Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Robie Vasquez Completes MS–PhD in Animal Biotechnology

 

Dr. Robie Vasquez (left) with Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang (right)

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) at Dankook University proudly congratulates Dr. Robie Vasquez from the Philippines on the successful completion of his integrated MS–PhD program in Animal Biotechnology.

Throughout his academic journey at Dankook University, Dr. Vasquez made remarkable contributions to microbiome and probiotic research. His dedication and innovative work led to the publication of 16 scientific papers in internationally recognized SCI journals, with a particular focus on enhancing the functional properties of probiotics and advancing microbiome studies.

In recognition of his outstanding research achievements, Dr. Vasquez was awarded the distinguished Beomeun Academic Award during the Fall 2025 commencement ceremony held on August 21. This honor reflects his significant academic excellence and contributions to the field.

 Dr. Robie Vasquez with Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang and LIMB members.

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang, head of LIMB, expressed his deep gratitude and joy for having mentored Dr. Vasquez, emphasizing that his success also highlights the collaborative spirit and hard work of all LIMB members and alumni. Prof. Kang noted that Robie’s journey serves as an inspiration for both current and future researchers in the laboratory.

LIMB celebrates this milestone with pride and extends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Vasquez for his exceptional accomplishments. His next chapter promises to further expand his impact in the global scientific community.

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LIMB Wins First Prize at 57th KoSFA International Symposium & Annual Meeting, Showcases Innovative Research in Animal Food Science

 

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) proudly showcased its research at the 57th Korean Society for Food Science of Animal Resources (KoSFA) International Symposium & Annual Meeting, held May 22–24, 2025, in Daejeon, Korea. This year’s conference, themed “Future Innovations of Animal Food Science to Navigate Demographic Change,” highlighted cutting-edge developments in animal food science, and LIMB made a strong impression with two poster presentations.

Jae Seung Lee wins 1st prize in poster presentation.

The first poster, “Isolation and Identification of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Strain with Casein Protein-Degrading Capability,” earned first prize, with Jae Seung Lee recognized for this outstanding contribution to enhance protein utilization and functional food development.

The second poster, “Bioactive Hetero-Exopolysaccharide from Latilactobacillus curvatus KU15003: Production, Characterization, and Functional Properties,” highlighted LIMB’s research into bioactive exopolysaccharides with applications in food and health industries.

Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, highlighting their dedication to pushing the boundaries of microbiology research. Both works reflect dedication and scientific excellence, and demonstrate LIMB’s ongoing contributions to food science innovation.

LIMB’s participation in the KoSFA symposium is a testament of the laboratory’s commitment to advancing animal food science and pioneering solutions for future challenges.

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LIMB Attends RECOMB 2025 and Inaugural RECOMB: Microbiome International Conference in Seoul

Van Aldren Cañas of the Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB), Dankook University, participated in the Research in Computational Molecular Biology (RECOMB) 2025 International Conference and its inaugural satellite meeting, RECOMB: Microbiome, held April 24–25, 2025, at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea. The event brought together over 1,300 researchers from 33 countries, offering a vibrant platform for discussing the latest advances in computational biology.

This year’s satellite meeting, focused on microbiome analysis, provided a unique opportunity for participants to explore cutting-edge research in microbial community studies. Among the distinguished speakers were Curtis Huttenhower (Harvard University, USA), Nikos Kyrpides (Joint Genome Institute, USA), and Jingyuan Fu (University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands), who shared insights into innovative approaches for understanding microbial function and dynamics.

Van Aldren Cañas described the experience as an exciting introduction to the international research community in computational molecular biology and microbiome studies. He expressed his gratitude to LIMB at Dankook University for supporting his participation, emphasizing how this opportunity contributes to his professional growth and engagement with the global scientific community.

Participation in RECOMB 2025 and the RECOMB: Microbiome satellite meeting exemplifies LIMB’s commitment to fostering early-career researchers’ involvement in cutting-edge scientific discussions and international collaborations.

