Born and raised in Jakarta, Mutiara Anissa has always wanted to study abroad after high school. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford. “I was very into studying physics, biology, and mathematics in high school. During my final high school exam, I got my worst score in Biology because I don’t really understand it. So, I choose the subject for college to learn it better. Now, I understand this subject the most,” said Mutiara, who is always interested in how the human body works.
After graduating college, she went back to Jakarta and worked in a lab, where she did research on cancer. Mutiara continued her studies in 2016 and received a Master of Science degree in cancer from University College London. She chose to learn about cancer because it has many varieties and causes. Before the pandemic, cancer is the number one disease in the world. “It is a disease that you can’t really predict, still unsolvable, and there are so many of them.”
However, during her studies in the UK, she learned about more than cancer. “I learned a lot of interdisciplinary subjects like behavior science, clinical trials, and so on. I saw that biology is connected to many other fields,” she explained.
When Mutiara returned to Indonesia after her studies, she went back to working in a laboratory. Then, the pandemic happened. “I was pregnant and I wanted to try other experiences. So, I became a lecturer,” she said. Mutiara was a Lecturer for Academic Writing, Microbiology, Genetics, Developmental Biology, Drug Discovery, and Molecular Medicine in Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences (i3L). While teaching, she founded Pandemic Talks, which helps deliver news and information about the pandemic in an easy and communicative ways.
From her experiences, she learned more creative ways to share biology. “We learn about behavior science in the UK and how to be a teacher and educate family and friends, which is the main foundation to become the science communicator that I am now,” explained Mutiara.
Now, Mutiara has shifted from doing pure biology in the lab and going into more science communication, where she feels like she can reach more people. “When you are in a lab, you make a paper about a disease and maybe you have some people to look at it and it can benefit a small group of researchers. With science communication, I feel more useful because I can really help people understand more complex things about biology and choose a better lifestyle,” she said. For Mutiara, her current work is more fulfilling and her overall goal is to have young people understand the subject better. It is also a very niche industry as not a lot of people in Indonesia knows how to communicate science in a general way. “Being a scientist is not only option if you want to study science.”
However, Mutiara face many challenges with her work. First, the science communication industry is still very niche. “People in social media are still resistant in understanding science. Many still believe hoaxes and conspiracy theories, which is one of the main hurdles as a science communicator,” explained Mutiara. In addition, there is a lack of interest in the science industry. Mutiara acknowledge that we need more people to help and build this ecosystem.
Lastly, there are not enough mentors for women in science. “Especially because I have kids and family, I find it hard to find women in the industry that I can look up to,” said Mutiara.
No matter the hurdles, Mutiara still find the work that she does very rewarding. Especially when she receives messages about how her work makes them understand certain diseases better.
Her message to other women in STEM is:
“Don’t be afraid if you like something and if you are really interested in something, just go for it. Find your way and find that extra bravery with yourself, nothing is impossible.”
