Two professors from the Department of Biological Systems Engineering of Washington State University (WSU) in the USA were welcomed by the UPLB Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation (AMTEC) to its testing laboratories as part of their visit to the UPLB College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology (CEAT) last November 16, 2024. 

Dr. Manuel Garcia-Perez and Dr. Troy Peters were accompanied by CEAT Dean Dr. Rex B. Demafelis and some Filipino alumni and current graduate students of WSU during their tour to some of the units in the university. The visit aims to explore potential collaboration with UPLB on sustainable aviation fuel production and other engineering-related opportunities.

The guests were introduced to the testing setups and technologies available in AMTEC’s Agricultural Machinery Testing and Studies Laboratory and the Sample Analysis Laboratory. They were assisted by the Center’s resident test engineers and skilled workers who introduced the various setups and their vitality in the operations of the Center as the premiere testing center for agricultural and fisheries machinery. 

Among the WSU alumni and students present during the visit were Dr. Melba D. Denson, Dr. Wendy C. Mateo, and Dr. John Paulo Sacdalan of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), they were joined by Engr. Rona Joyce B. Landoy, a University Researcher & Affiliate Assistant Professor of the UPLB-CEAT Chemical Engineering Department, who is a PhD student participating in a research program at WSU.

Moving forward to becoming a national engineering university, UPLB CEAT is strengthening its partnerships and research collaborations with various international universities to enhance the services of its units towards sustainability and global competitiveness. 

AMTEC, as the public service arm of the college is committed to maintaining its operations and extension activities to contribute to the mechanization efforts of the country and support instruction in the university.