The Laguna University Research and Development Center (RDC) once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a strong research culture by successfully hosting a webinar titled “Webinar on Mentoring Researchers: Roles and Strategies” via Zoom Conference on September 18. This meaningful initiative brought together staff and faculty members in a virtual space to explore effective mentoring practices that inspire innovation and research excellence.
With the theme “Empowering Future Innovators: Effective Mentoring for Academic and Research Excellence,” the event highlighted the crucial role of mentorship in guiding budding researchers, promoting collaboration, and elevating LU’s research capabilities.
The webinar opened with a warm and motivating message from Dr. Marie Joy Q. Elomina, RDC Director, who welcomed participants and underscored the value of mentoring in shaping the next generation of scholars. She emphasized that research mentorship is not only about teaching technical skills but also about nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience in students.
Dr. Charlemagne G. Laviña, University President, expressed that research is the hallmark of LU. Similarly, research, in any of its forms, is proof of a competent student who has clearly demonstrated wide knowledge, skills, and values.
Dr. Laviña also highlighted the mantra of LU, “integrity towards excellence,” relating it to the privileges and challenges brought by Artificial Intelligence. For him, “There can be no excellence without integrity. This is why I remind all our student researchers, and even mentors, to uphold the highest ethical standards.”
Following this, Dr. Fernan P. Ramos, CAS Research Coordinator, delivered the statement of purpose, stressing that mentorship plays a pivotal role in achieving academic and research excellence. He encouraged faculty mentors to view themselves as catalysts for growth, guiding students toward meaningful research that can create a positive impact in their fields and communities.
Before the main presentation, Dr. Josephine C. Bermudez, COED Assistant Professor, introduced the guest speaker, highlighting his impressive credentials and deep experience in mentoring researchers. This set the stage for a highly anticipated discussion.
Serving as the resource speaker was Dr. Von L. Sarino, an accomplished researcher and mentor who was the President & CEO of QualiSEARCH Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Development. His talk was packed with practical advice, strategies, and best practices for mentoring students, including how to build a supportive research environment, encourage collaboration, and help students overcome challenges during the research process. Dr. Sarino shared inspiring success stories of mentees who have thrived under effective guidance, motivating participants to adopt a more holistic approach to mentorship.
In his discussion, Dr. Sarino underscored the importance of empathy, patience, and consistent communication between mentors and mentees. He also provided actionable strategies for designing structured mentorship programs, aligning research projects with institutional goals, and fostering a culture of academic integrity and innovation.
The session concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude from Dr. Norayda M. Dimaculangan, Student Research Coordinator, who thanked the resource speaker, participants, and organizers for making the event a success. She reminded attendees that mentorship is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the classroom and is vital in shaping the future of research at Laguna University.
Keeping the event lively and engaging was Mr. Marvin Francia, who served as the program host. His energy and professionalism helped maintain an interactive and collaborative atmosphere throughout the session.
Through initiatives like this webinar, Laguna University RDC continues to empower faculty members and staff to work hand in hand in producing high-quality research outputs that contribute to the university’s mission of academic and research excellence.
By: Marvin Francia, Louiebell P. Alillana, and Marie Joy Q. Elomina, Ph.D.
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