Wardah Kamilia Zulfa, a graduate of the Biology Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM) UNDIP, class of 2020 who graduated in 2024, is currently building an impressive career as a Quality Control Leader at PT Nulab Pharmaceuticals Indonesia (Guardian Pharmatama Group) in Tangerang City. In the pharmaceutical industry, which demands high standards of quality, precision, and integrity, she carries significant responsibilities in microbiological, chemical, and physical testing. These tests are conducted on both packaging materials and finished goods to ensure that all products consistently meet pharmacopeial standards, regulations, and the company’s quality management system comprehensively.
Her current career journey was not achieved instantly, but rather through a consistent process of self-development since her university years. As a former acceleration program student during high school, Wardah initially faced challenges adapting to the highly competitive academic environment at university. However, these challenges ultimately shaped her resilience, intellectual maturity, and strong determination to keep growing. Her commitment eventually led her to graduate with cum laude honors while also gaining various professional experiences aligned with her interests in science, research, and the pharmaceutical industry.
One of Wardah’s most remarkable academic achievements during college was successfully completing a master’s-level research project in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), which she later used as the topic of her undergraduate thesis and completed in only around six months. The research was then further developed together with BRIN Junior Researchers and successfully published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. The prestigious publication was titled “A Novel Thermostable Class 3 L-asparaginase from Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus: Characterization and Potency Against MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.” This research carried strong novelty in biomolecular development, particularly in the exploration of therapeutic enzymes with potential applications in cancer treatment.
For Wardah, FSM UNDIP played a highly fundamental role in shaping both her academic and professional capabilities. FSM not only provided a strong scientific foundation in biology and laboratory work but also developed her critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and adaptive abilities, all of which have proven highly relevant in today’s dynamic professional world.
During her time as a student, she was not only active academically but also highly involved in various strategic roles. Wardah served as an Expert Staff in the FSM Student Senate, became the PIC of the Medical Team for Universitas Diponegoro’s sports olympiad event (Olimdipo), participated as a speaker in a Career Talk organized by Kesma BEM FSM, and worked as a Microbiology Laboratory assistant for the International Undergraduate Program (IUP). She also expanded her professional exposure through the Certified Internship and Independent Study Program (MSIB) at the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM RI) as a Food Safety Auditor and at BRIN as a Research Intern in the Genomic Laboratory. The combination of strong academic foundations and multidisciplinary exposure became crucial preparation that ultimately led her to be entrusted with her current position as a Quality Control Leader.
Closing her inspiring story, Wardah quoted a statement from Vincent van Gogh: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” To FSM UNDIP students, she emphasized that university life is the best time to build competencies, broaden experiences, and develop personal character. “Do not hesitate to explore opportunities outside the classroom, whether through organizations, research, competitions, or internships, because every experience will provide new value and perspectives for your future career journey,” she stated. Wardah also reminded students that consistency, intellectual growth, and the courage to face challenges are the main foundations for the future. At the same time, maintaining spiritual values and a close relationship with the Creator is equally important in shaping one’s life direction, clarity, and personal integrity.