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LIMB celebrates member's prestigious WooJung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship award

Mr. Van Aldren Cañas accepting his scholarship with H.E. Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Korea.

Together with 98 outstanding scholars from 29 countries across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central Asia, LIMB’s newest member, Mr. Van Aldren Cañas (Integrated MS-PhD student in Animal Biotechnology), was chosen as one of the recipients of the prestigious WooJung Education and Culture Foundation Scholarship granted by the Booyoung Group in Seoul, South Korea.

For the 1st semester of 2025, six (6) Filipino students from various academic disciplines were selected based on their academic excellence, character, financial need, and commitment to societal impact and global community. The awarding ceremony was graced by Her Excellency Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, the Philippine Ambassador to Korea, who extended her heartfelt congratulations to the Filipino scholars. She also expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the WooJung Education and Culture Foundation toward Filipino students and the broader Filipino community in South Korea and in the Philippines.

WooJung Education and Culture Foundation, Booyoung Group, and Ambassadors to Korea from different countries.

Established in 2008 by Booyoung Group President Lee Joong Keun, the WooJung Education and Culture Foundation aims to provide financial assistance to international students from developing nations, including those that supported South Korea during the Korean War. Since 2010, the foundation has awarded scholarships to over 2,500 students, reinforcing its commitment to fostering global education and cultural exchange.

Congratulations to Mr. Cañas and to all the scholars!

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LIMB pens joint partnership with Quadram Institute and KNUT

LIMB and KNUT's MGE lab with Prof. Arjan Narbad from Quadram Institute.

Cheonan, South Korea. To boost collaborative scientific exploration, LIMB, led by Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang, hosted a pivotal discussion at Dankook University on December 6, 2024, to establish a joint partnership between the Quadram Institute in Norwich, United Kingdom, through Prof. Arjan Narbad, and the Microbial Genetic Engineering (MGE) laboratory at Korea National University of Transportation (KNUT), led by Prof. Gi-Seong Moon.

Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang (third from left) discussing with Prof. Arjan Narbad (second) and Prof. Gi-Seong Moon (first).

Research members from LIMB and MGE participated in the joint partnership meeting, where they exchanged insights into their respective fields of specialization with Prof. Narbad and explored opportunities for collaborative workshops, laboratory visits, and joint publications in the future.

The three institutions are optimistic about the outcomes of the discussions, with workshops set to commence in 2025. These workshops aim to foster knowledge exchange, advance microbiome research, and strengthen the partnership through joint projects, shared expertise, and innovative discoveries in research and development.

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LIMB's Robie Vasquez bags gold at 2024 SiyentiPIKO Research Colloquium

Mr. Robie Vasquez (third from the left) accepting his first place award.

Seoul, South Korea. LIMB once again proved its prowess as Mr. Robie Vasquez landed first place at the recently concluded 2024 SiyentiPIKO Research Colloquium held at the Seoul National University-Asia Center (SNUAC) on September 21, 2024. 

With the theme "Paghahabi ng Kaalaman at Karunungan: Weaving the Fabric of Philippines-Korea Relations through Research, Development, and Innovation," the Colloquium aimed to celebrate the international cooperation between the two countries by highlighting research proposals and published works of Filipino students and academics in South Korea.

Mr. Vasquez presenting his research work during the STEM parallel session.

Vasquez bested the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) parallel session attended by over 180 participants with his research work entitled "Oral Immunization with non-GMO surface displayed SARS-CoV-2 spike epitopes on bacteria-like particles provokes robust humoral and cellular immune responses, and modulated the gut microbiome in mice." Other thematic areas included parallel sessions in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) and Business, Entrepreneurship, and Mathematics (BEAM) fields.

The event was co-hosted by Pinoy Iskolar sa Korea (PIKO) and the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, with the support of the Association of Filipino Educators in Korea (AFEK), SNUAC, University of Southeastern Philippines - College of Applied Economics (USEP), and Batangas State University - ARASOF.

Congratulations, Mr. Vasquez! We at LIMB are incredibly proud to celebrate this significant milestone.

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LIMB welcomes new MSc-PhD student!

