Luc Ector Bursary award – Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi
Hi, diatom lovers, I’m Oktiyas, currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Environmental and Marine Science at the University of Szczecin, Poland, with prior degrees from the University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan (M.Sc.), and Diponegoro University, Indonesia (B.Sc.). I have
enhanced my expertise through specialized training including underwater photography and molecular biology. An active member of several professional societies, including ISDR. I hold multiple certifications in scuba diving and ecological assessment. My research contributions are 
documented in a variety of scientific publications, showcasing my findings in marine tropical ecology such as coral reef ecology, marine conservation, and recently focus on diatoms. My fascination with diatoms began during my undergraduate studies in marine biology, where I
first encountered these microscopic marvels. Diatoms, with their intricate silica shells, not only contribute to a significant portion of the world's oxygen but also serve as a vital component of aquatic ecosystems. Their ability to reflect environmental changes intrigued me, leading me to delve deeper into diatom research.
Since then, I have learned that Indonesia has very high tropical marine biodiversity. Indonesia, home to 14% of the world’s coral reefs, cluster at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the most biologically diverse marine region on the planet. This area show off an astonishing 570 species
of coral. Given this remarkable biodiversity, it is reasonable to assume that the coral reefs’; diatom populations in Indonesia are equally diverse. Over the last three years, significant leap have been made in the identification of new diatom species in Indonesian waters, encompassing both freshwater environments and marine areas, particularly around coral reefs. For instance, expanse of family Catenulacea with a new member from Catenula (Catenula javanica) and a newly described genus of Catenulopsis (Catenulopsis catenulafalsa). With a
solid foundation in marine science and a proven track record in diatom research and well-prepared research, I believe in my ability to discover and describe new diatom species from Bawean Island and Java.
Currently, I am a recipient of the Luc Ector Bursary, an honor that has significantly propelled my research endeavors. As we open applications for the next cycle of the Luc Ector Bursary, I encourage aspiring researchers with a passion for environmental science and microorganisms to apply. This bursary not only supports your research but also connects you with a community of scientists dedicated to making significant contributions to our understanding of ecological and environmental dynamics.
For those interested in applying, this bursary could be your gateway to advancing your research and contributing to critical environmental insights through the study of diatoms. The ISDR Grant Scheme is now open until August 1st, 2024. Do you have any ideas that you would like funding for? Read on here: https://isdr.org/about-isdr-grants/ and apply here: https://isdr.org/how-to-apply-to-isdr-grants/
Author:
Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, Ph.D candidate from Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences,
University of Szczecin, Mickiewicza 16a, 70-383 Szczecin, Poland
*Corresponding author: omuzakyl@ub.ac.id