Category: Students presentations

Watching the #week video during my last class has deepened my understanding of the urgency and potential impact of sustainable practices. It reinforced the idea that adopting circular economy principles (such as reducing waste, extending product life cycles, and rethinking material sourcing) is essential not just for environmental health, but also for building resilient economies.

Moving forward, I am more committed than ever to seeking solutions that prioritize material recovery, renewable resources, and zero-waste processes. Whether in materials science, supply chain management, or manufacturing, my goal is to design and advocate for systems that contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing reliance on finite resources and minimizing carbon footprints. Ultimately, this perspective will guide my career path, pushing me to pursue innovations that are not only effective but sustainable and beneficial to both people and the planet.

Looking to the future, I am deeply committed to advancing sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. In the health sector, I envision developing biodegradable polymers for medical implants, as my undergraduate work on hydroxyapatite reinforced composites has already shown promising applications in bio-based materials. In manufacturing and industrialization, I plan to promote the shift from linear to circular models, advocating for the use of recycled and bio-based plastics to reduce resource depletion and minimize waste. The supply chain, too, holds great potential for sustainable transformation. By integrating circular economy principles into product lifecycles—from material sourcing to end-of-life management—I believe we can create resilient, low-impact systems that mitigate environmental harm.

In a sum, I am motivated by a vision of a world where materials and processes contribute positively to both industrial progress and environmental stewardship. My commitment to sustainability, reinforced by a foundation in polymer chemistry and materials science, guides my professional path toward innovative and impactful solutions for a sustainable future.

About NNABUIKE LINUS ONUH

Howdy!! My name is Linus, I am an Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling master’s student at both the University of Miskolc and Polytechnic University of Madrid. I have a background in Materials Science and Engineering specializing in soft matter, polymer and composite materials synthesis, production, characterization, sustainable recycling, and upcycling for circular economy. I am adept at carrying out research works on optimizing various manufacturing processes to enhance polymer properties, improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. I am excited to contribute to a world where sustainable choices are not only possible but practical and scalable.

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After watching the documentary #MiEmpleoMiFuturo, I feel both uncertain and motivated about my future career. As a master’s student specializing in Circular Economy and with a background in Nanotechnology Engineering, I realize that the rapid rise of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change how industries operate. Although machines might take over many jobs, new opportunities will emerge for people who can think critically, solve complex problems, and innovate—skills that machines cannot replicate​

In my field, which focuses on sustainable practices like urban mining and recycling construction waste, I see the need for human-driven solutions to global challenges like climate change and pollution. Machines can process information, but they won’t care about the environment or social well-being. This makes me feel that my work has a purpose beyond just the technical aspects—it’s about making a real difference in the world​

The documentary also highlighted how the current education system doesn’t always prepare us for this future. We need to focus more on developing critical thinking and creativity, skills that will remain valuable in a tech-driven world. As I move forward in my career, I want to stay flexible, continuously learning, and using my skills to help create a more sustainable future.

Overall, the future is uncertain, but it also holds exciting possibilities for those of us willing to adapt and use technology to make a positive impact on the planet and society.

About BERNARDO GUERRERO RODRIGUEZ

I am Bernardo Guerrero Rodriguez, a nanotechnology engineer and current master’s student in the Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program, now at UPM in Madrid, specializing in Circular Economy. My background includes a Bachelor’s in Nanotechnology Engineering from Yachay Tech University in Ecuador, where I worked on projects in green chemistry, biopolymers, and nanoparticle synthesis. My focus areas include sustainable development, urban mining, and recycling of construction waste, with the goal of driving innovative, environmentally conscious solutions for industrial sustainability.

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Watching “The 2 Most Important Skills for the Rest of Your Life” was a wake-up call for me. It showed how technology, despite its amazing potential to connect and empower us, can also harm society when ethics take a back seat. It made me think about how even well-intentioned innovations can lead to consequences we might not expect.

As someone passionate about sustainability and materials science, this hit close to home. While I want to work on solutions like recycling and renewable energy systems, this documentary made me realize that my focus can’t just be on solving technical problems. I need to think about the bigger picture—how my work will impact people’s lives, the environment, and the future.

