The UP Resilience Institute co-presents with the Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub another exciting episode of Behind the Science Podcast (BTS). Through the BTS Podcast, we share captivating stories from years of research and how they eventually became published work.
In Episode 16, we feature the master’s thesis of Mr. Khelly Sta. Rita, for his graduate degree in Geology at the National Institute of Geological Sciences (NIGS), UP DiIiman. Mr. Sta. Rita reviewed optical and radar data to measure the ground movement following the 6.6 magnitude earthquake on Masbate Island in 2020.
Mr. Sta. Rita’s journey of becoming a geologist began when he chose the most interesting-sounding course based on the course catalog. As he learned more from Geology and Geological Engineering, he eventually discovered his passion in the field. For his master’s thesis, he worked closely with his adviser, Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, and Dr. Sotiris Valkaniotis, who had extensive experience in the methods he employed.
Despite the challenges of balancing full-time work, conducting fieldwork, requesting data from different sources, and wading neck-deep into fishponds for field validations, Mr. Sta Rita found fulfillment in completing and eventually publishing his work. He advises aspiring researchers to ensure their studies are attainable and feasible within a reasonable period, recounting the words of his adviser Dr. Mahar, “MS is for learning how to ride a horse and PhD is taking it to battle.” He shares it is normal for things not to go your way, and that’s okay. Pick up the pieces, learn to adapt, and move forward.
Listen to the podcast here:
Spotify: bit.ly/btspodcast-spotify
Youtube: bit.ly/btspodcast-yt
Article spotlight
Sta. Rita, K. S., Valkaniotis, S., and Lagmay, A. M. F.: Surface rupture kinematics of the 2020 Mw 6.6 Masbate (Philippines) earthquake determined from optical and radar data, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1135–1161, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-1135-2024, 2024.
Do you want to nominate a scientist in the field of DRR and geosciences to be featured on the Behind the Science Podcast? Or, have you read an author’s publication whose behind-the-scenes story you are eager to hear about? Let us know by emailing us at upri.educ@up.edu.ph and we will do our best to get them featured on BTS Podcast!