UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Jennifer Mawunya Suetor

“For me , the search for the right program and to study in Europe was deliberate. When I first came across the master’s in health food Innovation Management at Maastricht University, I remember thinking, this is exactly the program I needed. A curriculum built at the crossroads of food science, health, business, and innovation and one of its kind globally. It felt less like a next step and more like a calling.

Moving to the Netherlands has been the most  joyful part of this experience. The warmth and openness of the people here made the transition far smoother than I had expected. Though it took some adjusting, I have come to appreciate a culture where people say exactly what they mean.

UM's Problem-Based Learning approach was unlike anything I had encountered before. My academic background had trained me to work independently and deliver results, but PBL challenged me to think collectively, question assumptions openly, and engaged in a depth of critical dialogue that genuinely surprised me. 

The most remarkable thing about being here is the Brightlands campus itself , a space where food science, business, and sustainability genuinely meet. As a student, being surrounded by that energy is motivating. 

I am currently approaching the end of my first year and working to secure an internship with one of the companies on the Brightlands campus and my thesis will focus on the functionality of food ingredients, an area where I am most thrilled about .

Receiving the Brightlands Talent Scholarship brought me here.The program, the university, and the people have made me want to stay and I’m so grateful to be part of this community . There is still so much ahead, and I cannot wait to see where it leads to.”

Lila Rockwood

"Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I never imagined that my passion for polymers would eventually bring me to the Netherlands. As a first-generation university student, pursuing graduate education abroad once felt far beyond my reach. 

I completed my undergraduate degree in Polymer Materials Engineering in the United States, where I worked on projects involving recycled ocean plastics, recycled aerospace materials, and developed a passion for polymer circularity. This interest ultimately led me to Maastricht University's master's program in Biobased Materials Engineering.

I knew I wanted to continue my education in Europe, and Maastricht University quickly stood out as the perfect choice. I was particularly drawn to Europe’s strong commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through significant investments in research, innovation, and circular economy initiatives. At a time when sustainability-related funding opportunities in the United States were becoming increasingly uncertain, I saw Europe as a place where I could continue developing my expertise. However, I was unsure how to make this dream a reality. That changed when I began searching for scholarships that could support my studies and discovered the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship, an opportunity that made pursuing my goals at Maastricht University seem possible. 

Moving to the Netherlands has been an adventure in itself. I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a new culture and connecting with people from around the world. The scholarship program has provided countless opportunities to build meaningful friendships and expand my global perspective. Exploring the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique cuisine has made living in Maastricht an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to grow both personally and academically while pursuing my degree. 

For the final year of my studies through the connections provided by the Brightlands ecosystem, I secured an internship thesis project at Envalior, located on the Brightlands Chemelot Campus. My thesis project focuses on the selective physical recycling of mixed end-of-life vehicle waste, addressing a critical challenge in advancing a circular economy. Combining materials engineering, recycling technologies, and sustainability, this project represents exactly the type of work I hope to pursue in the future, and I am eager to begin this next chapter of my studies. 

Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in sustainable plastics research, helping create solutions that reduce waste, improve circularity, and enable the next generation of environmentally responsible materials. My experience at Maastricht University and Brightlands is already shaping that future in ways I could never have imagined."

Sadegh Rizi

"I am Sadegh, and I am a master’s student in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. The Brightlands Talent Scholarship gave me a chance to study my subject of interest at a deeper level and explore novel opportunities. It has been just one year since I moved to Maastricht, and it already feels like a lifetime of experiences and journeys! I studied biotechnology for my bachelor's at the University of Tehran, and this master's programme allowed me to shift more towards the computational side of biology, something I had wanted to do for a long time.

Studying at UM has been quite different from what I was used to back home. The Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach exposed me to teamwork and scientific communication to a great extent, and I feel I picked up just as many of these soft skills as I did the technical content of the curriculum itself.

I am currently doing my thesis at MLADiagnostics, a start-up on the Brightlands Health Campus, where I work on multi-omics biomarkers for melanoma. I feel fortunate to have found this opportunity, and I'm already quite certain that this is the direction I want to continue researching after my master's.

