The Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department of the College of Engineering once again proved its research prowess by placing third in the 2024 Search for the Best Undergraduate Thesis and Best Mentor Award held at the Claude Andrews Convention Center of CSU-Andrews Campus last Thursday, June 20.

Three parallel sessions based on categories such as social, experimental, and technological were conducted to assess the research papers submitted from the University’s eight campuses. The invited panel of evaluators were from the different regional and provincial government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, the National Economic Development Authority, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the City Government of Tuguegarao. In addition, other evaluators were from academic institutions such as the Department of Education, the University of Saint Louis of Tuguegarao, and Saint Paul University of the Philippines.

Ms. Charmaine A. Olivas, a BSABE candidate presented their research titled, “Design and Development of a Low-Cost Self-propelled Mechanical Rice Transplanter” bagging the third-best paper under the technological category. With her in the study are Mr. Melbourne R. Bielza and Mr. Romie G. Baptista, Jr., while Engr. Shirly O. Agcaoili, their research adviser placed as third best mentor in the same category.

The BSABE program, through its research department, continues to prepare students not only academically but also to be research-oriented. To date, the program has been able to produce three (3) university-best undergraduate theses under the Technological Research Category.