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MSU-IIT graduate scholars finish DOST-ERDT sandwich program in Japan

Aug 20 2025

 (from left to right: Kent Benedict A. Salisid, Engr. Arnel L. Miñon, and Harvey D. Melendrez)

In line with MSU-IIT’s vision of influencing the future, three graduate students from the Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering program of the Department of Materials and Resources Engineering and Technology (DMRET) have recently completed their research endeavors at two prestigious universities in Japan, through the Department of Science and Technology – Engineering Research and Development for Technology (DOST-ERDT) Sandwich Program, bringing honor and excellence to the MSU-IIT community. 

Engr. Arnel L. Miñon and Mr. Harvey D. Melendrez have completed their eight-month journey as special graduate research students at the Advanced Ceramics Research Center of the Nagoya Institute of Technology (NITech) in Nagoya, Japan, from August 29, 2024, to May 9, 2025, under the supervision of Dr. Ruben L. Menchavez (MSU-IIT), Dr. Raymond V. Rivera-Virtudazo (MSU-IIT), and Dr. Masayoshi Fuji (NITech). 

Engr. Miñon, a graduate of Ceramic Engineering, focused on developing a cost-effective, electrically conductive porous ceramic composite mat erial derived from biopolymers and locally sourced raw materials in the Philippines. His research seeks to investigate the potential application of this material in addressing wastewater treatment challenges through an electrochemically assisted water filtration process, which enhances pollutant and bacterial degradation under low-voltage electrical stimulation. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Melendrez, a Mining Engineering graduate, concentrated on the valorization and value addition of coal power plant byproducts and mining wastes in Mindanao. His study explored their applications in sustainable construction and in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated aquatic systems through a low-cost, reduced-carbon-footprint, and practical approach that supports sustainable development and the circular economy. 

Furthermore, Mr. Kent Benedict A. Salisid, also a Mining Engineering graduate, conducted his research at the Mineral Processing and Resource Recycling Laboratory of the Division of Sustainable Resources at Hokkaido University (HU) in Sapporo, Hokkaido from August 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025, under the guidance of Dr. Carlito B. Tabelin (MSU-IIT) and Dr. Mayumi Ito (HU). His study focuses on developing an alkali-activated material with self-healing properties designed to be compatible with Philippine heritage structures. His work contributes to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage through a greener and more sustainable engineering approach while maintaining cultural authenticity.

The achievements of DMRET’s DOST-ERDT graduate scholars not only advance the field of material science and engineering but also embody the institute’s commitment to global collaboration and sustainable innovation, further strengthening MSU-IIT’s role in shaping research that delivers real-world impact.

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