SYNTHESIS: The Fusion of Biology and Mathematics in Modeling Diseases

"Mathematics is more than just numbers and can be applied in real life. It was proven true. "

In order to inform and enhance student’s knowledge about the combination of Biology and Mathematics, the Society of Applied Mathematics of UPLB, in partnership with the Mathematics Division, conducted a seminar at the Math Building Lecture Hall, November 6.

The seminar started with a prayer, led by Crystal Jean Natividad, BS Applied Mathematics, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Also, Ana Charizze Aguinaldo, Senior Executive of SAM-UP, and Prof. Jomar Rabajante, Senior Adviser of SAM-UP, gave their opening remarks and a warm welcome to the speaker and participants.

With the theme “SYNTHESIS: The Fusion of Biology and Mathematics in Modeling Diseases”, the said seminar was headed by Prof. Angelyn Lao, an Associate Professor from the Department of Mathematics, College of Science, De La Salle University. She discussed how Biology and Mathematics were used in modeling diseases.

She talked about dealing with tuberculosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer through Mathematical models and with the help of Biology. She mentioned also that collaboration with the combination of many mathematical areas such as the applications of Differential Equations (DE’s) and Reading Literature in Biomathematics research will be a great help for the advancement for the discovery of the medications in these rare diseases.

After the talk, faculties and students were given a chance to ask Ms. Lao a question about the topic she discussed. Also, Abigail Alvarado, BS Math, Batch Super Stellae Et Lumen, performed a song number to entertain the participants.

Meanwhile, the said seminar was attended by an overwhelming number of audiences with a total of 283 students and 11 teachers in which 140 students and 5 teachers were from Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa (KLL).

“The seminar entitled SYNTHESIS: The Fusion of Biology and Mathematics in Modeling Diseases is one of the great seminars I have attended. The speaker, Ms. Angelyn Lao, introduced and explained to us that the two areas, Biology and Mathematics, can be combined for specific purposes. What I learned also is the importance of the application of Differential Equations (the combination of many mathematical areas) and Reading Literature in making research in Biomathematics. The organizers, which is the Society of Applied Mathematics of University of the Philippines-Los Baños (SAM-UP) accommodated us with big smiles on their faces. Also, their program was so organized and good as well. Greetings to the organization for a job well done and thank you for inviting us, The Organization of Number Enthusiasts (The ONE) of Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa,” Ma. Isabel Guno, a KLL student who attended the seminar said in an interview.