This experience has left me inspired to approach my career with more thoughtfulness. I want to make sure that the work I do, whether it’s designing better materials or creating sustainable technologies, truly helps build a better world. It’s a reminder that behind every calculation and experiment, there are real people and real consequences, and that’s something I’ll carry with me moving forward.

About SHOUVIK BHADRA

Greetings! I am Shouvik Bhadra from Bangladesh. I hold a bachelor's degree in Leather Products Engineering, specializing in chemistry and applied chemistry. Currently, I am pursuing my Erasmus Mundus Master's in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling. My academic and research interests focus on sustainable materials for energy applications, waste valorization, and recycling. Beyond academics, I am passionate about traveling, cooking, and discovering diverse culinary experiences around the world.

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After watching the documentary, I really felt a renewed sense of purpose regarding my professional path in material science and circular economy. Seeing the profound effects of resource depletion and waste accumulation underscored the importance of sustainable practices in industries like construction and manufacturing, areas directly connected to my studies.

As I work toward my MSc in Advanced Material Science, Innovation, and Recycling, I am more determined than ever to focus on developing solutions that promote a circular economy, reduce environmental impact, and make sustainable practices more accessible to industries worldwide.

Reflecting on my future career, I see myself actively working on projects that bridge the gap between sustainable material innovation and practical industry applications. My background in chemical engineering and current focus on Materials engineering and circularity metrics have equipped me with a strong foundation to pursue impactful work in sustainability.

I hope to contribute to a future where industries are increasingly reliant on renewable energy, less wasteful in resource consumption, and proactive in recycling and recovery. So in general I will work on sustainable materials innovation and project designs for recycling of wastes that can be applied to the manufacturing industries.

About HABTAMU MNICHL YEHUALE

Chemical engineer; with professional experiences, having soft skills in material science and currently studying a masters degree in circular economy for sustainability; especially construction materials at Poly Technical University of Madrid.

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In today’s world, digital technology and engineering innovation shape nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate and travel to the way we work and solve critical global challenges. The digital revolution has accelerated our capacity for change and created unprecedented opportunities, especially in fields like sustainable engineering and green technology. For those of us entering the professional sphere now, these advances open doors to careers that are more impactful and versatile than ever, challenging us to adapt, learn continuously, and contribute to a rapidly transforming landscape.

This era of interconnected digital systems and cutting-edge engineering is one of both opportunity and responsibility. On one hand, it equips us with the tools to tackle issues like resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, yet on the other, it demands a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical innovation. The need for thoughtful, sustainable solutions in areas such as materials recovery, clean energy, and recycling is more pressing than ever, and I feel privileged to be entering this field at such a transformative time.

Reflecting on my professional future, I’m aware that choosing the right career path will be a significant decision, blending my interests, skills, and vision for a fulfilling life. As I consider my options, three main paths stand out: pursuing a PhD, working in industry, or launching a start-up.

Each of these paths offers unique challenges and growth opportunities. A PhD would be appealing if my master’s thesis inspires further research, allowing me to delve deeply into sustainable materials recovery and contribute knowledge that drives the field forward. On the other hand, starting a company could be highly rewarding if I find a scalable solution addressing a clear market need within sustainability. The potential to innovate in an entrepreneurial setting is exciting, especially if it leads to meaningful environmental impact.

However, at this point, working in a company seems the most appealing to me. This path would allow me to gain valuable hands-on experience, apply my technical knowledge in practical scenarios, and understand the industry’s broader challenges and nuances. Moreover, working within an established company offers the stability I value, providing a balance between my professional ambitions and my personal life goals. In the long term, I envision building a life in Italy, where I can contribute to the fields of materials recovery and recycling, aligning with my desire to make a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

This vision of my future combines meaningful work in a dynamic field with the stability and lifestyle I seek, making me excited to embark on this journey.

