UPM. -- UPM's research lab has recently implemented industrial training for undergraduates from the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany. This industrial training helped them to further explore their interests in scientific research and taught them life experiences that will help to shape their attitude and readiness for future career.

The student is Dams Jannik Werner from the University of Bonn, Germany and Muhammad Ibadurrahman Imizan from The University of Manchester, England, They have carried out a study of microplastics in Southeast Asia

"I appreciate the high commitment of these two students to my research team and also the strategic partners in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia who have donated their time throughout the program to help with sampling and analysis for these students," said Dr Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap, training supervisor industry.

For the past three months, these students traveled to several islands to carry out sampling and also multi-disciplinary research in a laboratory in Southeast Asia.

This year, these two students went to the beach in Bali and Banda Aceh with UPM lecturers. Before this, these students had never been to Indonesia and had no sampling experience in the field. Therefore, UPM lecturers have arranged the trip and guided them through this sampling process.

According to Dr Rashidi, the importance of these students coming to UPM is to gain learning experience outside their field. "First, students can gain invaluable cognitive and psychomotor experience and knowledge by working directly with chemistry lecturers," said Dr Rashidi. "Secondly, they have acquired practical skills in travel, expeditions and also a solid work ethic. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this internship has given the students life experience and also opened their eyes to the issue of microplastics that they would not have thought about before.”

Dr. Rashidi noted that the students adapted quickly to their internships even though they were from different countries.

For Ibadur, this experience is very grateful. He said, the experience he got while helping Dr. Rashidi in his study opened his eyes. He was amazed to observe the cooperation between the university and the researchers from different fields to make the research successful. He added that the mobility program at UPM helped him in applying research techniques in the field which until now had only been learned theoretically through books and reading scientific journals. He hopes that this kind of program can continue, in addition to encouraging his friends in the United Kingdom to participate in the mobility program at UPM during the long summer holidays.

"The cooperation of various universities and researchers at the international level in making this microplastic study a success is amazing to me. In addition to the world-class research collaboration, I was also able to gain some knowledge in research techniques in the field. All this time I could only read and imagine in theory, but today I can do it myself. This to some extent can help me in understanding the research work in the field more deeply. I hope UPM can continue to present mobility programs like this again to open space for international students like me to also contribute and share opinions. I also want to bring home valuable experiences to share with friends in Manchester. Perhaps in the future UPM's mobility program will become a famous destination for students in Europe to gain knowledge during the summer holidays, which last from June to September."

On the other hand, his colleague during the UPM mobility program, Jannik, also wanted to share his experience at UPM: Reflecting back on his time at UPM, Jannik emphasized the great impact of the internship on his scientific and personal development. He emphasized how working in a high-risk research environment, particularly one focused on microplastic pollution in Southeast Asia, opened his eyes to pressing environmental issues in the region. "This internship not only improved my technical skills, such as using FTIR spectroscopy to analyze microplastics, but also gave me a first-hand understanding of how large-scale field research is conducted. Collecting and analyzing samples in diverse environments requires adaptability, endurance, and close coordination with local and international research teams."

Jannik explained how collaboration with researchers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand enriched his perspective. “Seeing how each team approaches the common goal of tackling plastic pollution in a unique way is inspiring. We learned from each other's methods and adapted to the local context, which strengthened the results of the study and taught me the value of diverse perspectives in scientific research.”

In addition to technical skills, Jannik noted that the program increased her understanding of important soft skills, such as effective communication and collaboration. “I came to appreciate the role of clear communication and cultural sensitivity when working in a diverse research group. Theory in the classroom is one thing, but to apply these skills in real time with people who bring different backgrounds and perspectives is another.”

In addition, Jannik expressed his gratitude for the guidance provided by Dr. Rashidi and the entire UPM research team. "Their guidance not only improved my technical abilities but also deepened my commitment to environmental science. They encouraged me to ask critical questions and see every research challenge as an opportunity to learn. This mindset will be invaluable as I move forward in my academic journey. and my professional."

Jannik hopes that future students will have the opportunity to participate in the UPM Mobility Program, as it offers a unique combination of scientific learning and cultural exchange. "Programs like this are important for ambitious researchers," he said. "It fosters a comprehensive understanding of global environmental issues and empowers students to contribute meaningfully to research that brings about positive change."

Penulis:

Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM | 

Department of Chemistry

Faculty of Science

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor MALAYSIA

Office Tel: +603 97693236 (24-hours)

Date of Input: 07/11/2024 | Updated: 07/11/2024 | ahmadzaidi