UNS — Two students of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science (FMIPA) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta each won the IDR 20 million scholarship from L’Oréal Sorority in Science. The lucky students are Amalia and Nurani Alawiyah from Chemistry Program FMIPA UNS.
Amalia stated that the scholarship was provided through the partnership between L’Oréal Indonesia and Indonesia National Committee for UNESCO Kemdikbud. This scholarship was designed for science students to encourage the development of great talents for the forerunner of Indonesian women researchers in the future. “Through this program, science students are expected to focus in their study to achieve their dream as women researchers,” Amalia explained to the editorial team, Saturday (28/11/2020).
According to Amalia, the theme of selection rounds was determined by the committee. This year’s themes are environmental damage with transfer of disease from animals to humans, such as HIV and AIDS, avian influenza, and Covid-19. As future researchers, the awardee was challenged to provide a solution through ideas and actions for these issues. Amalia and Nurani Alawiyah capture the idea, and both selected Covid-19 as their theme.
Amalia offered a solution in the form of an Antibacterial Nanofiber Mask with Active Carbon from Waste of Rice Husk and Cinnamon Extract as a Solution for Protection from the Exposure to the Covid-19 Virus. In comparison, Nurani Alawiyah solution for the issue is the Innovation of Antivirus Coating from Cellulose of Palm Oil Waste (TKKS – Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit) to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19. Both of them did not expect that they will win the scholarship considering there are more than 85 participants from various well-known universities in Indonesia. “Truthfully, initially, I can’t believe that I win; I thought I would stop as a finalist. Alhamdulillah, I’m very grateful to Allah. So unbelievable and thankful,” Amalia stated. Nurani also noted a similar feeling for winning the scholarship. HUMAS UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti
