CHRISTOPHER PINEDA MONTEROLA, PhD - The UP College of ...

CHRISTOPHER PINEDA MONTEROLA, PhD
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Academic Rank: Associate Professor
National Institute of Physics, College of Science
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1101
Date of Birth/Place: 08 April 1976 / San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines
Communication Links
Voice: +63 (2) 981 8500 loc 3712(O) Fax : +63 (2) 928 0296 (O)
E-mail: cmonterola@gmail.com, chris@nip.upd.edu.ph
Homepage: http://www.nip.upd.edu.ph/ipl/~chris
EDUCATION
Adviser: Dr. Caesar Saloma
1992 – 1997 University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, The Philippines
B.S. Applied Physics (Magna Cum Laude) (GWA: 1.234/1.0)
Thesis : Characterizing the dynamics of constrained physical systems with unsupervised neural network
1997 – 1999 University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, The Philippines
M.S. Physics, Most Outstanding Masteral Student (College of Science), (GWA: 1.053/1.0)
Thesis : Solving the nonlinear Schroedinger equation with unsupervised neural network
1999 – 2002 University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, The Philippines
Ph.D. Physics, Most Outstanding PhD Student (College of Science) (GWA: 1.018/1.0)
Dissertation: Neural Networks: new insights and applications
2003 – 2005 Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Host Scientists: Prof. Frank Julicher and Dr. Martin Zapotocky
UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Subjects handled at UP Diliman: Theoretical Mechanics (Physics 121/202.1/122/202.2/221)
General Physics (Physics 10/71/72/73/71.1/72.1/73.1/101)
Advanced Experimental Physics (Physics 191 & 192)
1997 – 1999 /1999-2002 : Instructor/ Instructor 7 2002 – 2005 : Assistant Professor 3
2005- Present: Associate Professor 1
HONORS/ AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
NRCP Scientific Poster Exhibition (all disciplines, overall 1st place/ 2 nd place, 3 rd place) 2007/2008
Most Outstanding PhD student / Dean`s Medallion / Batch Valedictorian 2002
Edgardo Gomez Award for research 2002
Gawad Chanselor : Most Outstanding Graduate Student (Science & Technology Cluster) 2002
Gawad Chanselor: Best Published Research 2002
2002 & 2003 Outstanding Thesis and Dissertation in Advanced S&T (2 nd Place) 2003
Most Outstanding Masteral Graduate student –Dean`s Medallion, Batch Valedictorian 1999
U.P. Circle - Brunei Scholarship for Science and Technology 1997 – 1999
Magna Cum Laude, BS Applied Physics 1997
17 Outstanding Seniors of the UP System Phi Kappa Phi International Honor Society 1997
Award for Excellence in Science by the Department of Science and Technology 1997
Best Undergraduate Thesis for Applied Physics 1997
Dean's Medallion in Applied Physics 1997
DOST- SEI Undergraduate Scholarship 1992 – 1997
Valedictorian, Laguna College 1992
Gerry Roxas Leadership Award 1992
Mercury Drug Award for Excellence in Math and Science 1992
Gold Eagle Student of the Year Award 1992
Champion (Team and Individual), Regional Physics Quiz UPLB-PHYSIKA 1991
Champion, Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (Region 4) 1990

LIST OF RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Authorship of an original scientific publication in refereed journals
International Refereed (ISI) Articles published (total = 18, citations =31, h-index =3)
1) C. Monterola, R. Roxas, and S.L. Carreon-Monterola, "Characterizing the Effect of Seating Arrangement on Classroom Learning
Using Neural Networks," Complexity Journal (In press 2008, doi:10.1002/cplx.20237)
2) E.F. Legara, C. Monterola, D.E. Juanico, M. Litong-Palima and C. Saloma, "Earning Potential in Multilevel Marketing Enterprises,"
Physica A (In press 2008, doi:10.1016/j.physa.2008.04.009).
3) G. Esleta & C. Monterola, “Structural reinforcement in a spring-block model of stress-induced fracture propagation”, Comp. Phys.
Communications 178, 635 (2008).
4) D.E. Juanico & C. Monterola, Background activity drives criticality of neuronal avalanches, Journal of Physics A, 40, 9297-9309
(2007).
5) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Dissipative self-organized branching in a dynamic population”, Phys. Rev. E - Rap.
Comm. 75, 045105 (2007).
6) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Self-organised critical branching in systems that violate conservation laws”, New
Journal of Physics 9, 92 (2007).
7) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Cluster formation by allelomimesis in real-world complex adaptive systems,” Phys. Rev.
E 71, 041905 (2005).
8) C. Monterola and M. Zapotocky, “Noise-Enhanced categorization in a recurrently reconnected neural network,” Phys. Rev. E 71,
036134 (2005).
9) M. Quito, C. Monterola, and C. Saloma, "Memory and a priori best strategy in complex adaptive systems," Complexity 9, 41 (2004).
10) C. Monterola and C. Saloma, "Solving the nonlinear Schrodinger equation : Estimation of error in solution," Opt. Comm. 222, 331
(2003).
11) D. E. Juanico, C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Allelomimesis as a generic clustering mechanism for interacting agents,” Physica A
320, 590 (2003).
12) C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Noise-driven manifestation of learning in mature neural networks", Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 188102
(2002).
13) C. Monterola, et al, "Feasibility of a neural network as classifier of undecided respondents in a public opinion survey", Intl. J. of Pub.
Opin. Res. 14, 22 (2002).
14) J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Gravity-assisted segregation of granular materials of equal mass and size”, Phys.
Rev. E 66, 041306 (2002).
15) C. Monterola, M Lim, J. Garcia and C. Saloma, "Accurate forecasting of undecided population in a public opinion poll", J. of
Forecasting 21, 435 (2002).
16) C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with an unsupervised neural network”, Opt. Express 9,
72 (2001).
17) M. Quito Jr., C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “ Solving N- Body problems with neural networks,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 4741 (2001).
18) C. Monterola and C. Saloma, “Characterizing the dynamics of constrained physical systems with neural network,” Phys. Rev. E –
Rap. Comm. 57, 1247 (1998).
International Conference Proceedings (total = 4)
1) C. Monterola, D.E. Juanico and C. Saloma “ Noise in neural systems: theory and experiments”, Stochastic and Quantum
Processes in Biological Systems (Jagna, Bohol, Philippines), also appearing in the Proceedings of the American Institute of Physics
(2007).
2) C. Monterola and M. Zapotocky “The beneficial role of noise and recurrence in Neural Networks”, Proc. of the European
Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology (July 2005, Dresden, Germany).
3) C. Monterola and M. Zapotocky “Noise-Enhanced categorization in a recurrently reconnected neural network”, Proc. of the 5th
Intl Conf. on Biological Physics (August 2004, Gothenburg, Sweden).
4) C. Monterola, M. Lim, J. Garcia and C. Saloma, “Accurate Forecasting of the Undecided Population in a Public Opinion
Poll using Neural Networks”, Proc. of the Intl Symp. of Forecasting (June 2001, Pine Mountain, Atlanta, Georgia).
National Refereed Proceedings (total = 54)
1) R. M. Roxas, C. Monterola, S. Carreon-Monterola, Effect of aptitude heterogeneity on interactive classroom learning, Proceedings of the 25 th
National Physics Congress (2007).
2) L.E. Venturina, J. Tugaff, C. Monterola, What makes a platinum record? Analysis of successful OPM songs, Proceedings of the 25 th National
Physics Congress (2007).
3) A. Longjas, R. Batac, D.E. Juanico and C. Monterola, Experimental verification of a Dissipative Self-Organized Sandpile, Proceedings of the 25 th
National Physics Congress (2007).
4) G.A. Esleta, C. Monterola, Structural reinforcement in a spring-block model of stress-induced fracture propagation, Proceedings of the 25 th
National Physics Congress (2007).
5) J. F. Valenzuela, C. Monterola, Granular mixing of bidisperse granular matter under different temperature baths, Proceedings of the 25 th National
Physics Congress (2007).
6) E.F. Legara, D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola, C. Saloma Growth and robustness of multilevel marketing company, Proceedings of the 25 th National
Physics Congress (2007).
7) R. Batac, M. Pastor, M. Arciaga, J. Bantang, and C. Monterola, Kinks, logarithmic tails, and vertical slopes in quasi-static binary granular mixtures,
Proceedings of the 25 th National Physics Congress (2007).
