PDIL’s First Graduate, Pardi Combines Mathematical Models with Environmental Science to Slow and Prevent Dengue Fever

Pardi Affandi, S.Sc., M.Sc., became the first graduate of the Environmental Science Doctoral Program at the Postgraduate Program at Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM). Pardi completed his doctoral studies for approximately 2 years and 10 months and took his final dissertation exam on Monday (3/6/2024) with a dissertation entitled “Mathematical Model of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Epidemiology”.

Pardi explained that his dissertation discussed the combination of mathematical models with environmental science.

“The contents explain how the SIR-ASI dengue fever disease model was formed by involving the most influential factors in the mosquito development process, namely the aquatic phase where mosquito larvae grow into adult mosquitoes,” he explained.

This model helps prevent the growth of dengue fever by reducing the growth rate of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This effort is carried out by providing appropriate treatment in the aquatic phase in the form of water chemicals that can inhibit the growth of mosquito larvae.

“The hope is that this model can help in the environmental engineering process to reduce the growth and development of dengue fever, which currently has no cure,” he explained.

As the first graduate of PDIL ULM, Pardi expressed his gratitude and happiness in welcoming the new degree which was the result of his struggle and persistence in studying as a student. He hopes that in the future he can be a good example and can provide motivation for his classmates to quickly follow suit and graduate.

Furthermore, Pardi said that after graduating he planned to continue research related to improving and refining the model obtained in his dissertation.

“Hopefully this step will make a good contribution to society and science, as well as support strengthening environmental aspects in accordance with ULM’s vision and mission,” he said.