About NICOLA CARLETTI

As a passionate Chemical and Materials Engineering student, I am committed to applying my knowledge and talents to make a difference in the field of science and technology. I am driven by the desire to contribute to a sustainable world with a more circular economy, and I am eager to apply my skills in roles that align with this mission. I am currently enrolling in the MSc program Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) at the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

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My experience with The Week was truly enlightening. It shifted my perspective on climate action from a distant concern to a personal commitment. Through impactful documentaries and discussions, I became more aware of the climate challenges our planet is facing and recognized the power of individual action in addressing them effectively.

One key insight I gained during The Week is that climate action starts with individuals. Watching the documentaries on climate change revealed how rapidly our planet is changing, which I found quite unsettling. However, when we shared our thoughts and feelings afterward, I recognized that I was not alone in my concerns. Many of us felt overwhelmed, yet we all shared a genuine desire to make a difference. These conversations showed us that, while our efforts may seem small, they can spark a ripple effect that inspires others. This shift in perspective has empowered me to recognize that real change does not just happen on a large scale. It begins with individuals like us who care enough to make small, consistent changes.

As I look to the future, I want to hold onto the sense of purpose I experienced this week. In ten years, I hope to reflect on this moment as a pivotal turning point – when climate action became deeply personal for me. This experience has illuminated the fact that my motivation extends beyond merely mitigating harm to the environment. I am compelled by a broader commitment to sustainability and transformative change. It is about creating a fairer, more resilient world. This personal realization has fortified my determination to act, even if those steps are small.

In conclusion, The Week empowered me with a clear sense of purpose and an inner compass guiding me decisively toward sustainability. This experience has reinforced the idea that while climate change is a significant challenge, change can begin on a small scale with each of us. I feel more equipped to act and, hopefully, to motivate others to join me. The week has taught me that small actions truly matter, that shared conversations can foster hope, and that together, we can create a brighter future.

About TERVER JEROME NYIKYAA

Experienced Quality Assurance and Quality Control Analyst with expertise in manufacturing, process optimization, and validation. Currently pursuing a dual master's degrees in Advanced Materials Engineering and Circular Economy. Proficient in quality assurance and control, waste valorization, renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency optimization, and material testing. Driven by a passion for sustainability and circular economy principles and eager to apply innovative solutions in the energy sector to promote a more sustainable future.

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“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.”

Christian Lous Lange

My personal future is full of uncertainty. As the video “#MiEmpleoMiFuturo: a documentary about robots, economy, middle class… and the end of the world” points out, I was trained in an outdated educational model, since we spent a lot of time memorizing information that is even outdated. I studied the notions about metals and ceramics with the idea of ​​contributing to those areas in my own country. Currently, primary sector industries such as steel and cement are paralyzed. The government understood that it was cheaper to buy everything prefabricated in China and simply assemble it.

However, I believe that there is something that machines cannot or do not care to do: fight climate change. Machines do not care that the temperature of the planet is rising year after year, or that there is microplastic in food. The curious thing is that even many human beings are not interested in this or are not aware of this fact.

I never studied my career convinced that I would have a good salary, I simply wanted to find out the why of some things. I hope in the future finding the answer to many of these questions will translate into effective solutions against pollution or emissions. Then I might feel too tired to continue and decide to retire to the countryside to have more time for myself.

The future I want is not one where I have beaten the system and everyone talks about me as a person with revolutionary ideas who built a successful company. I simply hope for peaceful days and to live without regretting the decisions I made. The future I want is more influenced by my human relationships than by my professional ambitions. Rather than having to travel constantly for work commitments, I prefer to have time for my family. These are things that I believe a machine cannot take away from me and in which I do not have to compete against anyone else.

About DAVID DUARTE NIETO

Hello! I am David Duarte, I was born in Colombia, but I grew up in Venezuela. I work in the field of materials and their potential in the construction world. I'm currently studying a master's degree in advanced recycling of materials, a path that brings me closer to the goal of contributing to a more sustainable world. I like being in contact with nature. If I can overcome laziness, I like hiking and mountaineering. At home, I usually read manga and watch Japanese animation, a culture that awakens a lot of curiosity and admiration in me. I also enjoy exploring the gastronomy of each new place I visit.

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