8) M. Arciaga, M. Pastor, R. Batac, J. Bantang, and C. Monterola, Continuum model for the critical angle of dry bi-disperse granular materials,
Proceedings of the 25 th National Physics Congress (2007).
9) J. Tugaff, E. Legara, C. Monterola, C. David, Feasibility of a Cellular Phone-based Survey, Proceedings of the 25 th National Physics Congress
(2007).

10) C. Monterola, S.C. Monterola, R. Roxas, Characterizing the Propagation of Information in a Classroom Using Neural Networks, Proceedings of
the 24 th National Physics Congress (2006).
11) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola, Criticality of a nonconservative self-organized branching process in a stochastically dynamic population, Proceedings
of the 24 th National Physics Congress (2006).
12) M. Pulido, C. Monterola, M.L. Palima, C. Saloma, Information Propagation within Complex Networks, 2006.
13) J. Cabatbat, G. Tapang, C. Monterola, D. Mancenido, Robustness of Meaning and Readability in Written Syntactic Networks, Proceedings of the
24 th National Physics Congress (2006).
14) E. Legara, C. Monterola, M. Palima, C. Saloma, Preferential Attachment Model of Multilevel Marketing, Proceedings of the 24 th National Physics
Congress (2006).
15) G. Esleta, C. Monterola, G. Tapang, Dynamical Model of Tearing for Woven Fabrics, Proceedings of the 24 th National Physics Congress (2006).
16) A. Longjas, C. Monterola, M.L. Palima, J. Bantang, , Jamming of Mixed and Homogenous Hard Spheres in a Two -Dimensional Hopper,
Proceedings of the 24 th National Physics Congress (2006).
17) G. Esleta, C. Monterola, G. Tapang, Tear Propagation Model of Woven Fabrics, Proceedings of the Symposium on the Mathematical Aspects of
Computer Science (2006).
18) A. Longjas, C. Monterola, M.L. Palima, C. Saloma, Jamming of Mixed and Homogenous Hard Spheres in a
19) Two-Dimensional Hopper, Proceedings of the Symposium on the Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (2006).
20) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola, C. Saloma, Criticality of a dissipative self-organized branching process
21) in a dynamic population, Proceedings of the Symposium on the Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (2006).
22) E. Legara, C. Monterola, M. Palima, C. Saloma, Dynamical Model and Strategies for Network Marketing, Proceedings of the Symposium on the
Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (2006).
23) M. Pulido, C. Monterola, M.L. Palima, C. Saloma, Rumor Propagation within Static and Dynamic Networks, Proceedings of the Symposium on
the Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (2006).
24) C. Monterola, C. Saloma, Solving Differential Equations Using Neural Networks:Theories and Applications
25) Christopher Monterola, Proceedings of the Symposium on the Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (2006).
26) C. Monterola and M. Zapotocky, “Interplay of Noise and Recurrence Enhances Spatial Categorization in Neural Networks,” Proceedings of the
23 th National Physics Congress (2005).
27) M. Pulido, C. Monterola, & C. Saloma, “Investigation of Fundamental Cycles of Economic Activity and Rebate Time in a Closed Winner-Take-
All System,” Proceedings of the 21 st National Physics Congress, 277 - 280 (2003).
28) J. Soriano, J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola, M. Palima , & C. Saloma, “Effects of Express Lanes in the Dynamics of Supermarket Teller
Service,” Proceedings of the 21 st National Physics Congress, 438 - 441 (2003).
29) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Dynamics of Wealth Redistribution ”, Proceedings of the 20 th National Physics Congress (2002).
30) M. T. Pulido, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Wealth Distribution for Different Cooperation Strategies”, Proceedings of the 20 th National Physics
Congress (2002).
31) T. Travers, C. Monterola, C. Palmes-Saloma, & C. Saloma, “Prediction of Protein Secondary Structure Using Two-Layered Neural Networks”,
Proceedings of the 20 th National Physics Congress (2002).
32) M. Quito Jr., C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Microscopic Dynamics in Non-Competitive Complex Adaptive Systems”, Proceedings of the 20 th
National Physics Congress (2002).
