This time the Guest Lecture presented the keynote speaker Professor Pamela Yvone Scheffler, Ph.D., who came from the University of Hawaii Hawaii, Community College and guest speaker Riri Rimbun Anggih Chaidir, B.Sc., M.Sc., as a lecturer in the FITH Biotechnology Study Program, guided by moderator Maya Fitriana, S.Sc., Ph.D., who is also the Dean of FITH. Also present were the Dean of the UTS Faculty of Agricultural Technology (Fateta) along with the lecturers and students of the two faculties -FITH and Fateta-.

      This event was opened by the Chancellor of UTS, Chairul Hudaya, Ph.D, who in his remarks said that the topic of the guest lecture this time was very appropriate because we could find out about the benefits of wild bees in Indonesia, so that this guest lecture could provide knowledge to take advantage of the presence of wild bees. in Indonesia, especially in the Sumbawa region.

“Thanks to Prof. Pamela and Riri Rimbun for their willingness to attend and share their knowledge and experience in developing wild bees in Indonesia, I hope the knowledge shared can improve our abilities and expertise at UTS, FITH, and Fateta,” he said. “The guest lecture event at STP yesterday was very memorable to me, we did not only discuss Indonesia but on a world scale, and what was more interesting was the speaker, even though he looked old but was very excited about sharing his experiences,” said Khalidan, a student of the FITH UTS Natural Resources Conservation (KSDA) study program.

FITH UTS Biotechnology students won a Bronze Winner in the 2023 El Bajo Essay Competition.

Delia passed the selection stage after competing with 265 submissions throughout Indonesia. 26 works were selected for the final round, with essay presentation and poster presentation categories. Delia won a bronze medal in the poster presentation category with her work on “Diversification of Food Using Sorghum Bicolor L and Its Processing as Instant Sorghum Rice”. The competition was held at the Labuan Bajo Regent’s Office, NTT. (18/03/2023)

“Diversification of food is one way to prevent a food crisis by utilizing functional food crops such as sorghum which I raised. Then, I created an innovation in the form of instant sorghum rice which is only brewed with hot water and can be consumed immediately.” Delia explained.

Of course, in the research process, Ulfa must have had a journey, especially in joining the IRN program. This was very long and full of stories, which of course had a valuable impression on Ulfa.

“Allow me to tell you a little story about my journey. At that time, I and other friends were given directions to take part in a research program, namely the IRN program. often known as Community Service Program (KKN) and at that time I admitted that there was not much time left for me to finish my undergraduate studies, so with the direction and guidance of one of the great lecturers in my study program, namely Mr. Andi Baso Manguntungi, M.Si, I and my friends my friend finally managed to upload a research proposal on the IRN website. I still remember very well, that day was the last night to upload the proposal and we were all still struggling with our respective proposals.

Since the beginning, I have seen various obstacles, starting with an account that suddenly couldn’t upload a proposal until I had to create a new gmail account to upload my research proposal. And I still remember once that night that we were willing to stay in the parking lot of a cafe in Sumbawa so that the proposal could be submitted because the cafe had passed working hours which meant it was almost closed and maybe because we were there we didn’t feel comfortable closing it.

As time went on, it didn’t feel like the time for the announcement to pass the IRN funding had arrived, at that time my friend Syahril was the only student who passed funding from several students who submitted proposals from UTS. Honestly, at first I felt relieved because I didn’t have to carry a heavy burden, because in that condition I thought that I just wanted to graduate quickly. However, in September I was surprised by the information that I had also passed the funding for the IRN program, I must have been confused at that time whether this information was true or not. Since I was in Makassar at that time to carry out street vendors, I immediately asked my supervisor, Mr. Bas, and the information turned out to be true. It feels mixed, I’m happy and confused and that’s where the beginning of my journey in this research process. One fact again surprised me that it turned out that my supervisor was no longer able to be a supervisor in my research because he was no longer teaching in my study program. I was very worried at the time, plus I was worried whether I could finish this research or not. Alhamdulillah, I am responsible for carrying out my research with a new supervisor, namely Dr. Ali Budhi Kusuma, S.Si., M.Sc., ALS.

At first I was very afraid because I was guided by a lecturer who was relatively new to me on campus and I was not familiar with him. Yes, Mr. Alidi has just returned to the biotech study program after completing his doctoral studies. I’m getting more and more afraid of it. But I am aware that I am constantly afraid of when I will advance and be able to complete this research while there are still many other burdens that I must complete as well. Over time I finally started ordering tools and materials for my research activities and I started discussing with Mr. Alidi about my research. Finally, in January, I conducted a seminar on my research proposal and on July 1, I successfully completed the final trial of my research. I am proud and surprised that I was finally able and able to get through all of this even though there were so many obstacles along the way.

A little story during my research, which took place at the Food Biotechnology Laboratory in Sumbawa TechnoPark (STP). In the room there were only 2 students doing research, me and my friend. However, during my research I was often alone in a room and that sometimes made me learn more and more that I should not be afraid and should hasten this research. During my research, I was helped a lot by my friends and research colleagues in the STP laboratory. Oh yeah, let me thank all my friends who have helped a lot in my research process, without your help my research might be too late to be completed.

In its implementation, the IRN Program has 2 audits for evaluation and monitoring of research activities from students who pass. The first audit was conducted in February and the second audit was conducted in August. I still remember that in the first stage of the audit I was asked by Prof. Ambar is related to why I took the title as my research. Of course, I hope that my research can be applied in the future among the Sumbawa people. Due to
Problems related to Sumbawa Bage Fish which are usually consumed in the market based on research shows that there are consequences that can be considered fatal and I hope that the public knows the urgency of using a fermentation starter in the manufacture of Bage fish. I don’t blame any party at all, but in accordance with the slogan we have applied so far, “Prevention is better than cure”. Once again, I am very grateful to those who have helped me, especially PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk. Who has provided research funding so that I can complete my undergraduate research.”

Alumni Achievement Awards: Alumni Impact is given to alumni in recognition of the University for their achievements and success. This award recognizes alumni who have made an impact on their industry, society and community.

The Pride of Newcastle University Awards is a Newcastle University event that aims to reward students and alumni who are involved in activities such as clubs or societies, volunteering, fundraising, starting new businesses, representing students or working on campus or outside, either from Newcastle University or reach out to the wider community on a local, national and international scale.

While at NUST Rimba, they will conduct research with the theme Xerophilic Bacteria (Dry Resistant Bacteria) for Plant Growth Promoting Candidates.

It is not easy to qualify for this prestigious program, you have to go through file selection and interviews. In the selection of files, applicants must prepare a program or project, a personal statement, and include a recommendation from the lecturer. Dwi Grawana brought the idea of initiating and developing Eco-Tourism in Mokong Village (Kec. Moyo Hulu) which was guided by Dr. Ali Budhi Kusuma, S.Si., M.Sc., ALS. After passing the file selection, then the selection of interviews conducted by experts in English.

The program which runs from June 18 to July 21 (for 5 weeks) was participated by five countries, namely Indonesia, Nigeria, Tunisia, India and Brazil. The series of activities include visiting various successful organizations in the United States such as the Bill & Belinda Gates Foundation, attending international classes and workshops, and learning about American culture.

Here are some documentations of activities from Dwi Grawana