Chemistry can be found in every matter around us, which is what makes Chrissy Rugian interested in the subject. In high school, she enjoyed memorising the elements and names in the periodic table. She joined a science competition in high school and got into the top 20 regionally. “I really like chemistry and want to pursue it further,” said Chrissy.
Therefore, Chrissy got her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Indonesia. Then, she continued her studies at University College London and got a Master of Science degree in Biochemical Engineering. “The United Kingdom is known for their cutting-edge research that I can’t find in Indonesia,” she explained. Chrissy also enjoyed the fact that she can work part-time during her studies in the UK. She worked on a project with the University of Cambridge.
The 25-year-old also enjoyed the fact that studying in the UK is more interactive, which also made her become more independent. She started to become more and more interested in environmental chemistry, and currently working as an analyst at Zero Carbon Forestry Management, focusing on rainforest and mangrove conservation projects.
In 2022, she also expanded her platform participating in the Puteri Indonesia pageant representing her home province, Banten. As Puteri Indonesia Banten 2022, she was able to raise awareness about the importance of women in the STEM field.
“When I joined Puteri Indonesia, I really wanted to bring something new, fresh, and unique. Women in STEM and science specifically are still very underrepresented. Pursuing a career in STEM means that you can contribute to major global problems, like climate change, the pandemic, and plastic pollution,” explained Chrissy.
Her experience with the pageant gave her opportunities to work with the government and make sure that students can improve on their communication skills as well. Chrissy said that soft skills like critical thinking and communication are also important in her field.
From her advocacy as Puteri Indonesia Banten, she received multiple messages from students studying in STEM or pursuing a degree in STEM, thanking her representation. “From various parts of Indonesia, they could see me as a role model and feel represented,” she said. These messages are also proof that we need more women representation in the field. She also believes that having a woman mentor in the field is also helpful. “With role models, we get to learn from them.”
One of the biggest struggles as a woman in STEM is the stereotypes. “There are many that still see women and think that they are not capable enough to do this career,” continued Chrissy. Her mission is to prove that working in STEM is merit-based and that it is important to recognise different capabilities and skills. Women in STEM are very important in increasing the diversity in the industry as well. “When you work with like-minded people you can go fast, but if you work with people different from you, then there are more opportunities for new innovations and discovery.”
However, Chrissy recognise that it is not easy to change people’s mindset. Therefore, opportunities like British Council’s Women in STEM scholarship is a great opportunity to build more role models. “I hope that there are more applicants and more women to contribute their research to the betterment of Indonesia,” said Chrissy.
Lastly, her message to women pursuing a career in STEM is:
“Speak up, be brave and bold. When dealing with science, we are dealing with facts and data. Also, don’t be afraid if you are not good at maths and physics if you want to have a career in STEM. Yes, they are crucial as it is the basis of it, but STEM is much more than that. Whatever field you want to pursue, STEM is at the heart of it”.