33) D. Juanico, C. Monterola, & C. Saloma, “Allelomimesis: Power-laws in social cluster formation” , Proceedings of the 20 th National Physics
Congress (2002).
34) M. Marfil, P. Castro, J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Delay Strategies in a Competitive Transportation System”, Proceedings of
the 20 th National Physics Congress (2002).
35) P. Castro, J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “New Statistical Model for Foreign Exchange Dynamics”, Proceedings of the 20 th
National Physics Congress (2002).
36) P. Castro, M. Lim, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Cost of Dealing in a Foreign Exchange Market”, Proceedings of the 20 th National Physics
Congress (2002).
37) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, "Noise Aided Signal Detection in Neural Networks", Proceedings of the 19 h National Physics Congress (2001).
38) J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola, & C.A. Saloma, "A numerical Approach in the Dynamical Segregation of Granular Material through a pipe",
Proceedings of the 19 h National Physics Congress (2001).
39) M. Quito Jr., C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Walking Ant in the Rain” Model: Microscopic Complexity in a General Decision-Based System",
Proceedings of the 19 th National Physics Congress (2001).
40) D. Juanico, C. Monterola, & C. Saloma , "Onset of Small–World Behavior in Topologically Evolving Networks", Proceedings of the 19 th National
Physics Congress (2001).
41) P.A. Castro, J. Bantang, M. Lim, C. Monterola, J. Garcia, & C. Saloma , "Investigation of the Characteristics of Foreign Exchange", Proceedings
of the 19 th National Physics Congress (2001).
42) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Accuracy of a Neural Network Differential Equation Solver”, Proceedings of the 18 th National Physics Congress
(2000).
43) C. Monterola, M. Lim, J. Garcia & C. Saloma, “Forecasting the Dynamics of the Undecided Population in a Public Opinion Poll: A Neural
Networks` Approach”, Proceedings of the 18 th National Physics Congress (2001).
44) M. Quito, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Solving the N-body Gravitational Problem by Neural Networks”, Proceedings of the 18 h National Physics
Congress (2000).
45) D.E. Juanico, C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Learning Capability of a Bifurcated Neural Network”, Proceedings of the 18 th National Physics
Congress (2000).
46) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “How Accurate can a Neural Networks solve Differential Equations?”, Proceedings of the Annual meeting and
Symposium of the Philippine-American Association of Science and Engineering (PAASE), (2000).
47) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Can You Always Win in a Billiard Game?”, Proceedings of the 17 th National Physics Congress (1999).
48) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “ Solving Nonlinear Differential Equations Using Neural Networks”, Proceedings of MODEL 1999 (1999).
49) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Solving Complex Differential Equations using Unsupervised Neural Network,” Proceedings of the 16 th National
Physics Congress (1998).
50) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Solving the Nonlinear Schroedinger Equation by Neural Networks,” Proceedings of the 15 th National Physics
Congress (1997).
51) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “ Characterizing the Dynamics of Complex Interacting Systems with Unsupervised Neural Network,” Proceedings of
the 1997 National Symposium on the Mathematical Aspects of Computer Science (1997).
52) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Modeling Complex Systems with Unsupervised Lagrangian Neural Networks,” Proceedings of the 14 th National
Physics Congress (1996).
53) C. Monterola & C. Saloma, “Learning and Generalization in Neural Networks with Diffusion -Limited Architectures,” Proceedings of the 13 th
National Physics Congress. (1995).
54) M.G. Bato, D.E. Juanico, C.P. Monterola, “Scaling of Wealth Distribution in a winner-take-all Economic Game” , Proceedings of the 24 th
National Physics Congress. (2006).

ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE
List of Students Graduated as Research Supervisor /Co- Adviser
1) Dranreb Earl Juanico (PhD Physics, 2007, Most Outstanding PhD in College of Science, UP Diliman). Self-Organizing
Mechanisms of Complex Adaptive Systems under Critical Conditions.
2) Erika Legara (MS Physics, 2008). Dynamics of Networks and its social aspects.
3) Anthony Longjas (MS Physics, 2008).Dynamics of Granular Flow.
4) Rene Batac (MS Physics, 2008). Cellular automata models of natural complex systems.
