01/03/2026
Amores Electronics Engineering Service Congratulates! Engineer Joseph Amores (Master of Science in Electronics Engineering- MSECE) on this significant achievement. We are proud of you
MSECE Graduate Students Receive DOST-NRCP Young Scientist Research Grant 2026
Engr. Joseph Den T. Amores and Mr. Antonio Miguel C. Frias, graduate students of the Master of Science in Electronics Engineering (MSECE) program at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, have been awarded the Young Scientist Research Grant (YSIP) from the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).
Engr. Amores’ research topic, “Development of a Culturally Sensitive AI-Based Handwriting Assessment System for Cognitive Load Analysis among Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations Using Physiological and Self-Reported Measures,” addresses educational inequities experienced by Indigenous learners by developing a culturally sensitive, AI-driven handwriting analysis system to assess cognitive load. The study explores relationships among handwriting dynamics, physiological signals, and self-reported workload measures to develop an accessible tool that supports inclusive learning strategies, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Frias’ research topic, “Analyzing Handwriting Disparities Using A Sensor-Based Pen To Identify Autism Spectrum Disorder Markers In Children,” investigates handwriting-based markers for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using sensor-captured data from a digital pen. By analyzing geometric drawing tasks through AI models, the study aims to identify objective motor patterns associated with ASD and contribute to the development of a low-cost, non-invasive screening approach that may assist clinicians and enable earlier detection in resource-limited settings.
Serving as mentor and investigator is Assoc. Prof. Edison A. Roxas, PhD, PECE, a DOST-NRCP Regular Member and researcher at the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS). His research focuses on handwriting analysis, computer vision, data science, and artificial intelligence applied in digital health and biomedical engineering. He is the Program Leader of the iSULAT (Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment, and Testing) Phase 2 Program.
The grant is part of the Young Scientist Incentives Program (YSIP), which supports emerging Filipino researchers engaged in basic research aligned with the National Integrated Basic Research Agenda (NIBRA) under the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda. The program aims to nurture the next generation of scientists by providing resources and mentorship for innovative research across disciplines.
The YSIP recognition highlights the students’ and mentors’ commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research that integrates electronics engineering, artificial intelligence, and digital health to address pressing educational and clinical challenges.