Arida Susilowati, born in Pekalongan on January 13, 1980, is the third of six children. She began her higher education by obtaining a Bachelor of Forestry (S.Hut) degree in 2003 after completing her undergraduate studies (1998-2003). In 2006, he continued his Master's studies at the Forestry Science Study Program, Faculty of Forestry, IPB, and successfully obtained a Master of Science degree (M.Si) in 2008. Her doctoral studies were taken in the period 2009-2013 at the Tropical Silviculture Study Program, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry IPB.

During her education, Arida received a number of scholarships, including an achievement scholarship from Korindo (for the undergraduate program), Postgraduate Education Scholarship (BPPS) from the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (for the master program), and Ph.D Research Grant from SEAMEO BIOTROP (for the doctoral program).

In 2004, she began working as a lecturer and researcher at Kopertis Wilayah I North Sumatra, and since 2014 joined the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) with a main focus on forest cultivation. During her career as a lecturer, Arida has been active in various Three Pillars of Higher Education activities, which include education, research, and community service. Currently, she serves as Secretary of the Forestry Study Program, Faculty of Forestry USU (2021-2026 period).

Her areas of expertise include forest cultivation, forest genetics, tree physiology, and tree breeding. This expertise has been realized through various research works, publications, patents, books, and dissemination of research results at national and international seminars. Some of the awards that have been achieved include the Short Stay Program from Hokkaido University (2012), Satyalancana Karya Satya X from the President of the Republic of Indonesia (2019), and the USU Outstanding Lecturer award (2019).

Arida is also active in a number of scientific and professional organizations, including the Indonesian Silviculture Society (MASSI), Indonesian Arboriculture Society (MARi), Indonesian Biodiversity Society (MBI), E-DNA Society, Indonesian Plant Red List Authority (IPRLA), Indonesian Mangrove Society (IMS), and Indonesian Lecturers Association.