July 31, 2025
Figure 1. With the Luminex MAGPIX machine at EHI
Thanks to the ACREME Travel Grant, I had the opportunity to return to my hometown, Jakarta, for a research collaboration that became one of the most meaningful parts of my Master’s journey.
As part of my Master of Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne, I joined the Mueller Lab at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI), where I worked under the supervision of Dr. Rhea Longley. My research focused on Plasmodium vivax serology to identify Plasmodium falciparum patients enrolled in the PRIMA study (NCT03916003) who are at risk of P. vivax recurrence, to better inform targeted administration of primaquine.
A big part of this work involved analysing plasma samples from an Indonesian cohort, and I was lucky enough to carry out that part of the project in Jakarta through a collaboration with the Exeins Health Initiative (EHI). At EHI, I processed plasma samples from Indonesian cohort and a panel of P. vivax serological markers using the Luminex MAGPIX platform. I also presented my research plan and preliminary results to the researchers at EHI, which provided valuable feedback and enriched my understanding of field-based malaria research in Indonesia.
It was such a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. Being back home and contributing to research that directly impacts communities in Indonesia made me feel like I was giving back in a way that truly mattered. Through this collaboration, I was invited to join the Malaria Team at EHI, where I now work as a research assistant.
Since then, I’ve presented my project at the ACREME webinar and am currently preparing a manuscript for publication. I’m so grateful to ACREME for making this opportunity possible, it allowed me to grow as a researcher and helped shape the next steps in my career. I would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Rhea Longley from WEHI for her supervision and guidance throughout the project, as well as Dr. Rintis Noviyanti and the Malaria Team at EHI for their support and collaboration during my time in Jakarta. I’m excited to keep working in this space and continue contributing to infectious disease research that makes a real difference.
Maulina Hafidzah, WEHI
Figure 2. EHI Research Team