Xavier University - McKeough Marine Center (XU-MMC), in collaboration with Kinaadman University Research Office (KURO), once again successfully hosted the Biology and Marine Talk with a theme of “Decoding Nature’s Blueprint Through a Fusion of Chemical and Morphological Approaches” last 24 January 2024 at Lecture Space, XU New Building Library. The talk comprised two resource speakers from the Chemistry Department and Biology Department who shared their own experiences and knowledge on their respective expertise with the participants from the Chemistry, Biology, and Math Departments.

Mr Olivert M Sitoy, MsC, RCh from the chemistry department, talked about the basics of computational protein-ligand docking and its application. He discussed the importance of computational tools in the fields of biology and chemistry. The participants were amazed by the different software for molecular docking and its actual outcome from the interaction between the reagent to its ligand-protein binding. He also mentioned the results of the aforementioned tool based on his master’s thesis study. This discussion allowed the participants, especially the students, to have another tool to consider and use in their future studies.

Mr Sitoy with the participants

The second topic was followed by Dr Christine Lovelle Cardente from the biology department, sharing her expertise in geometric and morphometric analysis. She discussed the introduction and importance of using the geometric and morphometric analysis that triggers the interest of some students. She used her previous studies, and studies from her colleagues as examples to deepen the discussion on this topic. Additionally, she also discussed the hands-on Geometric Morphometric Method (GMM). This discussion became an easy guide for the participants to understand and use GMM in their future studies.

Dr Cardente with the participants

Overall, the seminar provided a valuable platform for students to explore these cutting-edge methodologies, enhancing their toolkit for future academic and research pursuits.