FSE Alumni

Sebastián Ayala Ruano

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering with a subspecialisation in Software Engineering in Ecuador. While looking for a master's programme, I discovered that Systems Biology at Maastricht University provided the ideal combination of both fields. However, the costs of studying abroad were beyond my reach, so I applied for financial assistance. Receiving the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship made my dream of studying Systems Biology possible.

Studying at UM has been an incredible journey. I liked the project- and problem-based learning (PBL) methodology, the high-quality research institutes, and the university’s international orientation. PBL encouraged me to become an active learner, improved my communication skills, and appreciated diverse viewpoints from my classmates. Being in such a multicultural environment allowed me to expand my horizons and build friendships with people from around the world. Living abroad also fostered my personal growth, as I adapted to an independent life, far away from family and friends.

I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this scholarship offered and will remember these past few years as one of the best experiences of my life.

Mariana Gouvea

Coming from Brazil to the Netherlands to pursue a Master's degree in Biobased Materials was a big dream for me. Thanks to the NL-High Potential Scholarship, this dream could come true. I am delighted to be living here and grateful for all the places and people I have met. 

My master's programme is made up of people from different nationalities and backgrounds, and it is not even possible to tell how much I have learned from them. Problem-Based Learning exposed me to a new way of learning, with a lot of challenges, but also proved to be a great opportunity to prepare me for my future goals. Along with this, all the practical classes and hands-on experience offered to us have taken me to the next level. 

I am happy to see how much I have grown academically and personally and, more than that, that I have found a second home here!

Mohammad Daud

The master’s in Biobased Materials is beyond my expectations, which I had as an applicant.

While applying to this programme, I knew that it is taught inside the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. But the high level of collaborations and exposure to innovations I am experiencing here is just incredible.

The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) structure of education here at UM is transforming my perception that learning is not necessarily vertical (from professors and tutors). It is wondrous that I am acquiring a lot of skills and knowledge horizontally (from my classmates and peers). I am amazed by this idea of PBL and the efforts to create a truly diverse study group to enhance the learning experience.

Leena Al-Hazmi

I am Leena, a master's student at Maastricht University (UM), fortunate to hold the Brightlands Talent Scholarship. 

My journey at UM has been incredibly fulfilling, offering a blend of diverse experiences and exciting opportunities. I am still in my first year, and my experience with practical labs in my programme has been a highlight, allowing me to perform MRIs, spectroscopy, and construct an optical microscope. All this has added fascinating dimensions to my learning that I could never have imagined. 

The unique learning approach at UM, Problem-Based Learning, has significantly improved my understanding of course materials, fostering better retention compared to traditional lecturing methods. It has also honed my critical thinking and teamwork skills. 

All of this unfolds in Maastricht, a beautiful, serene city away from the bustling crowds of big cities, with a vibrant campus and a diverse community.

Gabriel Domingues Gonçalves

I remember the first time I entered the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. The first thing I saw was a huge cooling tower (the one we always think is from a nuclear power plant). It was very impactful for my life, as for the first time since I had started studying, I felt part of something bigger. 

This was still when I was in my bachelor's, enrolled at a Brazilian University, and I came to one of the campus’ companies for an internship. It was then that I got to know Maastricht University and the master's programme in Biobased Materials. I knew I would be able to accomplish so much, when staying here. So I applied for the master's programme and was awarded a Brightlands Talent Scholarship. 

Saying that this scholarship has changed my life is a bit of an understatement. The professional growth I have experienced during the programme is much beyond my initial expectations, and much of it is related to the programme being taught at the Brightlands Campus. Besides, of course, studying with amazing professors, the connection between the university and the companies of the campus allows for an almost endless number of opportunities. For instance, currently, I am working as an intern at another company at Brightlands, as part of my final thesis research project. 

What I really like here is the shared interest in sustainability, among basically the whole campus, which has always been one of my biggest motivations and what I want to commit to as a professional. 

Beyond professional growth, I also enjoy the Netherlands and Europe a lot. I had the opportunity to make many different friends from various nationalities and backgrounds, which is really different from what I could do in Brazil. Living this exchange of cultures really thrills me. Also, traveling, one of my strongest passions, is very easy around Europe. I feel very happy and realised both personally and professionally here and definitely see myself staying a little longer after graduating. 

I am very grateful for the opportunities I had as a UM student and as a Brightlands resident, and I think the most important thing is how it prepared me for a future that looks really exciting.

Anton Changalidi

I am a student with a diverse background in data science and software development, focusing on projects involving genomic data processing and the incorporation of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods into healthcare solutions.

Everything started two years ago when I decided I wanted to study in Europe – since it is a great opportunity for me to communicate with scientists and other professionals from all over the world without difficulties. Maastricht was one of the few places that offered not only good programmes in Data Science but also generous funding opportunities.
I applied, and everything went smoothly during my interview. In April 2023, when I received my acceptance letter, my journey started!

What I like about my study programme is that its duration is two years. So I had the whole year for studies and small research projects, and I did not have to think about my master’s thesis. 

For the first half year, I dedicated myself to studying, and now I am also involved in different activities. I participated in a hackathon by the bank 'Bunq' in Amsterdam, where I applied the knowledge and experiences I received from NLP courses here. I will also participate in the conference ByteMAL, organised by UM, and in the Sciencepreneurship Summer School at the end of April, where I hope to enhance my practical skills and make a lot of new connections!

Last, but not least, are trips and adventures: for the past year, I had several trips to Belgium, Germany, Andorra, Spain, and all over the Netherlands. I like living in the (almost) middle of Europe!

Nicolas Henriksson

I graduated from UCM in 2019, exploring everything I loved, from international relations and psychology to sociology and political philosophy. I just completed my master’s in Public Policy at the Hertie School (2025), focusing on public sector innovation and modernising governance. Today, I work with senior leadership at the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC), helping design change processes that integrate digital strategy, enable data-driven decision-making, and implement an organisation-wide feedback culture. UCM taught me the power of voice – how to carry it across contexts, shape it thoughtfully, and use it to build bridges. Leaving UCM was scary. Not everyone out there shares your ideals and promotes the common good. But you can set your mind to the positive aspects of life. I found my calling in ecosystem restoration and designed community projects with smallholder farmers in Uganda and Indonesia. That led me to COP26 and, eventually, to global climate diplomacy. UCM remains a home. A spirit that lives in me. And I can truly and wholeheartedly say: everything will be OK!

Annika Tensi

I graduated in 2016 with a focus on social sciences at UCM. I later completed a master’s and PhD in Agricultural Economics at Wageningen University, where I also discovered my passion for open science. Today, I bring that passion into my role as a consultant for research data management at the beautiful University of Bonn, helping researchers to make science more transparent and accessible. UCM was the perfect playground for my many interests. The freedom to explore (and eventually realise that law wasn’t for me), the close-knit, diverse community, and even the endless reflection sessions (which I truly dreaded at the time) all deeply shaped the way I study, work, and think today. I left with so much more than knowledge: I gained lifelong skills in navigating complexity, staying organised and resilient, and embracing new perspectives. My advice? Stay curious; lean into what excites and challenges you!