Strengthening its commitment to the global circular economy, the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) recently facilitated an intensive one-month research residency for Gamma Denta Karisha, a Chemical Engineering undergraduate student, at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia. This exchange, funded under the International Students Exchange (Outbound) World Class University Program EQUITY Batch 2 2026, represents a strategic effort to immerse Undip’s emerging researchers in high-caliber international laboratory environments.
The research conducted targeted a critical side of material science: "Chemical and Structural Analysis with Value-Added Utilization of Biochar Co-Products from Thermo-Catalytic Methane Conversion for Sustainable Applications." By analyzing its unique chemical architecture, the study seeks to transform this material into a high-value asset for sustainable industries including agriculture and soil remediation, effectively turning a process byproduct into a functional, marketable resource.
The residency was conducted through a cross-border mentorship between Dr. Dessy Ariyanti, S.T., M.T. (Undip) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fazlena Hamzah (UiTM). This partnership granted hands-on access to advanced characterization tools and reactor systems at UiTM, allowing for an elevated level of material analysis.
Reflecting on the professional growth gained during the residency, Gamma noted the importance of the international perspective: “Working with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fazlena Hamzah provided the technical depth needed to turn waste byproducts into sustainable solutions, aligning our research with global standards for material valorization.”
By fostering these international ties, Undip ensures its undergraduates are not only participating in the global scientific dialogue but are actively contributing to the future of green technology. This ongoing partnership with UiTM is expected to yield further joint research outputs and strengthen regional academic synergy.

