Ma. Luz Manalo, a chemical engineer from the Philippines, was inspired to pursue a career in solar energy research after witnessing the devastating impact of Typhoon Reming in 2006. She now works as a research engineer at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (Seris), developing sustainable solutions for a brighter future.
Growing up in a typhoon-prone province in the Bicol Region, Ma. Luz Manalo learned at an early age how to metaphorically dance in the rain. But the trail of destruction left by Super Typhoon Reming (International name: Durian) in 2006 dampened even the sunniest of spirits. 'It was just very depressing. There was chaos everywhere. To this day, the memory of that fateful day still lingers on,' the 40-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) said.
Believed to be one of the deadliest storms to hit Albay, Reming buried some villages under mudflows from Mayon Volcano and left hundreds of dead bodies in its wake. It also plunged much of the province into darkness after sunset for months as it toppled down several power lines. Then a chemical engineering student at Bicol University, Manalo knew the science behind the destruction. 'At that time, I realized how crucial it is that we address climate change. That experience became a driving force for me to use my knowledge and technical skills to promote sustainable solutions to real-world problems,' she said. In 2016, Manalo achieved her dream when she became a research engineer at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (Seris) in the country's national university. As the national institute for applied solar energy research, Seris mainly works hand in hand with industries to develop technologies for urban and tropical applications. The institute conducts research, development, testing and consulting on solar energy technologies, and their integration into buildings and power systems. Manalo works in the laboratory to develop solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells, which are the building blocks of solar module
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