Last Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK) at Universitas Airlangga welcomed high school students for an immersive program called “FPK Campus Day Experience.” The initiative aimed to introduce FPK’s academic life and research opportunities, giving students a firsthand experience of being a university student for a day.
Unlike previous years when FPK representatives visited local high schools, this year BEM FPK invited students from SMA Kemala Bhayangkari 1 Surabaya to visit the campus itself. The program provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the faculty, learn about the study programs offered, career prospects, and academic focuses. The initiative was designed not only to familiarize students with the faculty but also to offer hands-on learning experiences similar to what actual FPK students undergo.
During the visit, the high school students attended an informative session introducing FPK, its various study programs, and the future opportunities available in fisheries and marine sciences. The presentation highlighted the breadth of learning, emphasizing that the field goes beyond fish cultivation and aquaculture to include areas such as marine biodiversity and ecological research. This session was led by Dr. Ayu Lana Nafisyah, S.Pi., M.Sc., Ph.D., who guided the students in understanding both theoretical concepts and practical applications in the field.
Following the classroom session, students participated in a practical Planktonology class, one of FPK’s specialized courses. Students learned to identify and study plankton, an essential component of aquatic ecosystems. The practical session included sampling plankton from FPK’s cultivation ponds, followed by observation and analysis in the Faculty’s Anatomy and Cultivation Laboratory. This hands-on experience allowed students to explore scientific methods and laboratory practices that are crucial in fisheries and marine science research.
The day concluded with an interactive session feeding alligator gar fish, one of the faculty’s notable collections, and a group photo to commemorate the visit. Students expressed high enthusiasm throughout the activities, particularly during the laboratory observations. Experiencing campus life for a day gave them insight into the academic, research, and practical aspects of higher education at FPK.
Through the “Campus Day Experience,” BEM FPK aims to inspire high school students, broaden their knowledge of fisheries and marine sciences, and encourage them to consider FPK as a potential choice for higher education. The program reflects FPK UNAIR’s commitment to outreach, academic engagement, and fostering interest in marine science research among young learners.
