MSUN Faculty-Researcher partner with US and Singapore Universities for Palaeoenvironmental Research in Northern Samar
Mindanao State University at Naawan, through its faculty-researcher Prof. Dr. Janneli Lea A. Soria, joined an international team of geologists and scientists from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and Nanyang Technological University in conducting a palaeoenvironmental investigation of the Gamay Beach Ridges in Northeast Samar, Philippines, from January 5 to 15, 2026.
The collaborative study aimed to understand the history and formation of the Gamay Beach Ridge System, a coastal landform that provides important clues about past sea-level changes, storms, and marine flooding events. The findings are expected to improve local knowledge of coastal processes and support long-term planning, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction efforts in the municipality.
During the fieldwork period, the research team conducted site assessments, coastal surveys, and sediment observations across several locations in Gamay. Despite occasional rain and challenging weather conditions, the team continued data collection and documentation while coordinating closely with local stakeholders to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Beyond field activities, the researchers organized and analyzed their findings and developed digital materials, including maps and visual documentation, to communicate the study’s objectives and results to a wider audience. Educational content was also prepared to highlight the value of scientific research in understanding and protecting coastal environments.
This international collaboration is significant because it brings together local and global expertise to better understand coastal processes that affect vulnerable communities like Gamay. By combining MSUN’s local knowledge with the advanced research methods of partner universities in the United States and Singapore, the study strengthens scientific capacity, supports evidence-based coastal planning, and contributes to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience initiatives. The partnership also underscores MSUN’s commitment to international research collaboration and to producing knowledge that directly benefits communities while promoting sustainable coastal development.
