Genes among the 2018 Top 46 CAS Outstanding Students

By: Freeman M. Mago (Replichore)

LOS BANOS, LAGUNA –The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) makes its mark again as four of its members make it to the 2018 Top 46 CAS Outstanding Students. The awarding ceremony was held last November 23, 2018 at the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Auditorium.

The GeneSoc members who were recognized in the prestigious awarding were the following: Sean Lemuel L. Santos (Hybrizyme), Anlene Jane B. Rocha (Genophore), Lance Spreewell Lopez (Spireme) and Renald James Legaspi (Polinton).

Sean Lemuel Santos (Hybrizyme), with a GWA = 1.2479, ranked 3^rd among the Top 46 CAS students. He is a 4^th year BS Biology-Major in Genetics student and is currently working on a thesis about the analysis of genetic diversity of armyworm population in the country. He is also the incumbent editor-in-chief of GENEWS, the official publication of the GeneSoc. Sean plans to study medicine and to delve into medical research of cancer, aging and neuroscience. His hobbies include writing, photography and travelling to nature parks.

"To become an outstanding student, don't think about it. Just do your best in what you do, stay passionate, and make learning an exploration. Whether or not you’ll get an award does not matter because your curiosity and passion will take you farther."

– Sean Santos

Anlene Jane Rocha (Genophore), with a GWA = 1.4789, ranked 14^th among the Top 46 CAS students. She is a 4^th year BS Biology-Major in Genetics student who is currently working on a thesis regarding the expression and activity of alpha-galactosidase gene, a degenerative enzyme involved in galactomannan metabolism in Coconut endosperm. Anlene plants to pursue Medicine and to become a neurosurgeon specializing in neurogenetic surgery and neurotrauma. Her hobbies include writing literary pieces and reading articles about astrophysics.

Lance Spreewell Lopez (Spireme), with a GWA=1.5064, ranked 20^th among the Top 46 CAS students. He is a 4^th year BS Biology-Major in Cell and Molecular Biology student. He took his major to have a solid background on a broad range of courses including Histology, Physiology, Embryology and Immunology. He plans to pursue Medicine and specialize in Orthopedic Surgery particularly in orthopedic trauma and sports medicine. Apart from excelling in his studies, Lance is also a remarkable athlete, actively participating in swimming competitions, triathlon and basketball. He is even excited to try new sports.    

“Hindi ako studious, curious lang.” – Lance Lopez

Renald James Legaspi (Polintons), with a GWA=1.5413, ranked 25^th among the the Top 46 CAS students. He is a 4^th year BS Biology-Major in Genetics student and is currently working on a thesis about the karyotype analysis of Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhyncos). After graduation, he plans to allot his time in doing research. During his free time, Renald likes to play sports and computer games.

“Never expect, just move.” – Renald James Legaspi

About the College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences is one of the colleges in UP established through the presidential degree No. 58 which was issued on November 20, 1972. It is originally known as College of Arts and Humanities but was renamed into College of arts and science on October 28, 1977. There are currently 9 units under CAS composed of 5 Institution, 3 departments and the University of the Philippines Rural Highschool. Institute of Biological sciences is under one of the 5 institutions of CAS.