Ariesti Karmila is currently studying for a doctoral-level degree in epidemiology at the College of Medicine, Michigan State University. With her background in biomedical science and training as a pediatrician (both degrees from Sriwijaya University, Palembang), she hopes to conduct research in the area of molecular epidemiology to contribute to the effort to mitigate infectious disease, especially among children.

She is currently a faculty member in the Department of Child Health, College of Human Medicine, and Mohammad Hoesin Teaching Hospital, Sriwijaya University, Palembang.