5) Marianne Ranzievelle Roxas (MS Physics, 2007). Network Analysis: Characterizing Classroom Dynamics and Syntactic
Structure.
6) Ma. Teresa Pulido (MS Physics, 2006, Oblation). Rumor Propagation within Static and Dynamic Networks.
7) Marissa Pastor (MS Physics, 2008). Stability of granular materials in the presence of interstitial matrix.
8) Lorcel Ericka Venturina (BS Physics, 2008) Prediction of OPM songs hitness using neural networks.
9) Grace Bato (BS Physics, 2008) Scaling laws and consumption dynamics in complex adaptive systems.
10) Josephine Cabatbat (BS Physics, 2008) Readability and comprehensibility of written text using language co-occurence network.
11) George Esleta (BS Applied Physics, 2007, Magna Cum Laude, Oblation, Deans Medallion Applied Physics ). Dynamics of
Threaded Systems.
12) Erika Legara (BS Physics, 2006, Cum Laude). Dynamical Model and Strategies for Network Marketing.
13) Anthony Longjas (BS Applied Physics, 2006, Cum Laude). Jamming of Mixed and Homogenous Hard Spheres in a
Two-Dimensional Hopper.
14) Dranreb Earl Juanico (Best Thesis in BS Physics, 2002; Magna Cum Laude, Deans Medallion Applied Physics). Allelomimesis as
a Generic Mechanism in Self-Organizing Systems.
15) Timothy Travers (Best Thesis in BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 2002; Magna Cum Laude, Oblation). Prediction of
Secondary Protein Structure Using Neural Networks.
List of Ongoing Thesis Advisee
1) Ma. Teresa Pulido (PhD 3).
2) Marianne Ranzievelle Roxas (PhD 2).
3) Erika Legara (PhD 1).
4) Anthony Longjas (PhD 1).
5) Rene Batac (PhD 1).
6) Marissa Pastor (PhD 1).
7) George Esleta (MS 2).
8) Jesus Felix Valenzuela (MS 2).
9) Jeric Tugaff (BS 5).
10) Alva Presbitero (BS 4)
11) Irene Crisologo (BS 4)
National Workshops/Training
Main resource person
CHED Continuing education for tertiary teachers (summer 2008, Palawan)
DepEd Integrated Science Program: Teaching effectiveness course in Physics (summer 2006, 2007, 2008 UP Diliman)
Special Topics: The Physics of Smelling / Ang Cute na Mundo ng Complexity Science, 23 rd and 24 th National Physics Congress (2007
& 2006).
Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Teacher`s Training Program ( Guiguinto Bulacan, Philippines 2001)
National Children's Science Interactive Workshop, (23-27 October 2000, Blu Bianco Suites, Airforce City Clark Special Economic
Zone).
Teacher’s Training Program, UP Pahinungod, (Summer 1999, Kidapawan, South Cotabato).
Teacher's Training Lectures in Mechanics, 17 th National Physics Congress (Oct. 1999, Ateneo De Manila, Quezon City)
Teacher's Training Lectures in Optics, 18 th National Physics Congress (Oct. 2000, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan).
Affiliations
Program Coordinator, Instrumentation Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Physics (2002, 2008 - present)
Vice Chairman, Bidding Committee (UP Diliman System, 2006)
Member, International Institute of Forecasters (2002-03)
Adviser, UP Danaw ng mga Kinabukasan ng Laguna [UP DAKILA] (1999 – 2003)
Co-Adviser, UP Physics Association [UPPA] (2001 – 2006)/Member, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, U.P. Chapter (1997)
Member, Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas [SPP] (1996 – present, senior councilor 2006-present)
Membership in Editorial Board
Article Referee
2004, 2005 & 2006 Physica A of Elsevier Science, Physical Review E of the American Physical Society
1996 – present National Physics Congress of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (SPP)/Associate Editor Pisika
1998 - 2002, 2001 Philippine Journal of Science, Science Diliman
FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION
Current Research focus: Landslide and Granular dynamics, Social Networks, Physics education, Biological Networks, Public Opinion
research, Neural Networks
Research Expertise: Modeling Complex Systems, Computational Physics, Social Networks, Neural Networks, Biological Physics,
Forecasting