As the first student to graduate from the master’s program of ITB Nanotechnology, Lavita was honored with a cum laude predicate. She started her postgraduate education in 2020 online due to the pandemic; however, the situation did not stop her from completing her studies.

"When I first joined, the class was conducted fully online. Going to the laboratory was not possible either, which is a problem since nanotechnology is research focused. I must adjust to the conditions back then,” she reminisced about her days as a student. “Fortunately, students are allowed to do their thesis work in the laboratory. It can be said that research can be done normally while classes are still held online.”

Lavita began to explore the world of nanomaterials during her involvement with ITB lecturers for six months of research after she graduated from the ITB Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Study Program. She collaborated with people from various multidisciplinary fields, such as study programs, professions, universities, and industries. At the same time, ITB opened its first Nanotechnology Masters Study Program in 2020 that emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration.

"This study program is directly under the graduate school management instead of certain faculties. This is because the lecturers themselves come from various faculties and students can research anything. Moreover, collaboration is very encouraged here. Most study programs offered in Indonesia are related to each of its fields, whereas nanotechnology can be studied in different fields, which interests me,” she added.

In her thesis, Lavita developed the performance of the screen-printed carbon electrode, a sensor that uses nano-sized gold to detect dopamine in the body without harm, considering the previous methods that are painful to experience by a human. The results are proven to help detect dopamine and indicate the risks of several diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

After receiving her new degree, Lavita plans to continue her studies because she enjoys researching and wishes to learn further. She is still open to the chances of pursuing her next academic journey in Indonesia or abroad.

"Regardless of online and offline learning, we can try viewing our existing situation in a different light and take advantage of it. Then, we can be more comfortable in learning and search for better ways of studying. For example, we can immediately learn the materials by ourselves after online classes when the lecturer explains the topics we do not understand. We can also reach out to our fellow peers and ask for their help," Lavita advised students who are struggling in their education.

She encouraged all ITB students to be more open to opportunities in the form of cooperation and collaboration. According to her, teamwork can lead to valuable lessons gained. Therefore, students should lower their arrogance and not close themselves off from people.

Reporter: Ristania Putri Wahyudi (Matematika, 2019)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)