Introducing 2025 PhD graduate, Dr. Lydia Mawar Ningsih
Dr. Lydia Mawar Ningsih earned her Ph.D. in Sustainable Technology Department under the supervision of Associate Prof. Hynek Roubik at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU). Her research focused on utilizing and converting organic waste into bioenergy and integrated energy that can be developed as sustainable for industrial activities. Her research topic was revalorization of tofu wastewater into bioenergy and integrated energy systems by converting organic waste into bioenergy and organic fertilizer.
Dr. Ningsih has coauthored 4 scientific publications, participated actively at international conferences, and participated in 3 international internships during the second and third years of her doctoral studies. She has been a member of the BRT at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague since the first year of her studies.
Question 1: How does it feel to have successfully defended your doctoral dissertation?
Dr. Ningsih: Defending my doctoral dissertation successfully feels like a significant milestone in my academic journey. It’s a moment of both accomplishment and motivation to continue contributing to my field, and I couldn’t believe that the process of defending is very smooth.
Question 2: Can you share pivotal moments from your academic journey that you believe were crucial in successfully defending your doctoral dissertation?
Dr. Ningsih: A pivotal moment was when I fully immersed myself in my research long hours in the lab, industry visits, reading extensively, and many discussions with my supervisor. This helped me truly understand my work. During writing, I focused on combining my publications into a clear story and practiced my presentations to deliver them confidently and on time. These steps were key to successfully defending my dissertation.
Question 3: Reflecting on the process, what were the significant challenges you encountered while writing your dissertation and defence phases, and how did you navigate through them?
Dr. Ningsih: One of the main challenges was integrating all my publications into a single, focused topic with a clear overall outcome. This required me to rethink the structure of my work and ensure consistency across studies. Time management during the writing and defense phases was also demanding. I navigated this by setting realistic timelines, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining regular discussions with my supervisor to stay on track and meet all deadlines.
Question 4: Balancing academic commitments, personal life, and other responsibilities can be demanding. How have you managed to strike that balance while working on your dissertation?
Dr. Ningsih: Balancing academic work, personal life, and other responsibilities required strong discipline and clear planning. I set a clear vision and monthly goals to track my progress and remained strict with the timetable I created for both personal and professional activities. I prioritized my commitments carefully and followed them with consistency. On weekends, I allowed myself time to
recharge—whether through short trips, relaxation, or reading articles that could support my dissertation and inspire new research ideas. This balance helped me stay productive while avoiding burnout.
Question 5: What valuable advice would you offer for fellow doctoral candidates preparing for their dissertation defence?
Dr. Ningsih: My advice would be to deeply understand your research rather than simply memorizing content. Be ready to explain not only what you did, but also why it matters. Practice your presentation repeatedly to manage time and deliver your message clearly. Stay open to questions and feedback, remembering that the defense is a discussion, not a confrontation. I also recommend preparing yourself for the unexpected, perhaps I am a bit of a perfectionist, but being thoroughly prepared helped me stay calm and confident in handling any situation that arose. Finally, take care of your health: get enough sleep, eat well, and maintain your well-being, as a clear and focused mind is essential for a successful defense.
Question 6: Do you have any recommendations for current and future BRT students?
Dr. Ningsih: My recommendation for current and future BRT students is to stay focused and committed to your work while remaining open to new opportunities. Actively participate in conferences to broaden your knowledge and expand your professional network. Take the initiative to visit different research teams and laboratories to gain international experience and diverse perspectives. If you are interested in deepening your expertise, write research proposals and pursue grant opportunities. Most importantly, enjoy the process, growth comes not only from the outcomes, but also from the journey itself.
Question 7: Now that you have reached this momentous achievement - What are your plans for the future?
Dr. Ningsih: After reaching this milestone, my plan is to continue developing my research career by expanding my expertise, pursuing independent research projects, and strengthening international collaborations. I am particularly interested in collaborating with industry so that research outputs can be impactful not only at the academic level as new scientific contributions, but also in practical and applicable solutions. Through grant-funded projects, publications, and interdisciplinary work, I aim to contribute research that creates real-world value while continuing to grow professionally and personally.
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