This Outstanding Biology Student Wants to be a Neuro Stem Cell Expert

Going through education in the pure sciences is probably not the first thing that goes into high school students’ choices though it is actually something that is fundamental to other sciences. It was different with Latiful Akbar, outstanding student from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University. Latif turned out to be very fond of Biology, especially neuroscience.

After studying in the Department of Biology, Latif found his growing interest. Meeting with an Indonesian stem cell expert who is also a lecturer in the Department of Biology at IPB University, Latif decided to do research on neuro stem cells.

“Learning about the brain is cool. For me, the brain is the center. We learn how humans think, store memory and talk. I felt that the research was very beneficial. It turned out, the more we learn, the more things we did not know about the brain,” he said.

Latiful Akbar is known as an outstanding student. Latif is often a champion of various scientific writing competitions both nationally and internationally. The fast track student will also participate in a student exchange program to Finland in January. Not only in the academic field, Latif was active in campus organizations such as the Biology Student Association in his Junior Year and the Student Unit for Scientific Studies (FORCES) activity unit. Latif was also active in promoting IPB University and FMIPA through his position as Ambassador of the Institute of IPB University Batch IV.

“The balance of support can really be felt in the Department of Biology. Students are always encouraged to get exposure both nationally and internationally but are constantly reminded to be responsible for their main task, which is academic task. What I like most about Biology is the interesting knowledge delivery method,” explained Latif.

“During the beginning of the semester, students were taught the basic concepts of biology and in the final semester students were invited to analyze problems from the perspective of Biology. The closer you get to the final level; the cooler Biology will be. I realize that Biology is currently a trending topic in the world. Biology becomes a vital science along with the emergence of biological topics. Antibiotic resistance, land restoration, gene editing, stem cells and food security. All of them are important topics in welcoming the future. And Biology is certainly the foundation to answer these challenges,” he said.

Even though Latif never put pure biology as his first choice, he had no regrets at all. “I really want to be on this road, because I can learn many things, meet great people and I think that is the most expensive thing. Many people in Biology taught me many things. Everything is unique and everything can be a story that inspires me,” he added.

The Biology Department of IPB University is one of the many departments that offer education in the field of life sciences. It has been noted to be one of the best Biology majors in Indonesia. It manages the HAYATI Journal of Biosciences which has been indexed by Scopus and is the first and the only Indonesian scientific journal to be classified as Q2 journal.

“Fungi, bacteria, bacteriophages, genetics, neuroscience, tissue culture, orangutans, bees, insects and many more, Biology Department of IPB University has the experts of those fields. Until now, this A-accredited department also has 8 professors and 48 highly competent lecturers. This department also divides its scientific fields into six groups namely Microbiology, Mycology, Plant Ecology and Resources, Plant Physiology and Genetics, Animal Biosystematics and Ecology, and Animal Functions and Behavior,” he explained.

The question will be; is pure science a detour or a road to more opportunities in the future? Let’s think about it.

Keyword: Department of Biology, Student Achievement, Institute Ambassador, IPB University