Researcher Spotlight
January 9, 2024
Dr Kathleen B. Aviso is a distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and current Dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering at De La Salle University. Her research is focused on Process Systems Engineering and the development of mathematical models for environmental decision making, including optimizing the design of water exchange networks, renewable energy systems, carbon management networks, and sustainable food systems. More recently, her work has expanded to include machine learning techniques for sustainability applications, such as determining carbon capture storage integrity and ranking green technologies. Learn more about what inspires her research work:
I am Kathleen B. Aviso, Professor of Chemical Engineering, and the current dean of the Gokongwei College of Engineering at De La Salle University. My research interest is in the field of Process Systems Engineering which focuses on the development of mathematical models for environmental decision making. Initially, I developed models for the optimal design of water exchange networks in an eco-industrial park in consideration of the conflicting interests between stakeholders (Aviso et al., 2010). These techniques have also been used in the design of renewable energy systems (Aviso et al., 2017), carbon management networks (Aviso et al., 2019b) and sustainable food systems (Lao et al., 2022). More recently, I have also used machine learning techniques for various sustainability applications such as determining carbon capture storage integrity (Tan et al., 2020; Aviso et al., 2019a) and ranking green technologies (Tan et al., 2021).
To view Dr. Aviso’s published papers, please visit her Scopus profile:
Aviso, Kathleen B. - Author details - Scopus opens in new tab/window
1. Can you briefly tell us how your work is related to DLSU's ambition to create new knowledge as a public good?
Most of the work that I do is meant to contribute towards the design of more sustainable industrial systems which address some of the sustainability development goals. This is aligned with the university’s mission of contributing towards creating a more sustainable world. In addition, by publishing our work in peer reviewed scientific journals, we contribute towards the global pool of knowledge so that others may also learn and benefit from our work.
2. How do you view DLSU research ambition? Does it matter to you as researchers? How so?
I fully support DLSU’s research ambition of being a research university and being one of the lead institutions in the country that promotes and contributes significant scientific research output that will be useful not just for solving local problems but also for addressing global issues. This ambition helps provide a good research environment in the institution thereby further inspiring and enhancing the productivity of researchers. I believe that this ambition not only helps our institution, our researchers, and students but also helps towards nation building.
3. What motivates you to want to develop research? Is it purely because of university’s mandate? Or any other reasons?
One of the main responsibilities of a university is not just to teach and pass on knowledge to its students but to take part in the creation of new knowledge that will be useful both locally and internationally for the current generation and for generations after us. I believe that developments in science and technology will help address current and future problems and will improve the lives of humanity. This is my motivation for getting involved in research and for mentoring and training the next generation. I believe that it is our duty as individuals to continue enriching knowledge, to keep on making discoveries that help us better understand our world and, in the process, help us develop solutions to create a more sustainable world.
4. Do you feel that support by higher management does contribute to helping you in doing your research? Can you specifically mention how?
Yes, the support of higher management is essential in being successful in research. When the vision of both researchers and the university are aligned, they create a better working environment that promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and productive academic discourse. Without the support of higher management, a researcher will be unable to engage with external collaborators due to policies that may restrict or may be counter-productive for such commitments. Our university has put in place a program for research fellows which officially assigns research workload to successful applicants. In this way, researchers can really focus and dedicate more time conducting research. The university also provides several opportunities for internal research funding to help faculty in conducting interdisciplinary research and crafting grant proposals for external funding.
5. How about from the library? Do you know and use database and analytics subscribed by library to support your research?
Yes, the library resources are very useful in pursuing our research activities. The available databases are very useful in keeping abreast of the developments in one’s field. These are also useful for identifying potential collaborators and finding experts in various fields of interest.