Proud news has come from Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) family. Behind the institution's academic success, Ustadzah Ratu Fatimah, Ph.D., has achieved not only personal achievements but also represented the broader direction of global-oriented education of Thursina.
The woman, who currently serves as Head of the Sciencepreneur Department Program, Head of the Specialization Program, and Manager of Research and Center Development, recently completed her doctoral studies at Kumamoto University, Japan. Her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree has manifested a long intellectual journey of perseverance, discipline, and a clear vision.
In the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of New Frontier Sciences, she majored in Environmental and Life Sciences, a field demanding high precision and sensitivity to complex global issues.
Ustadzah Rafa, as she called, has had a keen interest in science since undergraduate studies. She focused on research about reproductive hormone manipulation before expanding her research focus on master and doctoral degrees.
Her previous research was about non-reproductive endocrine functions, particularly the nervous system. The academic journey then led her to in-depth research into Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals (EDCs), chemical compounds with hormone-like structures and the potential to disrupt the biological balance of living organisms.
Ustadzah Rafa explained that the issue has major implications for the future of the environment and human health. "EDCs are not just a laboratory issue. This is a global challenge that impacts the sustainability of life. Through the research, I want to contribute to understanding and finding solutions to its long-term impacts," she explained.
This research not only enriches science but also demonstrates how it is able to play a role as an instrument in addressing modern world issues. Her journey does not stop in the research room, however, she actively presents her research findings in various international scientific forums, from South Korea, Taiwan to Barcelona, Spain. Involvement in the global scientific community has expanded her academic network and enriched perspective on scientific developments.
Furthermore, the internship in BRIMS Malaysia provided a cross-border learning experience, meeting with researchers from diverse backgrounds. She believes global collaboration is key to address the complex challenges of modern science.
She said that interacting with global scientists helped her understand how innovation develops through the exchange of ideas and diverse perspectives. Amidst intense academic schedules, she maintains a balance among science, social studies, and spirituality. She actively promotes Indonesian culture through international relationships, while simultaneously strengthening Islamic identity in the global community.
One of the most memorable contributions was her involvement in the establishment of the Kumamoto Islamic Center. The mosque is a center of Islamic activities and the local Muslim community in the region.
She said this experience served as a reminder that the journey of knowledge cannot be separated from the value of service. "Knowledge and preaching are mutual reinforcement, not independent factors. Wherever we are, there is always room to contribute," she stated.
Following her comeback to Indonesia, Ustadzah Rafa has a grand vision to develop a research culture in Thursina IIBS. She has seen that the strength of developed nations, such as Japan, lies in a culture of literacy and curiosity instilled from an early age.
She believes that research should not be viewed as an academic burden, but rather as a way of thinking to understand and solve problems. She hopes these values can be instilled in students so they grow into critical, adaptive, and solution-oriented learners.
As she said, education is the key to build civilization, and research is the door to that progress.
Quoting Imam Syafi'i, Ustadzah Rafa explained the importance of sincerity in pursuing knowledge. She believes that the long journey today will lay the foundation for a brighter future. She hopes her experiences will inspire the students and educators in Thursina IIBS to continue their adventure tirelessly.
"It's better to experience the fatigue of learning today than to endure the fatigue of ignorance in the future," she concluded. (lil)
