Rogel Mari Sese

Rogel Mari D. Sese is a Filipino astrophysicist who is known for being a proponent of space science in the Philippines.

Early life and education Rogel Mari D. Sese was born in the province of Laguna in the Philippines. His mother was biological sciences professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Sese said that he had decided to pursue a career related to space science as early as the age of five. His mother taught him biology, such as how to splice a DNA, but he did not find sufficient interest in the field.

He attended University of the Philippines Rural High School. This was the closest to an astrophysics degree he could find, since he was not able to find a university which offered such a degree at that time. He contributed to the writing of the proposed legislation "Act Establishing the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy and Creating the Philippine Space Agency", which aims to establish a national space agency.

Sese is affiliated with Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and is department chairperson of the Aerospace Engineering department. He is also a member of Ateneo de Davao University's board of trustees. He is also leading a satellite internet project in ADDU, the ACCESS Mindanao project.

Recognition and honours Sese, along with seven other Filipino scientists, was included in Asian Scientist 100 list released in March 2018, which recognizes the contribution of individuals in Asia in the field of science and technology. Their inclusion was recognized by the Senate of the Philippines via a resolution.

In 2020 he was selected as a Karman Fellow for his work in space.

Personal life Sese is married and has two children.