Lecture of Elemental Chemistry Practitioners and the Gait of UNAIR Chemistry Alumni in the Industrial World
On Saturday (10/09/22), the Department of Chemistry at Universitas Airlangga Surabaya held a Practitioner Lecture titled “P-Block Elements: Silica and Its Applications” in the Chemistry Meeting Room of the Faculty of Science and Technology. The event featured Drs. Muhajir, Quality Manager at PT. PQ Silicas Indonesia and an alumnus of the Chemistry Department at FMIPA, Universitas Airlangga. The guest lecture was attended by program leaders, lecturers, and students enrolled in the Chemistry of Elements course for the odd semester of 2022/2023.
In his opening remarks, Mochamad Zakki Fahmi, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Chair of the Department of Chemistry, emphasized that the events organized by the Department of Chemistry are not just limited to guest lectures. Through these events, participants can directly learn about the careers of Chemistry-UNAIR alumni in the industry and the vast career prospects in the field of chemistry.
Shortly after, Drs. Muhajir began the practitioner guest lecture, delivering two main parts. The first part covered industrial chemistry, and the second part discussed the roles that chemistry alumni can take on. In the first part, he explained the production process of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) using raw materials such as sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and sodium chloride (NaCl).
“Thank you for brushing your teeth this morning. Since you use toothpaste, it means you are our customers,” said Muhajir, causing laughter throughout the Chemistry Meeting Room. Drs. Muhajir explained the applications of silica in various products such as toothpaste, instant noodles, packaged coffee, fast food, and others. Each part of the industrial work was explained in an engaging and easily understandable language for students who are still unfamiliar with industrial operations. Adding to the interest, the speaker handed out snacks to several students who could answer questions during the presentation, making them more eager to respond to each query he posed.
He hopes that this lecture helps students better understand and grasp the concept of chemistry in the industrial world. “I hope that after this lecture, you will have an idea of what to expect when you graduate and if you want to enter the industrial world and what it entails,” Muhajir expressed. “I commend the program by the Department for inviting alumni who happen to work or have careers in the industry. It’s excellent. On one hand, I can share my knowledge, and on the other, students can understand what it’s like to work in the industry, which is a positive value for all of you,” he added, expressing his pride in the program organized by the Department of Chemistry.
The event, moderated by the young Sharon Brigidte Noya, an undergraduate student in Chemistry from the Faculty of Science and Technology, ran smoothly from start to finish. Meanwhile, the students were very enthusiastic and showed their excitement through the numerous questions directed at the extraordinary speaker.
Author: Yasmin Putri Nurjihan
Editor: Qurrota A’yuni
