Victor Adi Winata

After completing my Bachelor's in Marine Science at Brawijaya University, Indonesia, I strongly desired to deepen my knowledge of environmental DNA (eDNA) to trace the Bali Sardine because of the significant dwindling and overfishing in the past decades in Bali Strait, Indonesia. I also estimate the fish diversity in Southern East Java & Bali Strait, which will be presented at the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference. Since 2022, I have been pursuing a master's degree in Aquaculture, specializing in environment, at Brawijaya University to continue with my passion and work with Bali Sardine.

I am experienced with the fish genetics population with nuclear DNA & eDNA targeted for marine fish diversity via high-throughput sequencing. My previous research project specialization in the phylogenetic and population genetic study of Bali Sardine, based on the mitochondrial DNA, which was published (i.e., genetic connectivity of S.lemuru & Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of S.lemuru). The skills I honed during my previous project have equipped me immensely for my upcoming work with eDNA because of the challenge of obtaining S.lemuru morphological samples during the La Nina in the Bali Strait, & estimating fish diversity, including substitute & invasive fish.

During my graduate studies, I lead a fieldwork project as a representative field coordinator to collect microplastic biofilm microbes & eDNA sampling of bacterial communities in two depths in Bali Strait. I found that transcending research fields and borders to learn and exchange from diverse experts in Southeast Asia & the UK is most stimulating and critical to promoting collaborative projects in coastal environments with innovative molecular techniques in Southeast Asia in the face of global challenges, e.g., microplastics. During my time as a laboratory assistant since 2022, I have started to unravel jellyfish species, plankton communities, & pathogen bacteria with eDNA.

March 2024