Andi Ramadhani is a PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire and part of the seventh cohort of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering at Hasanuddin University, Indonesia. After a year working outside the engineering field, she realised that air quality research was her calling. She then continued her studies to obtain a Master’s degree at Kanazawa University, Japan researching the atmospheric environment, specifically aerosol characterisation. Her adventurous nature and curiosity led her to pursue air quality studies with a more specific focus on bioaerosol monitoring at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

What are you working on within the Hub?

My PhD is under EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science with a research project about bioaerosols monitoring for building control system. This research aims to develop a bioaerosol sensor that will integrate with a Building Automation Management System to help limit indoor exposure. I will be working on improving and designing the Bio-OPC to leverage real-time bioaerosol data for building automation, such as health-focused HVAC control or mitigation strategies, at the PID (Particle and Instrumentation) group supervised by Prof. Chris Stopford, along with Dr. Warren Stanley and Dr. Jianghan Tian. 

What is the impact of your research so far?

Previously, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Hasanuddin University, Indonesia, and a Master’s degree from Kanazawa University, Japan, where I focused on researching the atmospheric environment specifically size-segregated PM down to PM0.1 and its carbonaceous component. I have contributed to bridging collaboration between these two universities: Ambient Nano Samplers (ANS) developed by Kanazawa University were gifted to Hasanuddin University, allowing more data to fill the current gap in aerosol characterisation in developing countries such as Indonesia. My undergraduate research on analysing TSP and its carbon component at the roadside was published in the Q1 journal Urban Science, in collaboration with a student from Kanazawa University. Currently, I am preparing a manuscript from my Master’s research that will contribute a detailed profile of aerosol characteristics in the Eastern Indonesia region.

What has been the highlight of your research career to date?

Being able to experience working with people from different countries and being part of different education systems. I believe global collaboration is key to achieving success in research. I am excited to collaborate and learn with more experts in the coming years, especially here in the UK.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy journaling, and in fact I have been doing it every single day for seven years and counting. Besides that, I love exploring new places by jogging and travelling. If you do not see me in campus, you can find me enjoying nature in the park while listening to music or podcasts.