Maastricht itself is a gorgeous, cozy city. I always enjoy bird-watching in the parks and watching the sunset near the Maas River. I've made wonderful international friends here and had plenty of fun inside and outside of my studies. I've come to love the biking culture, even when it means cycling in the rain, and my friend and I have biked all the way to nearby cities in Germany and Belgium.

Overall, I am grateful to be here in Maastricht. This small, beautiful town has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow, both as a researcher and as a person."

Simbiat Oladoja

"My journey at UM began when I embarked on a quest to find a course that seamlessly blended my passions for food, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This quest led me to the master's in Health Food Innovation Management, a unique programme that stands out as one of its kind globally. The decision to move to the Netherlands was significant, but the experience has been amazing. I've embraced the culture, the sometimes rainy weather (which, oddly, I've grown fond of), and most importantly, the delightful snacks. Limburgse vlaai and stroopwafels have become such favourites that I even allocate a monthly budget for them!

UM's approach to education, particularly Problem-Based Learning (PBL), initially seemed unfamiliar, but the Pre-Academic Training (PAT) provided an excellent foundation. Due to this training, serving as the chair for the first PBL session was made easier, and it's been incredible to witness how PBL has improved my academic skills and cultivated my ability to engage better in group discussions and critical thinking.

The interdisciplinary nature of the study programmes has been a highlight, allowing me to delve into various fields. Among the standout courses was 'European Food Law in a Global Context', which sparked a newfound interest in food law. This aspect of the programme emphasises leveraging laws and their role in ensuring food safety and trade.

One particularly memorable experience during my study was participating in the Dutch Ecotrophelia Challenge during the 'New Product Development' course. Collaborating with my team, we developed a healthy and sustainable product called 'ReVeg': a vegetable broth powder made from vegetable side streams. It was also a good networking experience during the competition, and I could interact with students from other Dutch universities and witness inspiring ideas first-hand.

The Brightlands campus stood out as a pinnacle of innovation and collaboration. Visiting more recently, I was struck by the synergistic impact of bringing science, food, and business together. The opportunities presented by the Brightlands campus are undoubtedly transformative, offering a space where ideas can truly change the world.

I am currently immersed in my research thesis at PECTCOF, a company located at the Brightlands campus. Here, they specialise in producing ingredients from upcycled coffee pulp, a truly innovative product with vast potential applications across various sectors, particularly food. My journey to this project stemmed from one of my courses when I wrote an individual paper on food waste valorisation. Writing this paper ignited a newfound passion for delving deeper into the sector, especially considering the growing importance of upcycling food waste in shaping the global food system.

It's remarkable how, amidst the array of companies, I found one aligning perfectly with my area of interest. Applying for an internship role at PECTCOF was a natural progression, and being selected was gratifying.

What truly sets Brightlands apart is its ability to foster close networking spaces that bridge the gap between academia and industry. This collaborative environment facilitates knowledge exchange and nurtures partnerships that drive innovation forward. Coming from Nigeria, where such integrative ecosystems are rare, I'm particularly impressed by the potential impact of replicating this model across different regions worldwide. Establishing institutes like Brightlands in other regions across the globe could catalyse positive change and innovation on a global scale.

Moreover, I have developed a profound love for the Netherlands and the friendly nature of the Dutch people. Their warmth and openness have made my transition smoother and enriched my experience.

My experience so far at UM has been nothing short of transformative. It has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in health food innovation and beyond."

  Read the Brightlands interview with Simbiat (and Liza Salhoub)

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."

   Read the Brightlands interview with Mohammad

Liza Salhoub

"My journey at Maastricht University (UM), thanks to the Brightlands Talent Scholarship, has been nothing short of transformative. Nestled in the charming town of Venlo, I've found not just an academic institution but a warm and welcoming community that feels like home.

The unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system adopted by UM has been a revelation. It's more than just learning theories; it's about applying them to real-world scenarios, fostering practical thinking that's invaluable for my future in global supply chain management. The collaborative nature of PBL has not only enhanced my understanding of the subject matter but also honed my teamwork and communication skills. Through Brightlands, I had the opportunity to work with an innovative company that transforms coffee cherries into valuable bio-compounds used in food ingredient production, providing me with a unique hands-on experience.

Living in the Netherlands has opened up a world of exploration. From Venlo's cozy streets to the vibrant culture of Maastricht, every corner has offered enriching experiences. The scholarship has not only relieved financial burdens but also empowered me to make the most of my academic journey.

