Fermentation and Beyond: How Dzulianur Mutsla Brings Australian Teaching Principles to SITH ITB

Tempeh and shrimp paste (terasi), staples of Indonesian cuisine, might seem worlds apart in flavour and ingredients, yet they share a common thread: both are products of fermentation. For Dzulianur Mutsla, a lecturer at the School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology (SITH ITB), these traditional foods serve as a gateway to understanding the role of microorganisms in fermentation.

In her first three years as a lecturer in the Post-Harvest Technology Study Program, Uli, as she is affectionately known, has delved into the microbial dynamics of Indonesian fermented foods, studying processes like soybean fermentation in tempeh and fish and shrimp fermentation in terasi. Her fascination with these microbial processes inspired her to pursue a PhD in Food Microbiology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2017.

"I’m deeply interested in Indonesia's rich array of fermented foods because many are understudied. Understanding the role of microorganisms in these foods could unlock significant benefits," explained Uli, a member of the Microbial Biotechnology expertise group at SITH ITB.

Her decision to study in Australia was influenced by Professor Nyoman Pugeg Aryantha, a senior colleague and dean at the time, who specialises in microbial sciences and biotechnology.

"Prof Nyoman, who completed his PhD from the University of Melbourne, encouraged me to apply for the Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS). He shared his positive experiences of studying in Australia,” Uli said.

The Perks of Studying in Australia

Just two days after arriving in Australia, Uli was thrown into the deep end when her supervisor invited her to meet an industry collaborator involved in their research project. She was asked to explain her planned research at UNSW—an experience that taught her to think on her feet and speak confidently to establish collaborations.  As a PhD student, Uli found collaboration in Australia significantly easier than in Indonesia, due to simpler bureaucracy.

"When I needed to conduct research at a different campus or institution, I could directly email without waiting for my supervisor’s involvement. There were no burdensome administrative requirements," Uli explained, highlighting the streamlined processes in Australia.

Accessing advanced facilities was equally straightforward. “Using lab instruments from the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW or even at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) only required clear communication about my research needs,” she added.

Another privilege Uli valued was the freedom to experiment without delays. Unrestricted access to  UNSW’s lab allowed her to conduct research without interruptions, speeding up the data collection and processing. The freedom is something she truly misses.

Over four years, Uli mastered cutting-edge laboratory equipment and incorporated these experiences into her teaching at SITH ITB.

"Seeing and using the latest lab equipment, which I had only seen in books before, was transformative. I shared these experiences with my students through detailed explanations and videos,” she said.

Building Skills Beyond the Lab

Uli’s time at UNSW extended beyond research. Her supervisor encouraged her to become lab demonstrator and tutor, roles that sharpened her teaching skills and improved her English proficiency.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, however, posed emotional challenges, as Uli struggled with isolation far from her family.

"I frequently reached out to UNSW’s student support just to chat. They always listened without judgment and provided helpful solutions. Sometimes, I just needed to cry, and they were always there,” she recalled.

Her supervisor, Jian Zhao, also offered unwavering encouragement.

“He’d often say, ‘Uli, you can do this,’ and his positive reinforcement kept me going,” she added.

A More Approachable Teaching Style

Upon her return to SITH ITB in 2021, Uli implemented key principles from the Australian education system to enhance her teaching. She was particularly impressed by how Australian lecturers provided detailed course outlines at the start of each semester, enabling students to plan their studies independently and develop strategies for success. 

Uli adopted this approach, encouraging her students to take ownership of their learning. She also embraced the philosophy that no question is too trivial, fostering open discussions and creating a welcoming environment for student inquiries. 

Her time in Australia also influenced her communication style, making her a more approachable lecturer. Uli recognised the confidence she gained from being as an equal by her supervisors and realised that a supportive, non-intimidating approach encourages students to engage more actively. “I’ve come to realise that being a 'tough' lecturer can be counterproductive, as students who feel intimidated are less likely to engage and respond,” Uli said.

Expanding Horizons and Personal Growth

After earning her PhD, Uli’s academic career progressed significantly. She took on additional responsibilities, including coordinating student affairs and managing the Merdeka Belajar – Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program for one of the study programs in her faculty.

In January 2024, Uli collaborated with her former UNSW co-supervisor, Julian Cox, an Associate Professor of Food Microbiology, and Ariestya Arlene Arbita, a senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Parahyangan Catholic University (UNPAR). Together, they organised the 2024 International Student Conference with the theme “Empowering Youth and Local Voices for Human-Centric, Sustainable, and Inclusive Smart Cities.”

The conference hosted 24 students: eight from UNPAR, seven from SITH ITB, and nine from UNSW. The 10-day event featured networking, cultural exchanges, and field visits to coffee farms and tempeh production sites. Planned as an annual collaboration, this initiative strengthens ties between the three universities while providing students with invaluable learning experiences.

Despite her busy teaching schedule, Uli remains actively involved in research. Her recent project explores the use of bacteria to enhance cocoa bean quality, reflecting her continued dedication to microbial studies.

Beyond academics, Uli’s time in Australia profoundly shaped her perspective. “Australia is so diverse and culturally rich, and I found the people incredibly friendly,” she said, adding that they made her more relaxed and approachable. 

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic also taught her to embrace uncertainty and live in the present moment. 

“The pandemic reminded me to go with the flow, as life is unpredictable,” Uli reflected.

Looking ahead, she hopes to return to Australia for postdoctoral research, as a visiting fellow, or through the Australia Awards Short Course program, eager to continue expanding her knowledge and collaborations.