Leading the Chemical Engineering Class of 2025 was Mayumi M. Calpotura, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.255. Her thesis groupmate, Cyril Joy Y. Zablan, also earned Cum Laude honors with a GWA of 1.603. Their thesis, "Optimization of methylene blue degradation in water via peroxymonosulfate activation using exfoliated banana peel hydrochar as catalyst," was co-advised by Engr. Rhovee P. Vistan, M.Sc.

The batch also celebrated several other students for their significant research contributions. Patricia Anne P. Correa, a fellow Chemical Engineering graduate, led a study titled "Optimization of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/lemongrass hydrochar composite beads for the removal of azo dyes in water." Her work has already gained international recognition with its publication in Elsevier's prestigious journal, Next Materials, last January.

Another promising study from the Department of Chemical Engineering was spearheaded by Zyia Gene G. Cometa. Her group's research, "Optimization of malachite green removal in water using carbonized wild sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum L.) as an adsorbent," is currently under review for publication in the same Elsevier journal. This project was co-advised by Engr. John Victor P. Mateo, M.Sc.

From the Department of Mechanical Engineering, a team composed of Carlos Alberto R. Alvarez, Kenneth Charles A. Dizon, Craig Jenson G. Ong, Virgil Paolo G. Lopez, and Izach D. Lardizabal studied "Chitosan/banana peel hydrochar @ paraffin composite beads as a phase change material in packed bed latent heat thermal energy storage unit." Their paper is also under review for publication in Next Materials. The team was co-advised by Engr. Edward Henrick H. Aguda, MSMgtE, PME.

Further contributing to the field of materials science, Mechanical Engineering graduates Stephen Brent Paolo C. Letrero, Paulo Q. Agabin, and Franco Lorenzo C. Apostol completed their study on "Cellulose nanofibrils from corn cobs as an additive in intumescent fire-retardant coatings."

The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Engineering extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, their families, and their dedicated faculty mentors. The success of Batch 2025 is a testament to the university's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and impactful, research-driven education.