MIK student, Rizka Puspitasari, explores research on machine learning and climate health risks at Griffith University, Australia.
Scientific journeys not only demand perseverance but also invite us to explore diverse cultures and international collaborations. This is exemplified by Rizka Puspitasari, an employee at the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Syiah Kuala University and a Master’s student in Disaster Science. Rizka traveled to Australia to delve into research on Machine Learning and health with support from the Master’s Thesis Research Grant (PTM) of USK.
From August 9 to 19, 2024, Rizka undertook a Research Attachment at Griffith University in Queensland. Under the guidance of Prof. Taufik Fuadi Abidin and Dr. Connie Cai Ru Gan, Rizka explored new methods for using Machine Learning to predict climate-sensitive disease cases in Banda Aceh. This research is a multidisciplinary effort encompassing technology and information science, health sciences, and disaster studies.
On the first day, Rizka was accompanied by Cicely Nurse, a Griffith student pursuing a Master’s degree in health, to Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus for the “Griffith Open Day 24” event. The event showcased various activities, research, resources, and field practices at Griffith University. Rizka also met with the “Indonesian Student Association” at Griffith University.
On the second day, Rizka and Dr. Connie visited Dr. Yanming Zhu, an expert in Information and Communication Technology, to discuss Machine Learning methods used in the research. Dr. Zhu suggested several alternative Machine Learning approaches to enhance accuracy in predicting future climate-sensitive disease cases in Banda Aceh. Rizka spent subsequent days at the Griffith University Library writing a manuscript for the international AIWEST-DR 2024 conference with Cicely and Rachel.
On August 15, Rizka presented her research findings at a “Writing Retreat” held in a Seminar Room. This presentation aimed to obtain feedback from health experts to advance her research. Assoc Prof. Bernadette Sebar, a doctor from Kathmandu, Nepal, along with doctoral and master’s students in health, attended the event. This activity was supported by Core-Step – KONEKSI by the Australian Government.
Rizka also had the opportunity to visit the Nathan Campus – Griffith University in Brisbane with Indonesian students receiving Australian Awards scholarships. The trip took about an hour from Gold Coast to Brisbane by train. This visit was significant for Rizka as it allowed her to meet Filipino students who had studied in Indonesia, Indonesian students pursuing PhDs at Griffith, and to discuss her thesis with Dr. Connie Cai Ru Gan.
During her visit to Brisbane, Rizka volunteered at the EKKA Festival – Brisbane. Her role was as a volunteer for the EKKA Strawberry Sundaes initiative by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, which aims to promote healthier, longer lives and support groundbreaking research in heart disease, lung disease, mental health, and aging. Coincidentally, her visit aligned with Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, which she joined with Indonesian students studying in Australia at Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.
