction process of bioactive compounds from fermented calamansi waste powder (FCWP) samples sourced all the way from the Philippines. This hands-on experience not only showcased the students' skills but also laid the foundation for potential breakthroughs in eco-friendly waste utilization.

Following this, Ms. Maria Lyn and Ms. Floriefe were assigned specific tasks focused on microalgal culture and feed additive proximate analysis. Their work is poised to contribute to advancements in these critical research areas, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge between MSUN and Kastamonu University.

The collaboration between MSUN and Kastamonu University showcases the significance of international partnerships in academia. The students' commitment to excellence and their impactful contributions reflect positively on the broader goals of the CHED-funded project.

As our graduate students continue to make waves abroad, MSUN takes pride in their achievements and looks forward to further opportunities for global collaboration, solidifying the university's commitment to fostering academic excellence on the international stage.

The success of the project titled “Development of Academic and Exchange Programs among Universities in the Philippines and Turkiye”, funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) proudly announces the selection of three outstanding graduate students to represent the institution at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMU) in Turkiye. Ashley Lyle Maghuyop, pursuing a Master's in Marine Biology, Nerissa D. Roa, Master’s in Environmental Science, and Ryan V. Fabay, pursuing a Ph.D. in Aquaculture, have been entrusted with this prestigious honor.

Under the mentorship of esteemed professors at ÇOMU, Ms. Maghuyop and Ms. Roa will delve into the study of microplastics in beach sediments. Led by Prof. Dr. Yeşim Büyükateş, Head of the Department and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, and Dr. Ridvan Kaan Gürses of Tokyo Marine Science and Technology, their investigation will assess the presence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in Kepez, Çanakkale. By examining various oceanographic factors such as wind and current systems, their endeavor aims to unveil the ecological implications of microplastic pollution in marine environments.

Simultaneously, Mr. Fabay, guided by Prof. Dr. Sevdan Yılmaz, a distinguished expert in Aquaculture and Marine Sciences, will advance his research on freshwater prawns, particularly the giant freshwater prawn (𝑀𝑎𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑢𝑚 𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑖). His dissertation, which was previously unfeasible to conduct in the Philippines, will focus on species identification, genetic diversity, and nutritional profiling of freshwater prawns from the BARMM region's Ligawasan Marsh.

The opportunity for these students to represent MSUN on the global stage highlights the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration. Their endeavors hold the promise of significant contributions to the fields of marine biology, environmental science, and aquaculture, benefiting both local and international communities.

This transformative mobility exchange program not only fosters cross-cultural understanding but also nurtures a new generation of researchers equipped to address the complex challenges faced by our environment. MSUN stands proud as its students embark on this remarkable journey of knowledge exchange and discovery.