Mr. Van Aldren T. Cañas

The Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (LIMB) welcomes Mr. Van Aldren T. Cañas as its newest member. Mr. Cañas will be pursuing Combined Masters-PhD degree. Mr. Cañas has a bachelor's degree in Biology (major in Microbiology) from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (magna cum laude). Before joining LIMB, Mr. Cañas was working at Integrated Protein Research and Development Center (under Ateneo Research Institute of Science and Engineering) specializing in disease diagnostics and recombinant protein engineering and expression. Mr. Cañas is a member of Philippine Society of Microbiology, Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society, and UP Cell Biological Society (Alumni).

At LIMB, Mr. Cañas will work on the effect of probiotics on swine gut microbiome. 

Welcome, Van! 

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Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang wins the NH Academic Award during the 2024 KSAST Conference

 

Mr. Ji Hoon Song accepting the NH Academic Award for Professor Dae-Kyung Kang.

Gyeongju, South Korea. Professor Dae-Kyung Kang and LIMB members Mr. Ji Hoon Song and Jae Seung Lee attended the 2024 Korean Society for Animal Science and Technology (KSAST) Conference held in HICO, Gyeongju, South Korea last June 26 to 28, 2024. The conference has a theme "Sustainable Livestock Production: Carbon Neutrality, ESG and Livestock Policy". 

At the conference, Prof. Kang was awarded with the NH Academic Award. LIMB leader JH Song accepted the award for Prof. Kang. The award was presented by Prof. In Ho Kim, chairman of the KSAST. 

LIMB congratulates Prof. Kang for this exceptional achievement!

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Prof. Dae-Kyung Kang presents in 2024 KMB International Symposium held in Busan

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang during one of his lectures during the 51st KMB in Busan.

Busan, South Korea. Professor Dae-Kyung Kang, along with the LIMB members attended the 51st Annual Meeting and International Symposium of The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (KMB) held last June 19-21 at BEXCO, Busan, South Korea. The symposium was themed "Half-century excellence navigating towards a century of impact". Topics such as probiotics, postbiotics, alternative protein food R&D, functional fermented foods, and cutting-edge biotechnology applications were presented during the symposium. There were also plenary sessions about microbial interactions, bioinformatics, and the development of new antibiotics and therapeutic strategies. 

Professor Kang with LIMB members (JH Song, R Vasquez, and JS Lee) and Dr. Manoj Yadav (Postdoc Researcher). 

During the conference, Prof. Kang presented two lectures entitled "Genomic Analysis, Safety, and Health Functional Properties of Microbiome-Targeted Probiotics" and "Application of Lactic Acid Bacteria to Mucosal Vaccine Carrier". At the end of the symposium, Prof. Kang was awarded with Acebiome Probiotics Academic Award for his contribution in the field of probiotics.

Mr. Vasquez with his poster presentation for KMB 2024.

In addition, LIMB member Robie Vasquez presented his posted with the title "Oral Immunization with Non-GMO Surface Displayed SARS-CoV-2 Spike Epitopes on Bacteria-Like Particles Enhances Immune Response in Mice". 

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LIMB Attends KoSFA; Jae Seung Lee Wins Encouragement Award!

Professor Dae-Kyung Kang with LIMB members (JH Song and JS Lee) and LIMB alumnus JM Yoo.

Daejeon, South Korea. Prof. Kang and LIMB members Ji Hoon Song and Jae Seung lee attended the International Conference of Korean Society for Food Science and Animal Resources 56th Annual Meeting last May 29-31 at the Daejon Convention Center (DCC). The meeting was themed: New Strategies for the Food Science and Industry of Animal Resources in the Digital Age: Balancing Tradition and innovation. 

 

LIMB Member JS Lee receiving his Encouragement Award for Poster Presentation.

During the conference, LIMB member Jae Seung Lee presented his poster entitled: Isolation and Identification of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strains with Milk Protein-Degrading Capability. At the end of the meeting, he was awarded the Encouragement Award for Poster Presentation. 

Good job, LIMB!

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