Bella Putri Maharani expressed pride and gratitude after completing her doctoral studies in 3 years and 5 months, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.98 at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). In addition to graduating with Cum Laude honors, the Palembang-born student from South Sumatra completed the Doctoral Program in Animal Science at Animal Science UGM at the age of 26 years, 11 months, and 1 day. In comparison, the average age of doctoral graduates at UGM’s postgraduate commencement on April 23 was 42 years, 6 months, and 17 days.
Becoming the youngest doctoral graduate at this UGM commencement came as a surprise to Bella. However, she admitted feeling deeply grateful to have completed her doctoral studies at UGM.
“I feel happy and proud of what I have achieved. I am grateful that I have completed my doctoral studies,” she said on Monday (May. 4).
Bella shared that since her teenage years, she had aspired to earn a doctoral degree before the age of 30. She recalled how, during high school, she used to joke about studying animal science so she could raise camels beside her house. Unexpectedly, that remark became reality.
Bella was admitted through the SNMPTN pathway and pursued her undergraduate studies in Animal Science at Sriwijaya University. She later continued her master’s and doctoral studies in the same field at UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science.
“I’ve come to believe that words can sometimes become prayers. Even if said jokingly, it’s important to speak positively,” she said with a smile.
Bella explained that she pursued her postgraduate studies at UGM through the Master ’s-to-Doctoral Program for Outstanding Graduates (PMDSU) scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. At the beginning, around 2021, when COVID-19 was spreading in Indonesia, she felt uncertain and hesitant due to widespread layoffs and limited job opportunities.
From that situation, she decided to continue her studies through a scholarship. As the saying goes, “what is sought often comes,” and through her perseverance, Bella successfully secured the scholarship on her first attempt.
During her studies at UGM, Bella expressed gratitude for the guidance she received from supervisors, lecturers, staff, and the academic community. UGM also provided adequate facilities to support her research. Doctoral studies require novelty, innovation, and technological advancement.
“This is something I am proud of and can share with others that studying at UGM has shaped me into an independent individual, while still being guided by professors and lecturers who continuously provided valuable direction throughout my studies,” she explained.
For her dissertation, Bella wrote a study titled “Efikasi Nanoenkapsulasi Ekstrak Daun Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) Sebagai Aditif Pakan Alami Ayam Broiler.” (Efficacy of Nanoencapsulation of Extract Sungkai Leaf (Peronema canescens Jack) As a Natural Feed Additive for Broiler Chicken). She conducted this research for nearly two years, from developing the nanoencapsulation process to conducting in vivo and in vitro testing before applying it to poultry.
Bella chose this research topic in response to the issue of prolonged antibiotic use in broiler chickens, which can lead to residue and resistance that may negatively impact health. Therefore, alternative feed additives are needed. Through her research, Bella successfully formulated a feed additive derived from sungkai leaves that can serve a function similar to that of antibiotics.
Although antibiotics are generally more affordable, her research revealed additional advantages, including improved chicken health and suitability for long-term use.
“The results were very promising. The nanoencapsulated Sungkai leaf extract reduced harmful bacteria in the digestive tract, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus. It also increased the body weight of broiler chickens, although it reduced feed conversion. Additionally, carcass quality and meat quality were significantly improved with the use of this herbal ingredient,” she explained.
Despite her hobby of writing fiction novels under the pen name Bellazmr and having published several books, Bella admitted that writing academic journal papers was a very different experience. Nevertheless, she successfully overcame the challenge.
“During my studies, I completed six publications in international journals and participated in nine international conferences,” she recalled.
Throughout her academic journey, Bella acknowledged that she occasionally lost motivation and felt fatigued during the long process of completing her master’s and doctoral studies.
However, she was grateful to have supportive friends who encouraged her. She also managed her time strictly, setting clear daily timelines for her tasks.
“For me, it’s important to manage your timeline effectively and know what you need to accomplish each day,” she said.
Finally, Bella encouraged others to dream big. According to her, if a dream has not yet been achieved, one should not rush to change the dream, but rather adjust the strategy to achieve it. She recalled that during her early undergraduate years, she had considered dropping out. However, a lecturer advised her to embrace her path and make the best of it.
From that moment, Bella began to see her past failures as part of her journey, which ultimately led her to study at UGM. She hopes her achievements will benefit society and the nation in the future.
“I also ask for your prayers that at this young age, I can contribute more to my field, especially animal science. Through the scholarship entrusted to me by the Indonesian government, I hope to give back and contribute to Indonesia,” she concluded.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Bella’s Documentation