Category: Students presentations

In the future I can see myself or I aspire to see myself working in things related to characterization of materials as it is one of the topics that I am most passionate about, this can focus on research related to the use of new materials in construction with a sustainable approach or work in universities in the part of laboratory assistant as I am passionate about being in laboratories performing tests to different products, I would also like to work in companies that distribute or characterize construction materials. I would also like to work in the Netherlands since they are advancing in innovation or I would like to work in Norway since they are leaders in sustainable construction, this is what I have planned or thought for the future in the work environment.

I am Monica Cherono currently enrolled in my year two of the AMIR programme in the Polytechnic University of Madrid. My academic journey has been a pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
Hailing from the Rift valley of Kenya i have always been inspired by the natural landscapes and rich biodiversity of my homeland. These experiences motivated me to pursue a career path focused on sustainability.
The AMIR programme has provided me with a platform to delve into the intricate world of material science and innovation all within the context of building a sustainable future.
Coming from an area where environmental issues often directly affect livelihoods, I’ve witnessed the importance of sustainable practices firsthand. Whether it’s the effects of climate change on agricultural patterns or the importance of conserving natural resources, these realities have strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to the field of sustainability.
My aspiration is to weave together my academic learnings with real-world experiences to drive change. Through this blog, I aim to share my insights, research discoveries, and the journey of transitioning from a student to a professional in the sustainability domain. I hope to engage with like-minded individuals, spark discussions, and inspire actionable steps toward a more sustainable world.
Join me on this exciting adventure, where we’ll explore the latest innovations, sustainability initiatives, and the steps we can take, both locally and globally, to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Together towards a greener, brighter future!
Cheers,
Monica

My name is Gwladys Grelon from the Universidad Politécnica of Madrid. After highschool, I started my bachelor in chemistry at the University of Bordeaux and I continued to study chemistry by joining the AMIR master. I did my first year of this master in Bordeaux and I’m now in Madrid to finish it. 

I don’t wish to do a PhD but to start working in a company after my master’s degree.

I am not sure about the exact position I want, but I know that guiding compagnies to an environmental transition is something important to me. I want to have an impact and know that maybe I can help people and especially the planet, as well as animals that live there.

In a more personal description, I’m an introverted person that likes animals, especially cats (my cat), reads books, plays video games and loves sugar. And sometimes, I like to go out with friends and drink sugary drinks.

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Hello everybody,

I’m Juliette Bourden, originally from a region in the Southwest of France (aka the best one). I first started my studies in medicine and then went into chemistry, which led me to complete my bachelor’s degree in Bordeaux. But, as much as I like chemistry and my home, I’ve always wanted to go live abroad: for adventure, learning, and connection with people with different cultures.

That’s why I decided to pursue my master’s degree in the Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling (AMIR) program. I wanted to embrace the international side of academia, to meet people from diverse backgrounds, and to get a taste of the world beyond my comfort zone. The industry-focused approach and the incredible opportunities in the AMIR program were a key point for me, and it promised to take my academic journey to new heights which wouldn’t have been the case in the masters I had in France.

Besides the academic side, I’m just your regular bookworm. I’ve been a heavy reader since I was a kid, and books have been my constant companions specially when learning new languages. When I’m not diving into a new novel, you can find me exploring new places, soaking up different cultures while traveling, and challenging myself by running half-marathons.

Hello everyone! I’m Laura, 24 years old, from Italy.

I graduated in chemical and biochemical engineering in Bologna, Italy.  After my bachelor, I had the desire to travel and improve my personal path. For this reason, I worked for some months as an au-pair in San Francisco, California. At the same time, I was willing to shift my study toward a more sustainable field. That is why I’m currently enrolled in the Advanced Material Innovative Recycling (AMIR) master’s program, which gave me the opportunity to study in Lisbon and Madrid.

I’m enthusiastic about acquiring new knowledge to find solutions for the environmental challenges we are facing today, and I hope I would be able to actively contribute after my studies.

