Dr. Khristina G. Judan-Cruz, a faculty member of the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science (COS) at Central Luzon State University (CLSU), completed a short-term collaborative research program at the Molecular Ecology and Health Laboratory (MEcoH Lab), Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University in Matsuyama, Japan from June 16 to July 31, 2025.
As a participating researcher at MEcoH Lab, Dr. Judan-Cruz is involved in several projects, including the Integrative Omics Analysis of Taal Lake, Genome-Wide Scan for Signatures in Genetically Enhanced Philippine Farmed Tilapia using double digest Restriction site Associated DNA (ddRAD), and RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) Analysis of Genetically Enhanced Philippine Farmed Tilapia—focusing on differential gene expression, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiles, and small RNA identification in partnership with other academic institutions.
In addition to her research work, Dr. Judan-Cruz also served as a co-mentor to five CLSU Bachelor of Science in Biology students who participated in a research exchange program at Ehime University from July 12 to 31, 2025.
This international research engagement is part of the continuing implementation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CLSU and Ehime University, which aims to strengthen research collaboration and academic mobility.