Naufal Tsabitul Azmi — HTBAA Fall 2026

About me

Hi, I’m Naufal Tsabitul Azmi, a Biotechnology graduate from Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, Indonesia. My background includes laboratory and field experience in environmental microbiology, water-quality testing, aquaculture, and agriculture.

I am interested in how microorganisms can contribute to practical solutions for water pollution and agricultural challenges. I currently work as a boarding school mentor in Central Java while continuing to learn and prepare for further study in biotechnology.

My background

During my undergraduate research at BRIN in Bandung, I studied coliform contamination in dug-well water. My work involved water sampling, aseptic preparation, serial dilution, bacterial cultivation, and colony counting using Petrifilm and EMB agar. I also worked with water-quality measurements and field observations to understand the conditions surrounding the sampling sites.

Later, I worked as an Agricultural Specialist on an agrivoltaic project in Sumbawa. I assessed soil and water conditions and helped develop cultivation strategies with researchers, industry staff, and field teams. Working with difficult soil and limited water availability strengthened my interest in agriculture under environmental stress.

Why I joined HTBAA

These experiences gave me a starting point in laboratory and fieldwork, but I am still new to biomanufacturing and automation.

I joined HTBAA to learn how to turn an initial biological idea into a process that can be measured, tested, and repeated. I want to understand how microbial cultivation, formulation, and quality checks fit together, and how automation can support this work.

For my project, I am exploring a biochar-supported microbial inoculant for maize under water limitation. My first goal is to understand whether a suitable microorganism can be formulated with consistent viable-cell loading and remain viable during handling and storage.

I hope to use what I learn to strengthen my future environmental biotechnology research and bring more practical examples of biotechnology into educational settings.

My project idea: RootGuard

For my first project concept, I am exploring a biochar-supported microbial inoculant for maize under water limitation in Sumbawa.

The proposed carrier would be made from cocoa pod husk and okara. I am considering a strain-selected Bacillus subtilis candidate and would like to investigate whether it can attach to the carrier and remain viable during formulation and storage.

This is an early-stage proposal. Biofilm formation, storage stability, and benefits to maize still need experimental validation.

My first question is: Can I develop a formulation with a consistent, measurable viable-cell loading?

Homework, labs, and projects

This website documents my work for How to Biomanufacture (Almost) Anything — Fall 2026.

Use the navigation menu to explore my homework and project pages. I will use these pages to record:

  • My understanding of each assignment.
  • Design choices and the assumptions behind them.
  • Calculations, references, and proposed experiments.
  • Questions, limitations, and changes made as I learn.

Research interests

  • Microbial approaches to water remediation.
  • Biofilms and microbial attachment to carriers.
  • Biochar-supported inoculants for agriculture.
  • Accessible biotechnology learning in educational settings.

Contact

You can find me on the HTGAA course forum as Naufal Tsabitul Azmi.

I would be happy to exchange ideas with others learning about environmental biotechnology and microbial manufacturing.