Sri Budhi Utami, currently at the University of Liège, Belgium (photo credit: D. Boukhalfa)

Geochemists on the Move: Sri Budhi Utami

In this next article in the ‘Geochemists on the Move’ series, Sri Budhi Utami, a postdoc currently based in Belgium, tells us about some of her experiences across the globe…!

Please tell us about yourself

I am from Indonesia, but have been on the move since I was six years old. So I was lucky enough to grow up in the Netherlands and Scotland as well as Indonesia, before going to universities in Canada for both my undergraduate and first graduate degrees. I then completed my PhD in Singapore, in collaboration with institutes in France, on an Indonesian volcano called Kelud (or Kelut). After a gap year back home in Indonesia, I am currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Liège, Belgium in collaboration with universities in Germany. In 2025, I will move again to the University of Queensland, Australia!

 

I study the petrology and geochemistry of active volcanoes to understand why and how they erupt the way they do. I analyze the geochemical compositions of rocks and minerals, model timescales from diffused growth zones using a technique called diffusion chronometry. I also estimate eruptive parameters such as magma ascent rate and magmatic volatile content using various methods. Finally, I conduct high-temperature phase equilibrium and diffusion experiments to constrain magmatic storage conditions and timescales, respectively.

What have been some of the biggest challenges moving transnationally for you scientifically and/or for your family?

For as long as I can remember, immigration and visas have been a constant source of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, because of my passport “strength”, I cannot visit many countries without planning in advance. Even in the most ideal situation, the visa application process is often expensive, tedious, and time-consuming.

 

I also hear plenty of horror stories from colleagues who had to wait for months for visa approval; delayed the starting dates of their position several times; and call off their attendance to conferences, workshops and other professional activities. The heartbreaking part is that in some cases, the issue is beyond their control. So I do not treat immigration and visa issues lightly.

Dining with Indonesian students association and diaspora to break the fast during Ramadan in Liège, Belgium (Photo credit: Q. Zulfikar).
Visiting the TOF-SIMS facility at the University of Duesburg-Essen to conduct analyses on my experimental runs.

However, not all visas are created equally. One upside is that my current research permit enables international mobility. Currently, I work and collaborate with wonderful and generous colleagues in France and Germany who have been instrumental in my research projects. I am forever grateful for their contributions!

Can you recount an occasion when perhaps things “got lost in translation”, or events took an unexpected turn during your time in your new country?

My department secretary once came to me with an envelope from the Singapore Police Force (SPF). Upon seeing the puzzled look on her face while handing the envelope, I smiled at her. In truth, I was gathering various police checks as part of my Australian visa application. I needed a copy of the Singaporean police check and requested to have it sent to my university address. I was happy to tell her that I have indeed a clean record from Singapore!

What advice can you give to others considering making a transnational move to pursue their career in geochemistry?

As soon as you know that you will move, plan as soon as possible. The earliest you can get things done in preparation for the move, the less stressful the move becomes. Be realistic on the starting date of your position, and ask if it is possible to negotiate starting dates.

 

If you are offered assistance in any shape or form from your university or workplace for your transnational move, take it. I am currently working with immigration lawyers appointed by my university in Australia for visa sponsorship, and they have been indispensable.

 

For research fellowships, plan for mobility options in advance, especially if they require visa applications. Consider which workshops, laboratories, conferences, etc. you plan to attend. Professional societies like the European Association of Geochemistry offer grants and bursaries for people to attend conferences.

Giving my first in-person oral presentation at the EGU General Assembly 2024 in Vienna Austria (Photo credit: D. Bhoukhalfa).

Even with all the planning involved in transnational moves, things like unplanned delays, culture shock, and homesickness never really go away. So be kind and patient with yourself if you have a hard time moving and/or adjusting to your new environment.

What resources or support networks did you find most helpful during your transition?

For me, the most helpful form of resource have been the people I interact with along the way. Some examples include:

  • International research and/or student services – having people on your side when you are new to the country is indispensable. The international student and research services in my current and past universities have been commendable.
  • Local community centres – community centres offer the opportunity to familiarize yourself in new surroundings and actually get involved with the community. I still remember my time practising French while snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in and around Montreal, Canada – these experiences were made possible due to a local community centre.
  • International student associations – maintaining cultural ties to your country becomes difficult when you live abroad. Student associations, or diaspora groups often hold cultural events where you can share your experiences, eat familiar food, and interact with people who are in the same situation.

Looking back, what are the most valuable lessons you learned from your experience living and working in a foreign country?

Fieldwork at Kelud volcano, Indonesia with my PhD advisor and collaborators from Singapore and Indonesia (Photo Credit: C. Widiwijayanti)

Living and working in many countries allowed me to achieve milestones I could never have imagined if I stayed in one place. These milestones have been measured out in geographical locations as much as they have been in time: my passion for science started in a chemistry lesson in Aberdeen, Scotland; my desire to contribute to geochemical research was cemented in Vancouver, Canada; and my dream of studying an Indonesian volcano that has shaped my family’s history was achieved in Singapore.

 

Travel and living/working in so many countries have also broadened my mind and allows me to connect with different seemingly unrelated groups over commonalities. I developed skills I would not have been able to without travel, such as independence, creativity, adaptability, open-mindedness, and resourcefulness that have served me well (so far!). Travel allows me to understand and believe in myself. Some people may not understand my lifestyle, because they have never experienced living in a way where ironically, change is the only constant. Some people may not appreciate my contributions and skills as an international person. That’s okay. It does not mean I have no value. In fact, travel has strengthened my sense of self-worth. I am confident that, if not here, I am valued elsewhere.

 

All of these lessons benefited me and informed how I approach my research. Due to my travels, I have come to appreciate how lucky I am to be able to be a geochemist.

Interview conducted by the EAG Communications Committee