Paragraph 1 – Why are you interested in this area of academia? When did you realize you wanted to pursue this area of STEM at a graduate level?
Discovering My Purpose: My Story in Civil Engineering
My awareness of materials science and engineering began during my civil engineering studies at Universitas Brawijaya, where I graduated cum laude in 2023. I was particularly drawn to courses on materials technology and mechanics of material, which sparked a question for me: can materials be both resilient and sustainable? This question led me to represent Indonesia at the Nanyang Technological University Bridge Design Competition in Singapore, where my team’s design achieved the highest score in Cost Efficiency Green Value (CEGV). The recognition that materials achieve structural efficiency and sustainability inspired me to deepening my passion in materials science and engineering. My interest was further strengthened during my work on Indonesia’s national strategic projects, where I was responsible for material assessment, repair methods, and conducting brief research to address on-site challenges. I faced a critical situation when dozens of concrete piles broken during the driving process, which not only increased project costs but also generated significant material waste with environmental impact. Although I proposed repair methods and evaluated the materials before use and successfully reduce the number of broken piles, I realized that my knowledge was limited. This experience convinced me of the importance of advancing my expertise in Material Science and Engineering through pursue further study at graduate-level research, where I can develop solutions that are both practical and sustainable, while also fulfilling my intellectual and personal potential to contribute more broadly to the field and society. (kenapa hanya MS yang bisa?)
Paragraph 2 – Research and professional preparation
Building the Foundation: How My Education and Experience Prepared Me for Graduate Study
My preparation for graduate study has been supported by both academic and professional experiences. My undergraduate thesis and publication examined barriers to knowledge management in large construction companies. The research identified factors that hinder technology adoption. My findings were used to develop recommendations, including the implementation of internal knowledge platform and a digital literacy training program. This project trained me in research design, data collection, and analytical writing, resulting in a publication that broadened my academic perspective and can be support for my future research. Professionally, I worked as a method engineer at PT PP (Persero) Tbk, a state-owned company in Indonesia. One of my key responsibilities was to develop construction methodologies, and I encountered a major challenge when dozens of piles, out of thousands used for foundations, were damaged due to overblowing or inconsistent material quality, risking delays and increased costs. To prevent further issues, I enforced stricter material evaluations, including UPV and hammer tests, and designed an empirical termination criterion for safer pile driving. For corrective measures, I implemented repair methods for minor cracks, such as grouting, and applied strategies for severely damaged piles, including adding new pile points. Through this experience, I applied principles of resilience, sustainability, and built environment, enhancing both my analytical thinking and engineering decisions.