Category: Students presentations

(Inspired by Yuval Noah Harari on Impact Theory)

After watching Yuval Noah Harari’s interview on Impact Theory, I was both amazed and challenged by how relevant his message is to my future as a materials engineer working in the field of circular economy. Harari spoke about how human beings today are “hackable animals”, how technology and data can read and even predict our choices better than we can ourselves. At first, this sounded alarming, but it made me realize something deeper: in a world driven by artificial intelligence and constant change, understanding myself and staying adaptable are more important than ever.

Harari highlighted two key skills that will define success in the 21st century: self-understanding and mental flexibility. These ideas connect directly to my field. In materials engineering, innovation never stops; new materials, green technologies, and sustainable processes emerge all the time. What I learn today might be replaced tomorrow by a more efficient, eco-friendly alternative. This means I need to constantly update my knowledge, stay curious, and be willing to question old methods. Flexibility isn’t just a personal trait anymore; it’s a professional necessity.

In the context of the circular economy, Harari’s point about “reinvention” also hit home. Circular systems aim to rethink how we use resources, designing materials, products, and processes that can be reused, repaired, or recycled rather than wasted. That mindset itself requires constant reinvention and critical thinking. Just like individuals must learn to adapt, industries must also redesign themselves to work in cycles rather than in linear ways. I see a strong parallel between personal and environmental sustainability; both depend on awareness, reflection, and resilience.

Another thing that stayed with me is Harari’s warning about outsourcing our self-awareness to technology. As engineers, it’s easy to rely too heavily on data and algorithms to make decisions. But Harari reminded me that true progress depends on human judgment, empathy, ethics, and creativity; qualities that machines can’t replicate. In the circular economy, this balance is especially important: designing sustainable solutions requires both technical expertise and a deep understanding of social and environmental impact.

In conclusion, Harari’s message helped me see that my professional future will be shaped not only by what I know, but by how I adapt and reflect. As a future materials engineer advocating and practicing circular economy, I want to build systems that are flexible, regenerative, and deeply human, where innovation serves both people and the planet. The most valuable skill I can carry forward is not just technical knowledge, but the ability to keep learning, keep questioning, and stay conscious of the impact of what I create.

After watching Tom Bilyeu’s interview with Yuval Noah Harari, the message that stayed with me was his focus on adaptability and emotional balance. He argues that in a world shaped by fast technology cycles and persuasive algorithms, the real advantage is learning quickly while staying steady. That excites me a lot about my future because I’m genuinely eager to learn new things and keep reinventing myself. This perspective pushed me to see my career as something I will actively evolve, not just choose once.This mindset fits the path I want: working in the field of circular economy and renewable energy. Circularity is about designing products and systems that can change – repair, reuse, remanufacture – while renewables power those loops with clean energy. If I can translate between design, operations, and energy, I can help keep materials circulating and emissions falling even as markets and tools evolve.Practically, I’m committed to build skills that support this: lifecycle assessment to make choices with real data, design-for-disassembly to shorten repair time, and basic renewable procurement so operations align with low-carbon electricity. Guided by Harari’s advice, my plan is simple: keep learning, keep calm, and build durable loops that deliver impact over time.

Hello,

I am Dea, an Industrial & Environmental Chemist (B.Sc. + M.Sc., Albania) with five years experience in the mining industry. In 2024 I began a Master in Advanced Materials & Innovative Recycling to go deeper into life-cycle assessment, materials recovery, and circular process design. I combine careful lab work with a practical mindset and I’m excited to keep growing.

Trash talk? Sure. Then I recycle it.

Hii everyone, I’m Valentina! I am from Italy, from a costal town close to Genova. I’ve always been fascinated by science and by understanding how things work and what they mean. This led me to study Materials Science, where I focused on chemistry, physics and engineering. I’m very passionate about sustainability, recycling and the environment. Beyond science, I love basketball, discovering new cultures, learning languages, cooking and trying different vegetarian food and traveling!

Hello I am Linda. You may wonder why this post is not posted by my personal profil, but unfortunately my page does not work (yet). Well. However, I am currently a MSc student in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling in UPM Madrid. During my bachelor in Vienna I studied Chemical and Process Engineering (TU Wien) and Business and Economics (WU Wien). I am passionate about developing novel solutions in the field of sustainability, circular economy or renewable energy. In my free time I am always looking for the next dopamin or adrinaline rush. Let’s get in touch and discuss contemporary challenges.

Hello, my name is Maria Jose, but you can call me Majo. I studied mechanical engineer in Ecuador (back home). I worked in the plastics and metals recycling industry, where I discovered I wanted to continue my studies in materials science, which is why I’m here in this master’s program. Outside of my professional life, I love animals, desserts, and hiking.