Engr. Melvin P. Jusi, ASEAN Eng, PFT

Strengthened national STI programs by supporting the rollout and monitoring of the Science for Change Program (NICER, CRADLE, RDLead, BIST), enabling wider regional adoption and impact. Improved quality of proposals and projects by conducting technical reviews, ensuring alignment with objectives, and recommending actionable improvements. Enhanced regional innovation ecosystems by providing senior technical guidance to DOST Regional Operations, helping align R&D, scientific services, and policy priorities with community needs. Expanded nationwide coordination with 16 Regional Offices and 80 Provincial S&T Centers, streamlining monitoring, evaluation, and feedback mechanisms for key STI programs. Strengthened governance and compliance by assisting in the management of the DOST Science and Technology Foundation Unit (STFU) and supporting inter-agency committees on national priorities. Contributed to policy development through data-driven analyses, reports, and recommendations on STI programs, bills, and proposed policies. Led high-level engagements by organizing and facilitating technical meetings, events, and project proposals that advanced partnerships and innovations.

The Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Laguna Chapter (PIChE-Laguna) is the duly recognized professional organization of chemical engineers in the province of Laguna. It serves as a strong advocate for the advancement of science and technology by promoting the continuous improvement of chemical engineering education, upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional practice, and fostering active participation and collaboration among its members. The Chapter maintains its Secretariat Office at the Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), College, Laguna, positioning it at the heart of a leading academic and research institution in the country.

Spearheaded collaborative initiatives with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under the Sustainable Livelihood Program, establishing food and nutrition enterprises in pilot areas using DOST-developed technologies. Led the nationwide rollout of the DOST Malnutrition Reduction Program (Batch 2), facilitating the transfer and commercialization of DOST-FNRI technologies for baby food blends and snack foods, alongside the implementation of the DOST-PINOY nutrition education program in priority areas. Established and operationalized nine (9) medium-scale production facilities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in partnership with LGUs, SUCs, and other stakeholders. Worked with cross-functional teams to deliver project targets efficiently, ensuring alignment with plans of the Business Development Unit and the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Section. Promoted technologies and programs through advocacy meetings and presentations before adoptors, partners, LGUs, PGUs, SUCs, and beneficiaries nationwide. Conducted monitoring and evaluation of technology adoption and provided technical assistance to MSMEs and startups in multiple regions, ensuring effective implementation and continuous process improvement. Designed and communicated facility floor plans and equipment layouts based on Technology Needs Assessment results and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards.

Served as R&D Engineer for the scale-up of DOST’s High Impact Technology Solution (HITS) on stabilized brown rice, conducting feasibility studies and preparing the technology for roll-out to potential adopters. Collaborated with DOST-MIRDC and PMEDSO to translate lab and pilot testing data into process designs and specifications for both batch-type and continuous-type equipment. Developed and optimized prototypes, including a locally designed batch-type cabinet steamer with fluidized bed dryer and a continuous-type superheated steam system, using Design of Experiments (DOE) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Conducted validation trials and analyses, covering physico-chemical (pH, water activity, moisture, color), chemical (free fatty acid), microbiological, and sensory properties to qualify equipment performance and product quality. Performed supporting studies on equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of brown rice and validated analytical methods for rancidity enzyme activity (lipase, lipoxygenase) to establish additional quality parameters.

Freelance Copy Editor & Proofreader for technical reports and reviews submitted to scientific journals, both print and online. Edited and proofread 65+ manuscripts within a two-month contract, covering diverse fields such as biotechnology, engineering, health, medicine, food, and nutraceuticals, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with publication standards.

Key contributor in project development, product research, and production management. Designed processes, equipment, and facility layouts in compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) requirements for cosmetics, personal care, and animal care products. Coordinated with suppliers, partner companies, and clients to ensure smooth business operations and successful product roll-outs.

Safety Representative of the Enzyme Laboratory and member of the BIOTECH Occupational Health and Safety Committee; implemented chemical and biological safety protocols. Contributed to key enzyme research, production, testing, and application projects for industries including food, feed, textile, wastewater, and biofuels. Proposed and conducted parallel studies on enzyme activity testing, kinetics, and applications. Supervised laboratory and pilot-scale activities such as experiments, analyses, validation, optimization, and production runs. Performed microbiological techniques including microbial isolation, purification, cultivation, and growth kinetics analysis. Conducted enzyme activity tests on various commercial enzymes (e.g., cellulases, lipases, proteases, amylases). Provided technical assistance to researchers, students, private companies, and government collaborators on enzyme-related projects. Designed and implemented experiments, analyzed data, and optimized existing enzyme technologies. Prepared reports, presentations, and official communications for stakeholders and participated in project reviews.

Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering (BatStateU - National Engineering University) Course Instructor for Biochemical Engineering, handling graduating chemical and food engineering students. Developed and delivered lecture presentations, problem sets, examinations, and learning materials to meet course objectives. Served as technical consultant for undergraduate theses and plant design projects, guiding students in applying biochemical engineering principles to practical and industry-relevant problems.

Completed On-the-Job Training at Shell Tabangao Refinery with hands-on exposure to refinery health and safety protocols, process flow management, and tank farm operations. Gained practical experience in reading and interpreting P&IDs, refinery product blending, and preparing monthly blending summary reports.

Studied Chemical Engineering (General Curriculum) with the following cognate courses: Environmental Biology (3.0 units) Practical Botany (3.0 units) Economics in Social Issues (3.0 units) General Economics (3.0 units) Engineering Economics Analysis (3.0 units)

Major Courses: Concepts and Principles of Research and Development Management Support System for Research and Development Organizational Structures, Relations and Processes in R&D Systems Technology Evaluation R&D Planning and Control Technology Commercialization and Utilization Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in R&D Management

Completed Courses: Operations Research (OR) Systems Engineering (SE) Advanced Production Technologies (APT) Supply Chain Management (SCM) Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) Strategic Planning and Management (SPM)