Fellow Update! Inspiring Futures: Bianca Baldassarri’s Journey with Science Corps in the Philippines

Bianca Baldassari did her fellowship in our site at Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in the Philippines.

Learn more about Bianca’s adventures below! If Bianca’s experience piques your interest in becoming a fellow yourself, apply here!

In a world brimming with innovation and discovery, the fusion of science and community has never been more vital. Recently, Science Corps had the incredible opportunity to send Bianca Baldassarri, a passionate fellow, to the Philippines, where she dedicated her time to teaching Research and Physics courses at a local site. Her journey is not just a tale of scientific endeavor; it’s a heartfelt story of connection, learning, and inspiration.

Bridging Cultures Through Science and Education

Bianca’s adventure began with her participation in the 10th Jagna International Workshop. Here, she engaged with a diverse group of scientists, educators and enthusiasts, sharing her insights and learning from others. One memorable moment was when she immersed herself in the local culture by learning to wear the “malong,” a versatile Philippine garment that can be used in myriad ways—from a head-dress to a cozy wrap. This simple act symbolized her openness to embracing new experiences and highlighted the beauty of cultural exchange.

Bianca attending the 10th Jagna International Workshop (left) and learning how to wear a “malong” during the workshop’s welcome dinner (right).

Engaging Minds with Physics

Bianca’s primary mission was to ignite a passion for science in her students. With her dedication, she crafted Learning Activity Sheets (LAS) for both research courses and Physics performance tasks. Through engaging projects focused on the dynamics of forces and Newton’s Laws of Motion, she turned complex concepts into exciting challenges for her students. Every day, she would painstakingly handwrite lessons on the board, following the typical CVIF-DLP method, ensuring each student felt connected to the material.

Students engaged in Bianca’s project about Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion in real-world situations (top) and Bianca’s typical day at CVIF on copying Learning Activities (bottom).

One of her standout contributions was her talk, “Fun Topics in Physics,” delivered as part of the Maria Victoria Carpio Bernido Lecture Series to Grade 11 students. This wasn’t just a lecture; it was a heartfelt invitation to explore the wonders of Physics. Bianca aimed to inspire these young minds to consider careers in engineering and physical sciences, opening up a world of possibilities for their futures.

Bianca giving a career talk entitled “Fun Topics in Physics” to Grade 11 CVIF Students as part of the MVCB Lecture Series of CVIF in honor to the late Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido (top) and Bianca answering students’ questions after her talk (bottom).

Celebrating Achievements Together

Bianca’s journey wasn’t just about teaching; it was also about celebrating milestones. She attended the graduation ceremony at CVIF, sharing in the joy and pride of the students’ accomplishments. This moment reinforced the impact of her work and the importance of nurturing young talents who will shape the future of science and technology.

Bianca posing for a pic at the graduation ceremony of CVIF, with her housemate Alfilgen Sebandal, and co-teacher for Physics, Prince Nayga.

A Journey of Friendship and Growth

Beyond the classroom, Bianca’s time in the Philippines was enriched by her friendship with Alfilgen, a fellow at the Bernido guesthouse. Together, they shared laughter, scheduled reading sessions, and found moments to exercise, creating a bond that transcended their professional roles. These connections remind us that collaboration and camaraderie are integral to personal and professional growth.

Bianca and Alfi’s one of the many shared moments captured on camera.

Exploring the Beauty of Bohol

After attending the 10th Jagna International Conference, Bianca had the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Bohol, including the famous Chocolate Hills and the enchanting Loboc River on a floating restaurant cruise. These experiences not only filled her heart with joy but also deepened her appreciation for the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Philippines.

Bianca posing for a picture with Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills (left) and Bianca jamming and dancing with the performers during the Loboc River Cruise (right).

Inspiring a New Generation

During her fellowship at the Central Visayan Institute Foundation in the Philippines, Bianca Baldassarri made a remarkable impact through her dedication to teaching and her ability to connect with senior high school students. By advising them on their research projects and sharing insights during career talks, she fostered curiosity and inspired the next generation of scientists in Physics and beyond. If you’re interested in the meaningful work Science Corps is doing to empower students and educators in underserved communities, check out the Science Corps website. Additionally, if you wish to support our mission to enhance STEM education, consider making a donation here.