DOST-FPRDI researcher named FORESPI’s 2019 Outstanding Young Scientist Philippine | 01/04/2020

For. Jennifer M. Conda of the DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) was named the 2019 Outstanding Young Scientist for Research in Forest and Natural Resources Utilization by the Forests and Natural Resources Research Society of
the Philippines, Inc. (FORESPI). She was cited for her work in the fields of wood identification and forest botany.

According to FORESPI, Conda’s “significant research publications and extension services have exemplified valuable contribution to local, national and/or international development”.

Among the publications she co-wrote with other researchers were on wood identification of Philippine timbers; scientific restoration of national shrines and landmarks in the Philippines; wood identification and its application to archaeology such as the identification of archaeological charred wood from El Nido in Palawan; leaf architecture of selected Philippine Diplazium Swartz Species; profiling of wood species used in local and imported plywood and their bond performance; and taxonomy and wood anatomy of Philippine trees with included phloem.

Currently, Conda is leading a research project that studies the volume and location of significant forest vines in the Bicol region, and the factors affecting their natural growth and regeneration. The initiative aims to help local craftsmen find new raw materials sources for their handicraft production.

The award was given during FORESPI’s General Assembly last 14 November 2019 at the SEARCA auditorium.

Based in Los Baños, Laguna, FORESPI is an organization of environment and natural resources educators, researchers and extension specialists that promotes the conservation and management of forests and other related natural resources. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)