UNAIR NEWS – In an effort to broaden its global reach, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to send students from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) to participate in academic programs at the Institute of Bioscience (IBS) Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). One of these initiatives is the international fieldwork practice (PKL).
The one-month program, held from October 28 to November 24, 2025, included seven students organized into two groups. The participants were Febrina Maria Vienna Pardede, Elisa Calista Paulin Sitanggang, Aulia Mahdavikia Syaharani, Sahna, Lutfiana Puspitasari, Naura Nada Kamelia, and Kayla Satvaya.
Research abroad
Febrina Pardede explained that the PKL program is part of FPK’s mandatory MBKM curriculum. What sets the international PKL apart from its domestic counterpart, she noted, is that students gain the chance to intern with FPK’s overseas partners and engage directly in scientific research projects.
“We conducted a study on a symbiotic formulation combining probiotics from Lactobacillus plantarum L20 and prebiotics derived from Sargassum polycystum. This mixture will be used in vannamei shrimp feed to improve shrimp health,” she said.
She added that the PKL experience was highly meaningful for her. In addition to gaining hands-on scientific research experience, the project is expected to be published in a scientific journal, and her team will have the opportunity to serve as co-authors.
“This program also introduced us to new research knowledge and practices, especially since we had never before participated directly in a study with such detailed requirements and procedures. The project also helped prepare us for the research we will undertake in our undergraduate theses,” she said.
Warm welcome
She also highlighted that her team received strong support from both the faculty and the university. According to her, FPK offered extensive guidance and assistance throughout the program. Additionally, the warm reception from UPM and the new insights shared by its researchers made the experience even more memorable.
“There is no harm in trying something new, because opportunities like this rarely come twice. Meeting new people and gaining new experiences are incredibly valuable. Don’t be afraid to grow, take every opportunity that comes your way, including programs like this PKL,” she concluded.
Penulis: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
