Miceh Rose D. Magdadaro

The Department of Physics of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) proudly features Dr. Miceh Rose D. Magdadaro, an alumna whose academic and professional journey demonstrates the growing contributions of Filipino physicists to international research in materials science, thermal management, and emerging space technologies.

Dr. Magdadaro earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Physics from MSU-IIT, where she developed a strong foundation in experimental physics, materials characterization, and sustainable energy technologies. Her undergraduate research focused on producing graphene-based materials from disposable batteries through shear exfoliation, while her master's research explored the development of low-thermal-conductivity polyurethane foams derived from rice straw-based polyols. Her doctoral research further investigated the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into coconut oil-based polyurethane foams for energy-efficient thermal insulation applications.

As part of her doctoral studies, she pursued an international sandwich research program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA (2022–2023), where she gained research experience in sustainable materials and polymer technologies. During this period, she also participated in a workshop at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Tennessee, USA, further broadening her exposure to advanced scientific research and international research environments.

Currently, Dr. Magdadaro is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Nagoya Institute of Technology (NITech), Japan, where her research focuses on heat transfer, ferrofluids (magnetic fluids), and phase change materials. Her work explores innovative approaches to thermal regulation and heat-transport technologies, particularly the use of temperature-responsive magnetic fluids for advanced thermal management systems.

She is currently involved in the research project “Gravity-Independent Pseudo-Intelligent Heat-Transport Network,” supported by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) through the Space Strategy Fund (SSF), 2nd Phase, under the SX (Space Transformation) Core Area Breakthrough Researches “SX-ARK,” Thermal and Devices Domain.

The project aims to develop gravity-independent, passive heat-transport devices utilizing temperature-sensitive magnetic fluids. By integrating multiple heat-transport devices into a pseudo-intelligent network, the research seeks to achieve passive temperature equalization without relying on conventional electrically powered pumping systems.

Beyond her laboratory research, Dr. Magdadaro actively engages with the international scientific community. In 2026, she delivered an oral presentation at the International Conference on Magnetic Fluids (ICMF 2026) in Vienna, Austria, contributing to scientific discussions on magnetic fluid research and its technological applications. She also served as one of the Local Organizing Committee members of the Japan–Taiwan International Conference on Magnetic Fluids (JT-ICMF 2026), supporting international scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Her research journey reflects a continuous progression from sustainable materials development and thermal insulation technologies to advanced magnetic-fluid-based heat-transport systems for space applications. It highlights how fundamental knowledge in physics can be applied across disciplines to address challenges in energy efficiency, thermal management, and aerospace technology.

From completing all three of her Physics degrees at MSU-IIT, to conducting research in the United States, and now contributing to a JAXA-funded research project in Japan, Dr. Magdadaro's journey reflects the value of scientific curiosity, perseverance, and international collaboration.

Her accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring physicists and young researchers, demonstrating how the academic foundation developed at MSU-IIT can open opportunities to contribute to scientific advancements on a global scale.

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