Prof. Julie Anne del Rosario received a research grant from the University of the Philippines Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (UP-OVPAA) through the Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant (ECWRG).
Her research project entitled “Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO 2 to Formate using Nano-structured Tin Oxide” was meant to be accomplished within 18 months as per agreement with the funding agency. It was the first research grant received by the Laboratory of Electrochemical Engineering for this academic year. The research grant was used by a group of senior undergraduate chemical engineering students advised by Prof. del Rosario: Jastin Mae Villanueva, Christian Conopio and Marwin Crispino. As the starting project of the laboratory, the fund was used in procuring chemicals, glasswares, and equipment.
According to Prof. del Rosario, the research project could possibly be a solution to global warming to reduce emission of CO 2 .
“As a group of young and passionate researchers, we want to pioneer projects that could contribute to the publications and collaborative endeavors of the department,” says Prof. del Rosario. She adds that this will push the laboratory towards becoming the leading research facility for electrochemical engineering in the country.