Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Biology students Ocean Clare P. Cosare, Precy B. Ramada, and John Aidric G. Reroma (see photo below) received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the 13th International Phycological Congress (IPC) held on June 8–13, 2025, at Henann Resort, Panglao, Bohol.

Their undergraduate paper, titled “Molecular identification of associated phycobionts in the lichen-forming fungi genus Usnea,” was presented by Ms. Cosare and won the George F. Papenfuss Best Poster Award in the Diversity and Systematics category. The team was mentored by Paul John L. Geraldino, Ph.D., faculty member of the Department of Biology and Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

The Congress, held only once every four years, gathered phycologists from around the world. This year, the Philippines hosted the event, which centered on the theme “Promoting Algal Biodiversity Conservation, Enhancing Ecosystem Services and Resilience.”