In essence, my time at UM has been a blend of academic rigour, personal growth, and cultural immersion. I'm grateful for the opportunities and support I've received, and I'm confident that the skills and knowledge I'm acquiring here will shape a successful future in the ever-changing field of supply chain management."

  Read the Brightlands interview with Liza (and Simbiat Oladoja)

Leena Al-Hazmi

Immersed in the world of imaging engineering, where my studies connect chemistry to electronics

"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."
 

  Read the Brightlands interview with Leena

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!"

  Read the Brightlands interview with Anton

Sara Graña Miraballes

"Maastricht is such a welcoming home for students all over the world, and I feel like I have made the right choice by coming here to pursue my master’s degree.

I particularly feel privileged to be part of the Brightlands community at Chemelot Campus. The fact that the Biobased Materials programme takes place at Chemelot is extremely unique and advantageous. Being in close contact with companies that are working on the most innovative ideas in the field of biobased materials enhances the learning experience of the programme. Everybody on the campus is committed to working towards sustainability, whether it’s through research or the production of innovative products.

The emphasis on student-led research is a significant part of the programme’s approach. I got the opportunity to carry out research on the extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural waste, as a way towards water valorisation. It is worth mentioning  that the small size of the programme adds value to the learning experience, which made it easy to connect with professors. They genuinely cared for my progress throughout the programme.

During the second year, I will get to develop my thesis project on the Life Cycle Assessment of a biobased product at one of the companies at Chemelot. This experience will be extremely enriching, directing me towards my dream workplace and possible companies I could envision myself working at."

Taisia Pimenova

"I’m a master’s student in Artificial Intelligence, and thanks to the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship, I have the opportunity to be a part of an exciting academic journey at Maastricht University, in the heart of Europe.

During my time at Maastricht University, the most constant feeling I had was a deep curiosity and a drive to learn as much as possible, even in areas that were completely new or complex to me. This was largely thanks to the project-based approach of my department and the university. Whether working independently or in a team, we were encouraged to tackle challenging and often unconventional problems. 

Individual projects gave me the freedom to explore my own ideas - from improving metrics in Reinforcement Learning tasks to optimising search algorithms. 

In group projects, the diversity of backgrounds among team members led to great combinations of research and implementation strategies, resulting in innovative solutions. 

This style of learning, alongside lectures, not only gave me the freedom to use state-of-the-art techniques but also taught me to think without limits.

I am truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m excited to apply everything Maastricht University has taught me with great passion and commitment!"

Esra Atak

"I am Esra, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Maastricht University as a UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship awardee. My academic journey began with a degree in Dietetics, followed by a master’s in Nutrition Science, where I specialised in non-communicable diseases. At the time, I was already working as a researcher in Helsinki, focusing on childhood nutrition and physical health. I never imagined I would pursue a second master’s degree, until my curiosity took me deeper.

As I continued my research, I became increasingly fascinated by the underlying mechanisms of diseases and the complex systems that govern the human body. I realised that to make a lasting impact in the field of health sciences, I needed a broader, more interdisciplinary education. That realisation led me to Maastricht University, a place I had long admired for its innovative Biomedical Sciences programme and its unique Problem-Based Learning approach, which puts students at the centre of their education. I knew this was the environment that would make learning a joy rather than just a means to pass exams.

Receiving the Brightlands Talent Scholarship has enriched my experience even further. It has offered me opportunities that go far beyond the academic setting, from valuable networking connections to access to world-class facilities. It has expanded my perspective and deepened my professional engagement in ways I never anticipated.

Now, having completed my first year, I can confidently say that choosing Maastricht University and becoming part of the Brightlands ecosystem has been one of the best decisions of my life. The academic rigor, the professionalism of the faculty, and the high-quality curriculum have all exceeded my expectations.

In the upcoming year, I will begin my internship with one of the companies at the Brightlands Health Campus, where I will be focusing on the gut-brain axis, an area I am incredibly passionate about. Being part of this inspiring community has been a deeply rewarding experience. The Brightlands Scholarship has not only supported my academic growth but has also opened doors to a lifetime of professional development and collaboration. It has given me a platform to grow, to connect, and to contribute meaningfully to the future of health and life sciences."