The Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, inaugurated three Professors from FMIPA at the USU Student Hall on Friday (06/12/2024): Prof. Dr. Marpongahtun, M.Sc., from the Chemistry Study Program, Prof. Dr. Kiki Nurtjahja, M.Sc., from the Biology Study Program, and Prof. Dr. Minto Supeno, M.S., from the Chemistry Study Program. The inauguration event was attended by Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., the Rector of USU, along with his team, the Board of Trustees, the Academic Senate, Professors, Deans and Vice Deans of USU, lecturers, staff, and guests, including family members, colleagues, and students.

The Rector of USU, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., began his speech by expressing appreciation to the newly inaugurated professors for their contributions to the advancement of the university, particularly in the fields of academia, research, and community service. "These professors are key assets that will strengthen the education and research ecosystem at Universitas Sumatera Utara," said the Rector.

In his speech, the Rector of USU highlighted various achievements the university had attained, including its improved ranking in the QS Asia Rankings, now at position 329, and its success in the Life Sciences and Medicine category, which reached the 601st place worldwide. He mentioned that USU has strengthened its position in engineering and science, which is one of its development priorities.

“Professors have not only a responsibility in teaching but also in creating innovative research relevant to society’s needs. They are the driving force behind change,” said Prof. Muryanto.

Prof. Dr. Marpongahtun, M.Sc., delivered his inauguration speech titled “Sustainable Photocatalysis: Utilizing Carbon Dots from Local Biomass for Environmental Applications”. He explained that carbon dots are an innovative development in sustainable photocatalysis due to their renewable sources. Carbon dots can be synthesized from abundant and renewable biomass sources such as agricultural and food waste, reducing dependence on fossil materials and turning waste streams into high-value products. The synthesis of carbon dots, using organic precursors, aligns with the goals of sustainable resource management and waste reduction. Additionally, low environmental impact can be achieved through green synthesis of carbon dots that emphasizes energy efficiency, water-based or solvent-free reactions, and the elimination of hazardous reagents. These practices significantly reduce the environmental footprint of carbon dot production compared to traditional photocatalytic materials such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), which requires energy-intensive processes and non-renewable precursors.

On this special occasion, Prof. Dr. Marpongahtun, M.Sc., expressed his gratitude, respect, and appreciation to everyone present who had provided motivation, support, and prayers throughout his career, particularly to his parents, whose example and prayers have been invaluable. He also thanked his family, including his beloved husband Dr. Mahmud, M.Sc., and two daughters, Anisa Ammar, ST, and dr. Hafizhalaila Ammar, M.Ked (Rad), who have been by his side through both good times and challenges. Additionally, he thanked the lecturers and staff who provided technical support.

Prof. Dr. Minto Supeno, M.S., delivered his inauguration speech titled "Reducing Octane Numbers and Physical Properties of Bioethanol Using CPO Rubber Filler to Produce E85 Bioethanol as a Renewable Energy Reserve for Indonesia". He discussed Indonesia’s great potential in developing renewable energy, particularly bioethanol. As the world’s largest palm oil producer, using CPO (Crude Palm Oil) derivatives as raw material for bioethanol can be a strategic step in boosting the use of renewable energy. Using CPO in bioethanol, especially E85, offers several advantages, including reducing carbon emissions, diversifying energy sources to reduce fossil fuel dependency, lowering fuel imports, and strengthening national energy security. Using CPO for bioethanol production can also maximize abundant local natural resources, create new job opportunities, and add value to the palm oil industry. The use of E85 bioethanol can lower octane numbers and have more compatible physical stability with engines, enabling wider application.

On this happy occasion, Prof. Dr. Minto Supeno, M.S., also expressed his gratitude to his family for their support until he reached the position of Professor today. He thanked his father, Miskandar, as an extraordinary hero and role model for the family, his beloved mother, Supiah, for her tireless efforts for her children, and his wife, Dra. Dwitri Saulina, M.Si., for her unwavering support, love, and warmth, keeping him motivated throughout his career. He also thanked his children, Puspa Ayu Maretha and Arya Saka Wicaksono, for their patience and support.

Prof. Dr. Kiki Nurtjahja, M.Sc., delivered her speech titled “Mycotoxins and Food Security”. She explained that the production of aflatoxins by strains of A. flavus in food materials is a response of the fungus to the growing medium or type of food and the environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and relative humidity. Food Safety Management Systems are implemented to maintain food quality, preventing physical, chemical, and biological damage during storage.

During the same occasion, she also expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support throughout her journey to reach this point. Special thanks to her beloved husband, Dra. Sartini, M.Sc., who has faithfully accompanied her through both joys and sorrows, providing motivation and full support throughout her career. She also thanked her beloved child, drg. Aditya Eka Nurcahya, for their understanding, sacrifices, affection, togetherness, support, and prayers. Lastly, she thanked the USU academic community, especially FMIPA USU, for their support in helping her reach this milestone.

The event continued with a luncheon at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences USU, in the Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor, Unit 8. This event was attended by family members and colleagues of the newly inaugurated professors, along with leaders and the entire academic community of FMIPA USU.