LOS BAÑOS, Laguna — Dr. Menandro N. Acda, a professor from the Department of Forest Products and Paper Science of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR-DFPPS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, delivered a Professorial Chair Lecture on the “Use of Nanoparticles to Reduce Moisture Absorption and Improve Resistance of Philippine Woods against Decay and Wood Boring Insects” via virtual conferencing last 25 May. The UPLB Professorial Chair is awarded to faculty members who have shown consistent exemplary teaching and research performance in their respective fields. In the two-part lecture, Dr. Acda presented how nanomaterials can be used to improve the water- and termite-resistance properties of wood products.
CFNR Dean Marlo D. Mendoza delivered the opening remarks while Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, deputy director of the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), served as the discussant. Over 150 students, faculty, and staff from UPLB, other state universities and colleges, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DOST, private companies, and local government units attended the lecture.
Dr. Acda is the only Filipino recipient of the prestigious Charles Lindbergh Research Grant and was included in the Asian Scientist 100 list in 2017. He is also known for inventing LaharGard®, a termite barrier using volcanic debris, and the Featherboard®, a keratin fiber cement composite.
Reference:
Acaso, G. C. & Flores, J. G. (2023, June 24). CFNR prof delivers professorial chair on the use of nanomaterials to improve wood products. https://uplb.edu.ph/all-news/cfnr-prof-delivers-professorial-chair-on-the-use-of-nanomaterials-to-improve-wood-products/