Dr. Maryness I. Salazar (inset), head of the Pressure and Force Standards Section at the National Metrology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), leads the country in maintaining a community guided by the science of measurement.

The Philippines lists its first doctorate holder in Measurement Science.

Dr. Maryness I. Salazar, Supervising Science Research Specialist and Head of the Pressure and Force Standards Section at the National Metrology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), leads the country in maintaining a community guided by the science of measurement.

The new doctor explains that “In a measureless world, there can be no science for in a world in which no measurement tools exist, there can neither be modern medicine, healthcare, surgery, pharmacology, radiology, dentistry, optometry, and audiology, nor manufacturing, transportation or communication. Everything that provides for people to live relies on Measurement Science.” Dr. Salazar's academic feat will go down in the country's history as a first not only in Measurement Science but also for women doctors of philosophy in the field.

According to a report by Science Education International, a quarterly journal of the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE), global science research is currently male-dominated, with 3.8 million male researchers as compared to 2 million female researchers. 

Hence, Dr. Salazar has accomplished twin peaks of professional and personal achievements. 

Maryness, or Nhet, as friends call her, graduated in February 2024 with a doctorate in Measurement Science from the University of Science and Technology (UST) in South Korea. She received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños and her Master of Science in Measurement Science from UST in South Korea.

Her doctoral study, "Exploring a New Capillary-Type Standard Leak Using Polymicro Tube for Leak Measurement and Microflow Applications,” aims to improve accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in leak measurement and microflow control across multiple industries.

Dr. Nhet explains, "Leak detection prevents significant damage in equipment and devices from occurring, which can lead to substantial financial losses in manufacturing and or loss of lives in health care industries."

She added, "It is crucial not only to prevent extensive property damage but also to address several other potential problems that may arise from it." As DOST-ITDI celebrates Dr. Nhet’s success, it not only applauds her academic achievement but also recognizes the collective strides of women toward closing the gender gap in science research. Her journey serves as a reminder that breaching the gender gap in the pursuit of knowledge is attainable. (MVAtienza; AMGuevarra\\TSD)

(Photo credits: UST; MISalazar)