あなたの研究テーマについて教えてください。What is your research theme?

My research mainly focuses on two health-beneficial substances: polyamine and fibrinolytic enzymes which are isolated from traditional fermented food which is also categorized as functional food from Indonesia, “Tempeh”. Polyamine is an essential aliphatic polycations which have emerged as compelling candidates for mitigating the decline in the quality of life-associated aging. Meanwhile, fibrinolytic enzymes are proteases that are able to break down blood clots that block human blood vessels, ultimately will overcome cardiovascular disease. In the future, I wish that these substances are able to deliver impactful effects especially for both academically and social health. Academically, I wish that my research will become a cornerstone for future analysis in traditional fermented food exploration. On the other hand, I also have a big dream that this research will have a high impact on society, especially to maintain global health.

なぜ博士課程へ進学しましたか？Why did you decide to pursue a doctoral program?

I remember vividly the first time I had an urge to pursue graduate study after I graduate with an undergraduate degree and decided to work in a pharmaceutical company. I have close proximity with health care professionals (doctor, nurse, etc.) and start to brainstorm about health problems in society, at first it was only for business purposes. However, to my surprise I saw a long-queue of patients suffering from both communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). After in-depth communication with a health care professional, I stated that bad lifestyles trigger and worsen the sickness, one of them is eating habits. That situation is like a wake-up call and reminds me that as someone who has the privilege to pursue study  I can contribute to maintaining overall global health by doing comprehensive research about functional food.

Graniteの支援で役立っている・助かっていることを教えてください。Please share what has been helpful or beneficial through the support provided by Granite.

Granite fellowship really ensures the awardee with various benefits including research funding, monthly stipend, one-way airplane ticket and opportunity to have global experience by joining international conferences and overseas lab stay. As an international student, this above-mentioned benefit allows me to focus on my research and gaining knowledge that will help me for a better future. Apart from that, there is an event called interdisciplinary workshop that will help us to connect with other researchers in NAIST and open the room for collaboration. Additionally, granite also helps us to increase valuable useful skills to prepare us with more opportunities for our future career.

将来の目標、もしくはあなたが胸に秘めた野望があればぜひ教えてください。Please share your future goals or any ambitions you hold close to your heart.

I believe that knowledge and science will change human life. I also considered myself lucky to have the chance to pursue a graduate degree. Thus, I realize that I have a social responsibility to contribute and bring more positive impact to others. My ultimate goal is to become a researcher so that the research that I’ve conducted is properly implemented in society and brings more benefit for the future of human beings. Become a researcher that uses curiosity and social awareness as a fuel to produce valuable findings that can help others. 

I wish I can help to maintain human health world wide by promoting the affordable sources of food to maintain social health. Traditional fermented food, which is known as functional food, is my main research target. I wish in the future I have the opportunity to dig for more traditional fermented food benefit across the world and discover the substances that will improve human health.

博士課程進学を考えている人へのメッセージをください。Please share a message for those considering pursuing a doctoral program.

I believe everyone has different personal reasons to pursue a doctoral program and I really appreciate it. Nonetheless, in my opinion, a doctoral degree is a game-changing experience that will change your perspective to see the world. The first thing that I want to remind you is to be mentally and physically prepared for upcoming challenges during your doctoral journey. Second, be more active with topic-related events like research programs, webinars and seminars. Third, increasing the networking with people with the same research interest will be valuable tools to broaden your knowledge.