Meet Jerald Villarmino, a pharmaceutical chemist, food chemist, former university instructor, and advocate who promotes green chemistry principles in the Philippines. Jerald is the founder of Green Chemistry Philippines, an organization dedicated to promoting and raising awareness about chemical sustainability through the practice of green chemistry principles. Through his work and advocacy, Jerald’s overarching goal is to explore and champion sustainable solutions using green chemistry that bridge the gap between technological advancement and environmental conservation.
Jerald is an active GCTLC user and has made many contributions to the GCTLC as a Forum Moderator and Learning Object Peer Reviewer. Below, Jerald shares how the GCTLC has supported his work and how he’s seen the platform foster collaboration and connection.
Why did you become involved in the GCTLC?
My involvement with the GCTLC began through Beyond Benign. When they launched the GCTLC in October 2023, it became an ideal platform to support my efforts in enhancing academic instruction in chemistry. The platform’s resources and virtual events have proven invaluable to my work, particularly in the context of the chemistry curriculum redesign I am undertaking. Additionally, serving as a Forum Moderator has allowed me to contribute to fostering productive discussions in the green chemistry community.
How has the GCTLC supported your green chemistry journey?
I have been a dedicated advocate for green chemistry for several years, promoting its principles through various in-person and virtual initiatives in the Philippines. The GCTLC has been instrumental in expanding the reach of my advocacy by providing a platform to engage with a broader audience. The extensive learning resources and training available have significantly enriched my professional development as a green chemistry advocate and have had a profound impact on my career trajectory and personal growth as a chemist.
How have you seen the GCTLC foster collaboration and connection?
The GCTLC actively promotes inclusivity and diversity in green chemistry education by uplifting a range of seminars and events that facilitate collaboration among educators and professionals. Through this platform, I have developed valuable connections with distinguished experts from around the world, which I believe will be pivotal for future research collaborations. The GCTLC has also provided unique opportunities for academic engagement, allowing me to seek guidance from renowned figures in the field, such as Dr. John Warner, Dr. Amy Cannon, and Dr. Colleen Kelley.
Why did you encourage your students to create GCTLC profiles?
I strongly encourage my students to create GCTLC profiles because it offers unparalleled resources for those interested in green chemistry. As a former instructor, I have found the platform to be an invaluable tool for sourcing instructional and laboratory materials. Students benefit from access to a diverse range of academic journals and learning resources, which deepen their knowledge of green chemistry principles. Furthermore, the platform enables users to engage in meaningful discussions with community members, fostering a collaborative environment that supports learning and professional development.
How to get involved:
- Create your free GCTLC profile to connect with your peers in the green chemistry community.
- Connect with Jerald to keep up with his work.