Q & A with new Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work Dr Jayeel Cornelio

Jayeel Cornelio PhD, an associate professor, began his term as Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work on 1 June 2022.

Cornelio previously served as director of the Development Studies program. He was also a recipient of the 2021 The Outstanding Young Men and Women (TOYM) awards. In a Q & A session, Cornelio spoke about his priorities in his new assignment and his hopes and dreams for Ateneo’s research community. 

Could you tell us what you see as your priorities for this year as the Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work ?

My first year as Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work is going to be primarily transitional. There are many areas that I need to understand since the office grew tremendously under the leadership of Dr Delas Peñas. But I also have some ideas of how I wish to bring it to the next level. I want to create innovative schemes to support young scholars in the University. Many of them are not experienced researchers just yet, others are even hired on a part-time basis. But they are willing to learn and even be mentored. The Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work should support these young colleagues of ours. At the same time, I also want to encourage more public engagements among our scholars. From the natural sciences to the humanities, our work can contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and fostering solidarities with our communities.

With the pandemic affecting research, what are some of the biggest challenges, and how will this affect how the University?

Surprisingly, the pandemic did not affect our productivity. In fact, in the past two years we have exceeded our expectations. The momentum is now there as more and more researchers are emerging in different departments and units of the University. The challenge we have now is to open up the space so that more of our young scholars, many of whom are part-timers, are also given the support they need to pursue their own research and creative work.

As an educator and a researcher, how do you turn our students, faculty, and staff to engage in research and creative work?

Key here is mentorship. To conduct research is not just a passion. It is also about having the relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes to sustain wonder. While research is obviously taught in the classroom, commitment to it is honed over time in the company of supportive mentors and colleagues. If you take a look at the most productive units in the University, you will find that their scholars flourish because of their supportive environment.

Hopes and dreams. What are yours for Ateneo de Manila's research and creative works?

My desire is that Ateneo will become a powerhouse for scholarship that makes an impact on our society. This impact must be tangible especially in communities. In a way, the signposts are there already in the form of our strategic priority areas. From education reform to bridging cultural divides, Ateneo research and creative work can set the tone for what rigorous and relevant scholarship looks like for our society. I say this because I believe that the University's main role is to contribute to building this nation. In the light of our contemporary circumstances, this means deepening our democracy, attending to the needs of our people, and fostering solidarities with the communities we work with.