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From studying in undergraduate to earning her doctoral degree in Germany, she consistently pursued education and research paths that led her to become a lecturer and researcher in the marine ecosystem field. One of the most significant milestones in her career was receiving international research funding from The Asahi Glass Foundation in Japan for her study on chlorophyll-a and climate change.

Below are some key highlights from Dr. Suliskania’s inspiring journey:

1. Research on Chlorophyll-a and Climate Funded by Japan

In 2025, Dr. Suliskania received some exciting news. Her research on chlorophyll-a and climate change was awarded a grant from The Asahi Glass Foundation, a prestigious Japanese institution supporting original scientific research in natural sciences. The research will be conducted in collaboration with fellow researcher Saat Mubarrok, Ph.D., using CMIP6 global climate model data capable of producing hindcasts and projecting climate change schemes until the year 2100.

Her focus is to analyze changes in chlorophyll-a in the southern waters of Java as an indicator of marine ecosystem productivity. This region was chosen for its high productivity due to a strong upwelling system. The data involved is large and complex, prompting her to collaborate with BRIN and other colleagues to support the research. For Dr. Suliskania, this grant is not only a personal achievement, but also a gateway to wider international research opportunities.

2. The Daughter of an ITB Staff Member Who Grew Up with Her Father’s Dream

Since childhood, Dr. Suliskania had been familiar with ITB’s campus atmosphere. Her father, a staff member at SAPPD ITB who retired in 2021, instilled in her the belief that ITB was the best university in Indonesia. Every weekend, he would take her to visit the campus. For him, education was a top priority. So, when she was accepted into ITB through a merit-based scholarship scheme, it became a meaningful milestone moment for their family.

Although she initially aimed for the Geological Engineering program, she eventually chose Oceanography as her final selection.

“I’ve always loved things that we can see directly in nature, because in class, we are only shown how the equations and formulas are. In Oceanography, when we go into the field, we witness the phenomena firsthand. For example, when learning about current equations, we can literally see them in the ocean,” she shared.

3. Pursuing a PhD in Germany with DAAD Scholarship

After completing the undergraduate and master fast-track program at ITB, Dr. Suliskania decided to pursue a doctoral degree in Germany. She used the year 2016 intensively, from studying for the IELTS test, finding a supervising professor, writing proposals, to applying for scholarships. Her efforts paid off when she received the DAAD scholarship and was accepted into the University of Hamburg under the supervision of PD Dr. Thomas Pohlmann.

The adaptation process to life in Germany was not easy. She had to learn German for her daily life although her courses and research were in English. She lived in Berlin for a four-month language course (June–September 2017), then started her PhD study in October 2017 and graduated in December 2021.

“That experience was truly valuable—I met colleagues from many different countries. It’s something I could never have experienced in Indonesia,” she recalled.

4. Becoming a Young Lecturer and Discovering Her Identity as a Teacher and Researcher

After returning to Indonesia in 2022, Dr. Suliskania began teaching at ITB. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Numerical Method in Oceanography, Computational Oceanography, Introduction to Marine Ecosystem Modeling, and Mathematical Physics for Oceanography—subjects closely related to marine modeling. Although she initially felt awkward teaching online in the post-pandemic era, she has come to enjoy the learning-teaching process.

“If I have to choose, I enjoy teaching the most,” she said.

For her, being a lecturer is not just about transferring knowledge, but also about guiding students to discover their direction. Aside from her teaching activity, she remains active in publishing papers, collaborating with colleagues, and supervising student final year theses.

5. Looking Back at Life During Studying in College, Being Active as A Teaching Assistant

During her days studying in university, Dr. Suliskania always seized opportunities to become a teaching assistant whenever possible. To her, it was an effective way to learn how to teach while expanding interactions with students.

Aside from being active in the classroom, her lectures were also enriched with numerous fieldwork activities. “Being an Oceanography student doesn’t mean being stuck in front of a laptop all the time—we also go out into the field. That’s what makes it so enjoyable by far,” she said.

If given the chance to turn back time and come back to her college days, she admitted that she regretted not being more involved in student organizations. “I did serve in the GAMAIS (Islamic Student Family) student organization (LDFITB or Faculty of Earth Science and Technology Faculty Dawah Society), but I wasn’t very active in other units. If I had participated more widely back then, I probably would have more connections now,” she admitted.

Nonetheless, she remains grateful for all the experiences she’s been through, both thick and thin, because they’ve shaped her into who she is today.

6. Representing Postgraduate Graduates at the October 2015 Graduation Ceremony

At the First Graduation Ceremony of the 2015/2016 Academic Year, Dr. Suliskania was selected to represent the postgraduate graduates and deliver a speech before the ITB Rector, campus executives, and more than 1,200 graduates. As a graduate of the Earth Sciences master’s program, she delivered a heartfelt speech that left an impression on the audience.

In her speech, she reminded all graduates of the importance of staying humble after leaving ITB. She emphasized that graduation is just the beginning of one’s contribution and service to the nation, and that every success is shaped by the prayers and support of parents and the help of God.

Dr. Suliskania expressed her hope that ITB would continue to grow as a hub for research, education, and infrastructure that supports learning and development activity.

That moment marked one of her earliest recognitions as an academic figure that not only excels in the field of science, but also capable of delivering messages of moral and inspiration to the younger generation.

7. Free Time, Family Warmth, and a Long Dream Ahead

Amidst her busy life as a lecturer and researcher, Dr. Suliskania still preserves personal time with her loved ones. Since becoming a mother, her weekend priorities have shifted. Her free time is used to gather with family.

While she doesn’t have a specific hobby, she enjoys activities that help her relax her thoughts, such as watching movies and reading novels. Right now, her time for hobbies may be limited, but she still makes time for simple joyful moments.

Looking ahead, she has a vision that is realistic yet an enthusiastic path forward. In the next five years, she hopes to further her research, expand collaborations, and eventually achieve the highest academic rank as a professor.

“My goal is to secure more research opportunities. Hopefully, Asahi can be the first step and a great opportunity for me to apply for more research funding in the future,” she hoped.

8. A Message to the Youth: No Research Is Ever Insignificant

As both a teacher and researcher, Dr. Suliskania believes that research doesn’t always have to produce grand or perfect outcomes. However, she is convinced that even the smallest studies can be a meaningful contribution to science. “Do not feel discouraged if your topic seems simple. No research topic is ever less significant. Every topic is significant,” she said.

She also reminded students not to aim for perfection in their thesis or final projects.

“The final thesis is a training ground for students to do research, it does not need to be so mind-blowing—there’s no such thing as a perfect study. Every research will always have its gaps, and that’s exactly why we perfect our research again and again. That’s why little steps matter,” she said.

Dr. Suliskania’s journey proves that determination, perseverance, and faith in the process can open doors to meaningful achievements. From the classroom to the international research stage, she has not only built a career, but also left behind a legacy of inspiration for the next generation: to keep learning, keep dreaming, and finish what they started.

Reporter: Mely Anggrini (Meteorology, class of 2022)

Translator: Muhammad Faiz Satrio Pradiansyah (Microbiology, class of 2022)