I arrived in Jagna with an open heart and a full suitcase — and within days, I understood why so many Science Corps fellows fall in love with this place. The ocean view from the backyard never fails to captivate, and the warmth and generosity of the locals, the lami food, and the richness of the culture all make this feel like somewhere truly special.
My first weeks at CVIF were an immersion into both the school and the community. I was welcomed by the faculty and staff, who made every effort to help me settle in and understand the rhythm of life in Jagna. The students were curious, energetic, and genuinely excited to have a new face in the science building.
At CVIF, I've been teaching biology and research methods. One of the things that struck me immediately was how capable and motivated the students are. Despite limited resources compared to what I was used to in the United States, they bring real intellectual rigor to their work. In my biology classes, we dove straight into cell biology — discussing the cell cycle, cellular differentiation, and the kinds of mutations that can lead to disease. The students engaged deeply, asking questions that went well beyond the curriculum.
In the research class, I introduced scientific writing and hypothesis formulation, drawing on examples from my own PhD research on retinal degeneration. I wanted to show them that science isn't just something that happens in faraway universities — it happens when you ask a precise question and design a careful experiment to answer it. I could tell it resonated.
Outside the classroom, I've been getting to know Jagna itself. The town is small, friendly, and beautifully situated along the southern coast of Bohol. I've visited the Jagna Church, explored the market, and eaten more rice and fish than I thought possible. My grandmother grew up not far from this part of the Philippines, and being here has made me feel an unexpected closeness to her and to a part of my heritage I'd only known from stories.
I'm already looking forward to what the coming months will bring — more time with my students, deeper roots in the community, and whatever new adventures Jagna has in store.
— DaNae Woodard, Science Corps Fellow at CVIF, Jagna, Philippines (June–Dec 2025)