Rolina Anna Erica Sihombing

Name   : Rolina Anna Erica Sihombing
Batch : 2022
E-mail   : rolinaerica@gmail.com
Interest : bioconversion/biotransformation, insect biotechnology, microbiome, molecular biology, microbial biotechnology

Research Experience
During my study in the Biotechnology major at SITH ITB, my research focuses on utilizing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to convert inorganic selenium into organic selenium. Selenium is a micronutrient essential for cells, with one of its roles being to maintain redox balance within the cell. By utilizing BSF larvae, it is hoped that the production costs of organic selenium can be reduced, while also enhancing the nutritional value of BSF larvae as animal feed. The growth performance of BSF larvae was observed by measuring the length, width, mass, and growth rate of the larvae when given inorganic selenium. Selenium accumulation in the BSF larvae was measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometry with starch and iodine as chromogenic reagents. The molecular effects of selenium on BSF larvae were also observed by quantifying the expression of the selenoprotein synthetase 2 (SEPHS2) gene, which plays a role in the bioconversion process of inorganic selenium into organic selenium, using the RT-qPCR method.

Skills
DNA and RNA isolation, Microbe cultivation, PCR, PCR-DGGE, RT-qPCR, Agarose gel electrophoresis, UV-Vis Spectrophotometry, Microscopy, Cell culture, Statistical analysis (MS Excel, R, Minitab), Basic bioinformatics software and tools. 

Testimonial
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue my studies in the Biotechnology study program at SITH ITB and to have learned from inspiring and expert figures in their respective fields. In this program, I gained a wealth of knowledge that equipped me with both hard and soft skills to contribute to society. Thank you to the supervisors, lecturers, staff, and friends for the precious knowledge and experience.