Leading international research on the isolation and purification of active compounds from microbes, researcher Dr Evita Chrisnayanti (MBiotechSt ’07, PhD(Med) ’18) says Flinders University equipped her with the knowledge and skills to excel in her research and career.
After graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia, Evita worked in the biotechnology department of a government research institution before joining Flinders University’s biotechnology program and completing her masters.
“The Flinders biotechnology program is highly regarded,” she says. “It offers a comprehensive range of subjects including foundation studies in biotechnology, bioprocessing and industrial biotechnology, innovation in biotechnology and biobusiness.
“These subjects are critical as they develop your basic knowledge and principles of biotechnology, then provide opportunities to practically apply the knowledge in real life.
“As a researcher it is important for me to continue to develop my skills and knowledge, and the Master of Biotechnology at Flinders was the perfect choice to stretch my skills and competencies.”
After graduating, Dr Chrisnayanti returned to her career in Indonesia and was appointed as head of the microbiology laboratory in the Biotechnology Department of the National Research and Innovation Agency. She now leads Agency’s research on the isolation and purification of active compounds from microbes – following a return to Flinders to complete a PhD in biotechnology.
“It has been such an exciting career so far, and I look forward to advancing the field of biotechnology in interesting and novel ways,” says Dr Chrisnayanti.
Reflecting on her time studying at Flinders University, the leading researcher says it was initially a challenging experience learning in English, her second language, away from home.
However, with the support of staff and fellow students the positive memories began to be forged, sparked by experiences like applying herself to a particularly difficult assignment and receiving a good mark – assuring her anything is possible with perseverance and tenacity.
“During my masters, the subjects were very comprehensive,” says Dr Chrisnayanti. “The lecturers are great in that they build students’ analytical skills to solve and anticipate problems that arise in practice. They teach valuable writing and oral communication skills that are necessary to convey findings and outcomes.
“Flinders also has good facilities such as laboratories and research equipment that developed my skills to use tools in biotechnology.”
Time spent studying in the library is regarded as one of her favourite memories during her PhD, spending long hours writing in the well-designed space.
“The University’s library staff are amazing and provided outstanding support, especially when I was doing research for my PhD degree.
“Flinders also has many international students which I found useful for developing a broad research network, which remains invaluable to my professional career.”
Comprehensive knowledge about the field of biotechnology and staying on top of most recent research developments are essential components of a successful biotech career, says Dr Chrisnayanti, however additional skills to stand out in such a competitive professional arena are also paramount.
“It is important to have an education that fulfils these components and the postgraduate biotechnology programs at Flinders were absolutely essential to building my skills, knowledge and capabilities for a successful and fulfilling career.”
Find out more about studying postgraduate Biotechnology at Flinders University