The University of Northern Philippines celebrates another milestone in academic excellence as BS Physics Magna Cum Laude graduate Immanuel Alonzo, Class of 2026, earns admission offers to the Master of Science in Physics programs of California State University, Los Angeles and California State University, Northridge in the United States of America.
Alonzo’s success story is a source of pride and inspiration for the UNP BS Physics program. Guided by the program’s mantra Sapere aude, the faculty and students strive to create a supportive academic environment that encourages creative and critical thinking through research. This gives students like Alonzo the right foundation to succeed not just in the local arena but also on the international stage. Under the guidance of his thesis adviser Prof. Redentor Rojas, Alonzo’s research skills were highlighted when he won Best Research Presentation for the Science and Technology, Industry, and Energy category at UNP’s 10th Student Research Congress.
Building on the strong academic foundation he developed at the University of Northern Philippines, Imman further expanded his research expertise through his on-the-job training at the National Institute of Physics of the University of the Philippines Diliman. There, he joined the High Energy Physics and Phenomenology subgroup under the Gravity, Astronomy, Nuclear, and Particle Physics Group, where he engaged in advanced scientific research. His internship culminated in the completion of a research paper, which he successfully presented at the 44th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference hosted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna—an achievement that underscored his growing potential as a young physicist and researcher.
This valuable experience, built on the strong foundation he gained at UNP, helped lead to his current success and his pursuit of advanced research in theoretical physics.
When asked about his personal advice to students, Alonzo said:
“Throughout my undergraduate years, there was something that was always clear to me—if you never take the shot, you’ll never hit your target. Many people are afraid of failure—I am one of those people—but I have learned that courage isn’t about the inability to feel fear, it’s the ability to keep going even if you’re afraid.”
After weighing his options, Alonzo chose to pursue his Master of Science in Physics at California State University, Los Angeles, where he will advance his long-held aspiration of conducting research in quantum gravity—one of the most challenging and promising frontiers of modern physics that seeks to unify quantum mechanics and Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
His remarkable journey from the University of Northern Philippines to a globally recognized graduate program reflects the strength of UNP’s BS Physics curriculum, its commitment to academic excellence, and its mission of developing globally competitive scientists. As Alonzo embarks on this significant milestone, the University takes pride in celebrating the achievements of one of its outstanding graduates, whose success continues to inspire future generations of UNP physicists.
