Assistant Professor Mari Anjeli Crisanto: Balancing Scholarship, Innovation, and Motherhood
In a field where dedication, innovation, and impact are essential, Assistant Professor Mari Anjeli Crisanto stands out as a remarkable educator and scholar. She continues to exemplify the transformative role of academic leadership in today’s dynamic educational landscape. Her work not only advances knowledge but also inspires students, colleagues, and communities, making her recent recognition a well-earned milestone in a career defined by excellence.
From 2022 to 2023, Asst. Prof. Mari Anjeli Crisanto was among a select group of online learners who completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at the University of Liverpool. This professional development opportunity was made possible through the Teaching Advancement Program for Higher Education in the Philippines (TAPHEP), a CHED-initiated program that aims to elevate the quality of instruction in Philippine higher education.. In a testimonial video produced by the University of Liverpool, she shared her experiences, highlighting the value of participating in a transformative, international online learning environment.
Far from being a setback, motherhood became a driving force in her academic journey. While it briefly postponed her pursuit of doctoral studies, it deepened her resolve to leverage technology and innovation to improve access to quality education. Her passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) started early, culminating in her graduation magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in Computer Science, which she impressively completed in just 3.5 years, ahead of the typical four-year track. In addition to her postgraduate credentials, Asst. Prof. Crisanto earned her Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice with merit and holds the international distinction of being a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), a testament to her dedication to high-quality teaching and learning practices.
Today, she serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). She is currently pursuing her doctoral studies under the UP x UTS Doctoral Program Collaboration continuing to inspire a new generation of learners and educators in the digital age.
Written by: Christine Faye Pesimo and Joy Abigail Rebulanan | Edited by: Emely M. Amoloza