Filipino PhD students talk about pursuing graduate studies in a foreign university, and what it means for them.

“The primary reason for graduate studies really is to learn. As a professor of mine here said, we are at that point when we go to a class because we choose to, not because we are required to. Now that I know what I want to achieve in life, I want to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary.”

Kendra Castillo graduated summa cum laude with a degree in BS Physics, and Class Valedictorian of her batch in the Ateneo de Manila University. A consistent honors student since her grade school years, she is also a recipient of several awards and scholarships: Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Bank of the Philippine Islands Science Awardee, University of the Philippines Oblation Scholarship and Fulbright Scholarship. She is now pursuing her doctorate studies in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University, Indiana.

LSEC: What is your research interest or field?
Kendra:Climate change particularly in the tropics. Since I just started the research questions is not well-defined yet but I am interested in investigating the carbon cycle in the tropics, maybe with regards to forestation, and potential climate change policies that can generate co-benefits.


LSEC: Why go for a graduate degree and how to best prepare for it?
Kendra:I think over the years, I have been slowly able to discern what my interests are, I want to do with my life and how I can make a difference. Graduate studies have given me the opportunity to discover my niche and to learn what I would need to learn to be successful in it. I started off in physics thinking about becoming an astronaut, then was exposed to atmospheric physics and climate change, then I thought of learning more about the management and policy side to complement the science. So the primary reason for graduate studies really is to learn. As a professor of mine here said, we are at that point when we go to a class because we choose to, not because we are required to. Now that I know what I want to achieve in life, I want to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary.

The secondary reason is practicality in the sense that a PhD is increasingly becoming a requirement to able to progress in the work place and to have the leeway to pursue the things you are interested in, especially in the academe, in research and in multinational organizations.

How to best prepare for it? The first step I think is to have a good idea of what you want to study and how you will eventually apply it so that you can better select a school, program and adviser. I'm lucky to have found an adviser who is a scientist but also has degree in the policy side, and applies both to his work in climate change, as I would like to do. Once that's done and you've been accepted in a university abroad, the challenge is in getting yourself ready emotionally and psychologically for leaving home. In terms of academic preparation, don't be afraid if you can't remember everything for your undergrad. What's important is knowing where to find what you need to know and having the discipline to review and study on your own. (Life-long learning is what it's all about!)To some extent, academic preparation also depends where you go for a PhD because the styles or cultures are different among the universities. At Purdue, what I have noticed is the emphasis on discussion, on sharing or ideas, on critical and original thought. So, one must not be afraid to speak up and get involved.

LSEC: What are your future plans?
Kendra: The only certain thing is that I will be returning to the Philippines after I graduate. Other than that, I'm still open to ideas and opportunities. I'm thinking of going back to the Manila Observatory and the Ateneo, and later on trying for the UN (UNFCCC, UNDP or UNEP).