The College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS) had acquired the services of a distinguished visiting professor, in the person of Dr. Ravindra Joshi, an entomologist and a renowned consultant to various agencies in the Philippines and abroad. The college believes that this partnership would help improve USeP’s international ranking, create more international collaboration with foreign academic institutions, and develop stature and reputation as a research university.
As a visiting professor, Dr. Joshi renders his services through a hybrid modality with a physical appearance in the college at least once every semester or more often as the need arises, while the rest of the sessions are through the virtual platform.
Dr. Joshi had his first physical appearance at the USeP Tagum-Mabini campus on May 4-6, 2023. His visit entailed participating as an evaluator in the in-house research review conducted by the college, engaging with the graduate school faculty and students, and embarking on an industry visit. These activities not only enrich the academic environment but also foster collaborations, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the college.
One of the notable highlights of Dr. Joshi’s visit was his participation as an evaluator in the college’s in-house research review last May 4, 2023, at the ARTIC building, Mabini Unit, USeP Tagum Mabini Campus. Leveraging his expertise, Dr. Joshi provided valuable insights, feedback, and recommendations to researchers, enabling them to refine their methodologies, strengthen their findings, and explore potential avenues for future research. His presence as an evaluator contributed to the rigorous and objective evaluation of the research projects, preserving academic standards. His expertise and fresh perspective added immense value to the research review process, inspiring researchers to strive for excellence and further pushing the boundaries of knowledge within the university.
Recognizing the importance of bridging academia and the industry, Dr. Joshi, with the College Dean, Dr. Cecirly G. Puig, Graduate School Head, Dr. Hyde D. Nadela, and some faculty members of the Department of Agricultural Sciences embarked on an industry visit to the Regional Crop Pest Management Center of BPI, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Hijo Resources on May 5, 2023. This visit aimed to strengthen ties between the university and key stakeholders in the industry, fostering collaborations, and providing students with real-world insights. By engaging with industry professionals, the group gained firsthand knowledge of the latest advancements, challenges, and best practices in the relevant field. This experience enabled them to share industry-relevant insights with students, thereby enhancing the practical applicability of the academic curriculum. The industry visits also opened doors for potential internships, research partnerships, and future employment opportunities for students and graduates, thereby bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.
In the morning of May 6, 2023, the graduate school faculty headed by Dr. Nadela had a meeting with Dr. Joshi. The meeting served as a platform for sharing experiences, discussing emerging trends in their respective fields, and exploring potential collaborations. Dr. Joshi shared his insights and research expertise, providing faculty members with new perspectives and innovative approaches to teaching and research. In the afternoon, Dr. Joshi had his face-to-face meeting with the crop protection graduate students where he updated them on the most recent crop protection trends. There was also an MS thesis consultation of one of the graduate students with Dr. Larry V. Aceres as adviser and Dr. Joshi as the chair. Dr. Joshi’s engagement with the graduate school faculty and students promoted a culture of continuous learning and academic growth, reinforcing the college’s commitment to fostering excellence in education and research.
