UNAIR NEWS – Wanda Dya Arneni, a Master’s student in Biology at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning the prestigious Canada-ASEAN SEED (Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development) 2024. Through this program, she is gaining academic and research experience at Dalhousie University in Canada, one of the world’s leading institutions.
Advancing agricultural research through Microbiology
Working under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Lord Abbey and Dr. Raphael Ofoe, Arneni is studying the role of beneficial bacteria in promoting plant growth in high-salinity environments. Her research is particularly relevant to the future of sustainable agriculture, especially in coastal regions where seawater intrusion threatens crop viability.
“My research focuses on developing biological solutions to help plants withstand extreme conditions,” Arneni explained. With access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities at Dalhousie, she is refining her microbiological research techniques while broadening her scientific perspective.
Beyond her research, she has found Dalhousie’s collaborative academic culture to be an enriching experience. “Students and researchers here support one another in solving complex problems. Discussions are open, insightful, and encourage innovation,” she said.
Adjusting to new culture and environment
Adapting to life in a foreign country has come with challenges. Arneni has had to adjust to Canada’s language, social norms, and climate, particularly the harsh winter conditions, which she is experiencing for the first time.
“I have been touched by the kindness of Canadians. Simple gestures, such as holding doors open or greeting people warmly, have made me feel truly welcome,” she shared.
As a Muslim student, she initially had concerns about integrating into a predominantly non-Muslim society. However, she found Canada’s inclusive and multicultural environment to be reassuring.
“People often ask me about my hijab and Islam—not out of bias, but out of genuine curiosity and respect,” she noted.
Expanding global networks for future opportunities
The Canada-ASEAN SEED program has provided Arneni with not only academic enrichment but also an expanding international network. She has been able to connect with researchers, professors, and fellow students from diverse backgrounds, creating opportunities for future collaborations.
“I am deeply grateful for the support from Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE) and the scholarship program’s organizers, who assisted me throughout the application and departure process,” she said.
Looking ahead, Arneni hopes to apply her expertise to advance microbiological research at UNAIR while also encouraging more Indonesian students to seek international academic opportunities.
“I want to share my experiences and inspire others to pursue global opportunities. The key to success lies in strong preparation, from achieving a competitive TOEFL score and developing a solid research proposal to securing the right academic supervisor,” she concluded.
Author: Fiona Lim
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
