Letran SHS Delegates present Research at the 9th Toyama Science Symposium

Kylie Niechols Miranda & Prince Robel Tecson

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 - Delegates from various schools across the globe gathered virtually for the 9th Toyama Scientific Symposium in Japan which was held through a zoom conference. Joining the said event were delegates from Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Manila who presented their research entitled “Photoluminescent Structures: A True Experimental Study on Luminous Flux Efficiency and Viability.”

The Colegio’s representatives were Julian Harish Bhojwani, Mia Cecilia Teodosio, and Kenneth Cole Obilios from STEM12-E of the Senior High School Department. In the presentation, the researchers discussed the photoluminescent structures and the generation of light through photoexcitation. According to the presentation, when photons enter a chemical structure of a compound, it causes them to merge and combine, constantly adding energy until they become “excited” which causes a faint glow of light emission. This phenomenon can last for hours on end and is done only with natural light and a phosphor known as ZnS:Ag (Silver-Activated Zinc Sulfide).

The presentation from the delegates of the SHS Department lasted from 10 to 15 minutes only in accordance with the symposium guidelines. After presenting their research, they went through a question and answer portion that gave the audience and panelists the chance to understand more and give comments regarding the research.

In an interview, Julian Harish Bhojwani- the Head Researcher of the team shared his experience in participating, he said, “Joining the Toyama Scientific Symposium was my first Asian-research conference ever. Who would've known that the Japanese saw interest in our research... Working throughout the weeks that followed our confirmation was a struggle. Combined with academic requirements and other obligations, the fact of sleep wasn't prevalent. But that all paid off the day we presented, as we hunkered down and shared our topic with the world. It's an experience you'll honestly long for, as the joy and enthusiasm it brings, outweighs any scientific finding regardless if shared online, or physically.”

Also, Mr. Bhojwani shared the greatest struggle they faced before they presented their research, having students from various countries watch them.

“The biggest obstacle we faced, was the fact that it was my first time a full-featured research paper was to be done from home. Living in the new normal was the hardest challenge we needed to overcome. And although member participation isn't as high as we hoped it to be... I was beyond proud that our team managed to complete a quality paper worthy of an international audience, despite the challenges we faced.” He stated, mentioning that researching home with only limited resources, became their biggest challenge before they shared their findings at the 9th Toyama Science Symposium.

Overall, the Toyama Science Symposium was a success and was able to provide researchers with abundant information and knowledge on the things that can help others as well.