Mariano Marcos
State University

Civil engineering prof presents studies in two SEA confabs

By Stephanie Camille Ilar

Engr. Karen Joyce Santiago, a faculty member from the Civil Engineering Department, presented her research projects at two major transportation conferences in Southeast Asia, held  in Thailand and Indonesia. 

On August 29, Engr. Santiago presented at the 18th ATRANS Annual Conference: Young Researcher’s Forum (AYRF) 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. With the theme “Transport Innovation: Shaping the Future Mobility and Lifestyles,” the forum was organized by the Asian Transportation Research Society (ATRANS) to explore innovations in mobility.

She presented her study titled “The Influence of Daily School Travel and Transport Satisfaction on Student Achievement and Well-being: A Regional Case Study,” which investigated how travel patterns and transport satisfaction affect the academic performance and psychosocial well-being of schoolchildren in Region I. The study provided insights into how these factors shape not only educational outcomes but also the quality of life for learners.

Meanwhile, on September 1-4, Engr. Santiago also presented at the 16th EASTS International Conference in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, hosted by the  Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS). The event focused on the theme "Harnessing Local Wisdom and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future in Eastern Asia’s Transport Sector.”

Here, she presented her paper, “The Role of School Travel on Student Well-being and Satisfaction in Region I, Philippines: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach,” revealing further insights on the impact of mobility on the quality of life and satisfaction of public schoolchildren.

Engr. Santiago earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at MMSU, her master's degree in Civil Engineering major in Construction Engineering and Management at Mapua University, and is currently pursuing graduate studies at De La Salle University.