Amalia Putri Sholikhati was recognized as the Best Graduate of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology during the Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held at Prof. Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium on May 21, 2026. She completed her undergraduate studies with a cumulative GPA of 3.52, while also achieving numerous academic and extracurricular accomplishments throughout her time at the university.
Amalia’s achievement was supported by her strong dedication to academics and research. For her undergraduate thesis, she conducted research entitled “Elicitation of Secondary Metabolites in Streptomyces sp. Using Carbon Dots Derived from Elephant Grass.” The study was inspired by her interest in the development of bioactive compounds and their potential applications in biotechnology and health-related fields.
Throughout her studies, Amalia faced the challenge of balancing multiple commitments, including coursework, organizational activities, internships, research projects, and preparations for academic competitions such as the Student Creativity Program (PKM) and the National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). Managing these responsibilities taught her valuable lessons in prioritization, discipline, time management, and accountability.
In addition to her academic achievements, Amalia was actively involved in student organizations. She joined the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) UGM for two consecutive terms as a member of the Exchange Department, where she participated in various international programs and collaborative activities.
Within IAAS, Amalia served as the coordinator of several initiatives, including an English teaching program for children in orphanages and a benchmarking activity with IAAS Belgium. She also contributed as a committee member of the International Conference of Youth in Agriculture. At the departmental level, she was actively involved in the Agricultural Microbiology Student Association (PERMAHAMI), further enriching her leadership and organizational experiences during her undergraduate years.
For Amalia, the opportunity to continuously learn and grow became a major source of motivation throughout her academic journey. Her experience participating in PKM and eventually becoming a PIMNAS finalist provided valuable lessons and strengthened her self-confidence. Through these experiences, she was encouraged to embrace new challenges, step outside her comfort zone, and pursue personal and professional development.
As a message to fellow students, Amalia encouraged them to make the most of their university years by actively engaging in meaningful activities. “Don’t be afraid to try different things as long as you can manage your responsibilities. Experiences in organizations, competitions, research, and programs such as PKM and PIMNAS help develop communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. During university, don’t focus only on grades—take advantage of opportunities that help you grow as a person,” she said.
Amalia’s achievement reflects the commitment of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology and the Faculty of Agriculture UGM to fostering graduates who excel not only academically but also in leadership, innovation, research, and community engagement.
This achievement contributes to the realization of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Author: Alisha Rafa Kampono
Editor: Desi Utami