“TECHNOLOGY AT the service of society” was how Associate Professor Nathaniel Libatique described the products showcased at Interlinks 6.0.

Interlinks held its sixth annual presentation of students’ research and development projects as part of the School of Science and Engineering (SOSE) Research and Innovation Week. Dubbed “Showcasing 150 years of innovation,” the event was held on March 5 at the MVP Roof deck.

Melody Kay Carolino, president of the Computer Society of the Ateneo, said that the event was also a way of drawing attention to the products of the SOSE students’ hard work and creativity, especially since they are not highlighted that much.

“This is very useful because it is able to show that the Science and Engineering students also get to have a lot of output,” she said.

SOSE Dean Fabian Dayrit said that students should be given opportunities not only to present their research but also to continue them as products of the department.

Innovative output

The products that were showcased ranged from robots to projects that would make the detection of tuberculosis easier.

Raisa Elaine Marcelo, a member of the group that developed a robot that could be controlled through the Apple iPhone, said that the product would be useful in automation.

“Maraming uses ang automation (Automation has many uses) at the moment. [One] is to make a robot that has a specific task. For example, [it can be tasked with the] segregation of garbage,” she said.

Marlon Jose Ibabao developed a project that would detect tuberculosis using fluorescence mechanisms. “I think it’s a faster, safer, more reliable…way of detecting tuberculosis,” he said.

Other projects focused on improving the sustainability of the natural resources.

Raiza Joy Elumba recognized the decrease of fossil fuels as sources for bio-diesel. As an alternative, she tried the feasibility of algae, which produces more oil.

Melting pot of talent

The organizers also invited companies like the Asia United Bank and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Corporate Business Group to the event, in hopes of getting these companies to support the students’ products and researches.

“Some projects here are really very small scale and it helps by [exposing these to] more major stakeholders [so] they can prove to be more beneficial to the nation,” Carolino said.

She also said that representatives of these companies could also scout for potential employees. “They’ll see that there’s a big pool of talent in Ateneo, that they can get good people from the Science and Engineering courses.”

Carolino added the event could also be helpful to undergraduates who have yet to do their theses.

Junior Sidney Byron Lee said that one reason why he went to the event was to have an idea of what they will be doing for their thesis.

Lawrence Lean Sze also said that the presentation can help in increasing the awareness of those inept when it comes to the field of science and technology.

“This is for the advertisement of ideas and to inform the people of ideas’ availability and usability,” she said.