Balikpapan – For Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, research begins with seeing possibilities in materials that others may overlook. Together with her research team at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), she is exploring how empty oil palm fruit bunches can be processed into electrode materials for batteries.

Her dedication earned her first place for Outstanding Scientific Publication Achievement at ITK for the 2025–2026 period, presented during the university’s 12th anniversary celebrations. For Yunita, the recognition reflects both her commitment to the institution and the collective work behind her research.

“I dedicate this award to ITK, the place where I serve, grow, and continue learning to become a better person and make more meaningful contributions every day,” she said.

Finding Potential in Waste

Throughout 2025–2026, Yunita’s research focused on electrochemical technologies for medical sensors, battery materials, and corrosion inhibitors. These fields share a common direction: exploring local resources and transforming waste into materials with added value.

One research project involves developing pouch-cell and coin-cell battery prototypes using materials derived from empty oil palm fruit bunches. The biomass is processed into porous carbon and modified with geothermal silica for investigation as an electrode material.

This approach creates opportunities to connect palm oil industry waste with energy-storage research. Further development is still needed before broader application, but the team has already produced several research outputs.

According to Yunita, the battery research has resulted in four battery prototypes, six publications in reputable international journals, two books, ten copyrights, and one granted patent.

Behind these achievements is a continuing goal: connecting the region’s resources with future technological needs.

The Persistence Behind Scientific Publications

Producing a high-quality scientific article requires more than completing experiments. Yunita and her team must ensure that their data are complete, valid, and consistent, then explain the relationship between material characteristics and performance.

Writing also demands precision. The research’s originality must be clearly demonstrated, its limitations acknowledged, and its conclusions supported by sufficient evidence.

Submission to a journal brings another stage of evaluation by editors and reviewers. Yunita views criticism, rejection, and repeated revisions as opportunities to improve the quality of the work.

Building a strong team is therefore essential. Shared goals, clear responsibilities, communication, and discipline help each member contribute effectively.

For Yunita, publications grow from a research environment built together. Individual recognition carries the efforts of many people behind it.

Bringing Science Closer to the Community

Yunita also wants research to reach people beyond the laboratory. Through the Semesta In-Saintek 2026 program, her team introduced battery technology to approximately 1,600 school students and members of the public.

Activities included a School Roadshow, Discovery Day, and an exhibition of ITK’s technological products. Participants learned how batteries work and took part in battery-assembly activities alongside the research team.

These experiences made science more approachable. A battery, usually seen simply as a component inside an electronic device, became a starting point for asking questions, experimenting, and understanding technology.

Yunita hopes such activities encourage curiosity and give young people the confidence to explore. They also extend the benefits of research through education and technological literacy.

Growing Together as a Team

Alongside her research, Yunita serves as Head of ITK’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), a lecturer, and Head of the Electrochemistry Research Center.

She manages these responsibilities through time management and task allocation based on each team member’s expertise. Goals are established, progress is discussed regularly, and challenges are addressed together.

She applies the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle: planning, implementing, evaluating, and improving. This approach helps the team maintain measurable progress while strengthening the quality of its work.

For her, managing multiple responsibilities also means creating opportunities for others to grow and take ownership of their contributions.

Having the Courage to Begin

Yunita encourages young lecturers and students to take their first steps, even when success is not immediate.

“Do not be afraid to begin, do not give up easily when facing failure, and do not stop learning simply because the results you hoped for have not yet been achieved,” she said.

She urges young lecturers to build their research experience and teams consistently. Students, meanwhile, are encouraged to experiment, exchange ideas, and learn throughout the process.

The recognition at ITK’s 12th anniversary marks another milestone in that continuing journey. There are still materials to investigate, ideas to develop, and knowledge to share.

“I believe ITK’s progress is not built by just one or two people, but by individuals who keep learning, work together, and give their best in their respective roles,” she said.