Dr Cristina Valentin

Dr Cristina Valentin is a faculty-researcher from the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the College of Engineering, Mariano Marcos State University. She concurrently leads the University’s Regional Research Center for Climate Change Studies (RRTCCCS) where she spearheads research and extension initiatives in addressing climate resilience. Working on various government funded projects has allowed Cristina to expand her research abilities, enabling her to establish noble methodologies to conduct validation procedures in studies related to livestock and other agricultural structures. Her expertise involves the use of Computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Building Energy Simulation (BES), and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

Dr Valentin’s current innovation focused on the development of a small-scale garlic storage facility that increases the shelf life without sacrificing the garlic quality. The technology uses a combined mechanical and natural ventilation and is powered by solar energy. During the extreme weather events, a number of mechanical ventilation units can be operated to maintain the optimum temperature and relative humidity storage requirement inside the facility. By integrating low-cost construction materials and adaptable designs, the facility reduces weight loss, extends shelf life, and improves the quality of stored garlic, making it more competitive in the market.