FSE Alumni

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.

Sophie Koch

Wood weaves like a red thread through Sophie Kochs education and work. She started her studies in wood technology at the University of Applied Forest Sciences in Rottenburg. After this, she moved to Maastricht for her master’s in Biobased Materials. 

“When I started my master’s, at first, I was a bit overwhelmed because a lot of my classmates were chemists or polymer chemists. I even wondered if I chose the right programme. But I quickly figured out that everyone had very diverse backgrounds. Our starting courses were aimed at getting everyone at the same level.”

The interdisciplinarity of her peers turned out to be one of the great benefits of Biobased Materials. “The discussions with peers helped a lot during project periods. Certainly, when we needed to get into topics we didn’t know. Because of this, I lost my fear of unfamiliar topics. Sophie also liked the closeness to companies at the Chemelot industrial site.  “We were always in contact with industry partners. It was very interesting to see their commercial perspective on science.”

After her master’s, Sophie worked as a PhD student and postdoc at the ETH Zürich, continuing her research into wood as a source for bio-based materials. This year, she started a tenure track at the Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials in Vienna. 

During her time in Maastricht, Sophie lived in Sittard and Aachen. “I really liked Maastricht, it is a beautiful city. In February she will be back, invited by her colleagues at the AMIBM research institute, who celebrate their tenth anniversary. “I think it is a great opportunity to get back in touch with some of my old professors and the research groups there. Because I would be very interested to find some collaborations and to see where our topics overlap."

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.

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.

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.

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!

Thijs Vogely

Let’s cut to the chase: “Are you a Circular Engineer?” “Well, yes,” says Thijs Vogely, one of the first students to complete the Circular Engineering bachelor’s programme. Now, he’s pursuing a master’s in Mechanical Engineering in Delft. “I focus much more on sustainability than my peers who did different bachelor’s programmes.”

At the end of secondary school, Thijs was looking for a programme centred on sustainability. Initially, he considered earth sciences or climate studies. “Someone told me about the new Circular Engineering programme. I checked the website and saw that it was an engineering programme taught through the lens of sustainability.”

“Back then, I thought a ‘tough’ engineering degree like mechanical engineering wasn’t for me. But during my studies, that changed. Circular Engineering offers a broad range of subjects covering both sustainability and technical skills. That broad foundation naturally leads you to a master’s programme that suits you perfectly. For me, it was Mechanical Engineering, specialising in fluid dynamics and heat transfer.”

Studying the broad Circular Engineering programme allowed Thijs to explore different types of engineering and decide on what was right for him during his studies. It does mean that he needed to work hard to develop his specialist knowledge at the beginning but the UM problem-based approach means he is ahead of his classmates learning in international teams. “Sitting together solving equations on a blackboard isn’t really my thing. But problem-based learning forces you to engage actively and discuss ideas, and that’s been incredibly helpful. I have no trouble participating in a group of international students. Some of my Dutch peers struggle with that.”

All in all, Thijs was glad he chose Circular Engineering. “My time in Maastricht was really enjoyable. My interest in sustainability is still strong, and after my master’s, I plan to work in sustainable energy.”

Sarvesh Kumar

Were you prepared for your current master’s programme? “More than enough,” Sarvesh Kumar says when asked if his bachelor’s in Circular Engineering set him up for his master’s programme. “I’m actually revisiting topics that we already studied in detail during my time at Circular Engineering.

The integration of science, technology and sustainability was an important reason to choose Circular Engineering. “The world is shifting towards sustainability, and circular economy principles are being discussed everywhere. I wanted to combine both science and the circular economy, which would position me ahead of the curve and enhance my adaptability to future trends. This approach allows me to assess problems from a sustainability perspective while simultaneously evaluating their scientific feasibility.” 

The programme’s flexibility sealed the deal. “I like both chemistry and biotechnology, thus, I could not decide on either of them. At Circular Engineering you explore everything in year 1 before specialising in year 2. I ended up focusing on biotech.”

Now that he is studying Cell and Molecular Biotechnology at Wageningen University. Sarvesh misses Maastricht’s problem-based learning (PBL) system and international diversity. “PBL made Circular Engineering feel personal, collaborative, and hands-on.”

If available, would you have stayed for a master’s in Circular Engineering? “Absolutely, if every course integrates sustainability and circularity and has sufficient scientific depth. That’s the kind of interdisciplinary thinking I want in my career.” After his master’s, Sarvesh plans to stay in Western Europe. “Preferably in a company that works towards finding sustainable alternatives like the production of biofuels using microorganisms.”

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!

Uliana Rybina

At just fourteen, Uliana was already thinking about her future. She travelled across Europe visiting universities, searching for the right fit. She eventually chose University College Maastricht because she thought this study specifically was very good at blending science, business and real-world application: “I really wanted to understand the science, but also be able to immediately apply it to the business needs of the companies and societal benefit.” 

Uliana’s career began at UCM where she had “one of the best times of her life”. She immediately felt at home in the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme, where she could combine her interests in neuroscience, business automation, and computer science into a coherent study path. “I was always driven towards interdisciplinarity and combining business and science,” she says, “so I can help more people and build this bridge between the scientific world, or IT world, and the business world.”

She soon landed an “amazing” Applied Research Internship (ARI) at DENSO under the supervision of Wilfred van Dellen. She had no idea in those early months how significantly this would shape her career. “One month after I joined it as an Applied Research Internship programme, I was hired as a working student,” she explains. 

Today, three years after the initial internship, she works at DENSO as a Digital Transformation & Strategy specialist. Her role includes advising on which technologies the company should adopt, training employees in digital tools, and ensuring these technologies are effectively embedded across the organisation. And, most excitedly, she coordinates the internship programme.