CINEST is an international symposium addressing global challenges in science and technology, focusing on scientific, technological, and environmental issues. The event attracted 125 scientists with master's and doctoral backgrounds from around the world. Sherina, however, was the sole undergraduate participant in the event.

Sherina, initially uncertain about participating in an international conference, was encouraged by her supervisor, Dr. Eng. Ir. Very Susanto, S.T., M.T., to take the opportunity.

She presented the topic "Identification of Primordial Radionuclides in Soil and Its Implications for the Environment: Case Study in Botteng Village, Simboro District, Mamuju Regency."

Sherina, who hails from Bali, stated that the topic aligned with her ongoing thesis research. The results from soil sample tests in Mamuju revealed high Th232, Ra226, and K40 radioactivity, posing a significant environmental impact and a risk of internal human radiation exposure if left unaddressed.

CINEST marked Sherina's second international conference, having previously presented at The 4th International Conferences on Rural Development and Community Empowerment 2022 (ENDINAMOSIS 2022). Nevertheless, nervousness persisted as this marked her first conference abroad.

Sherina prepared for a month, balancing her focus with her ongoing thesis. In addition to preparing for the conference, she had to organize a results seminar before heading to Japan. With unwavering confidence and support from her supervisor, she not only successfully completed the results seminar but also received the "Best Presenter" award at CINEST.

"The process started with submitting the abstract and undergoing several revisions with my supervisor. A month later, I received an announcement that I had qualified to create an extended abstract and presentation materials for the conference," she explained.

Despite only having one practice session in Japan before the presentation, Sherina's professional and proficient English skills allowed her to overcome any challenges.

"I believe that I received the Best Presenter award due to my proficiency in foreign languages, especially English," said Sherina.

Through this experience, Sherina gained valuable insights she has never found elsewhere. Sherina demonstrated that language serves as a key to unlocking various opportunities on the international stage.

"Never be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. If we don't try, we'll never know what we might achieve," she conveyed, offering encouragement to ITB students.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering ‘19)
Doc: Sherina Wijaya
Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning ‘20)
Editor: Ariq Ramadhan Teruna (Chemical Engineering ‘21)