In my daily life I’ve always tried my best to have a sustainable lifestyle and be helpful in my community. This brought me to work as an educator in middle and high school, organizing awareness courses in my hometown. I also like to spend my free time with my family and friends and watching movies and paint.

 

Hello!

I am Ángel Pérez Teso and I was born in Madrid, Spain in 1999.

I studied  environmental sciences (Universidad Rey Juan carlos), I am quite interested in circular economy and energy alternatives and efficiency . Nowdays, i would like to join this movement of circular economy and sustaninability, where i would be able to  develop my hablities and contribute to improve the actual and future society.

Due to my experience on this area, i achived some  important knowlegde related to understand how the society is able to develop its economy based on a sustainability way, in a close relation with the energy industries. For sure, this Master is going to be a big step in my career, due to bring me the opportunities to learn and incorporate to the proffesional sector.

Following the studies and based on my knowlegde, i am sure that the circular economy and sustainable development is going to be the crucial point of this century. In fact, i think that we all have to follow this road, so i would love to share it with everyone interested in this sustainable world!.

 

 

Hello, I’m Juan Ramirez Cuellar, a simple guy with ambitious dreams. I want you to understand a bit about me—I am propelled by my family, particularly my mother and sister, who are the driving force behind everything I do. I’ve imbibed from my mother the value of helping others. Although it might take more time, I always strive to assist.

I’ve realized that my pathway to making a difference is through entrepreneurship. I aim to establish a business in the circular economy sector because I genuinely believe it’s the way humanity should coexist with other beings on this planet. Through this venture, I hope to support the people who join me. I’m genuinely passionate about building a company and have been actively involved in various incubators and programs to turn this dream into reality.

To provide context, I’m a Chemical Engineer with ten years of experience across different industries—chemicals, food, consumer goods, and cleaning products. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how waste poses a significant problem for these companies. I’ve always believed that waste holds potential beyond mere disposal. In Colombia, we have a saying, “The trash of someone is the treasure of others.” Consequently, I pursued a master’s in innovation to refine my soft skills and understand the business landscape better. This journey started in 2017, and in my pursuit, I’ve faced both failures and successes. This journey led me to Europe, where I’m currently in the second year of the AMIR master’s program—a perfect fit for my aspirations in the circular economy. For me, there’s no turning back—I’ll persist in pursuing my goal until I achieve it.

Some people say that to succeed, one must be obsessed with their passion. Currently, my passion lies in this endeavor.

Beyond my professional interests, I find solace in hobbies like mountain biking. I enjoy biking 120 kilometers in the mountains, finding it a sport that keeps me focused and healthy. I’m also learning to play the drums. Although I’m a beginner, I’m committed to improving. I share a common love for traveling, having visited 20 countries so far and aiming to increase this count.

I’m an avid reader, especially drawn to history and novels set between the World Wars. My favorite book is “City of Thieves” by David Benioff, a novel that interweaves history, love, drama, and hope. Another book that has significantly influenced me is “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking. I’ve read extensively about various subjects, a topic we can explore in another conversation.

In conclusion, I am highly adaptable to change. I’ve lived in seven different cities, two of which were in European countries. Next month, I’ll be moving to the beautiful city of Valencia in Spain to commence my Ph.D. Let’s see what exciting opportunities life has in store for me.

Allow me to conclude with my favorite quotation: “There is a driving force stronger than steam, electricity, and atomic energy: willpower.”

Hi there and welcome to my blog! My name is Thomas Opsomer, I am 24 years old and currently studying at the Technical University of Madrid and also living in Madrid, Spain. I am in the second year of my master AMIR (Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling) where we focus on circular economy and recycling of construction waste. In the first year, I studied in Bordeaux, France where we focused on chemistry and advanced materials.

I already hold a master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering: Environmental Technology at KU Leuven, Belgium. However, the program at KU Leuven zoomed less into the profound understanding of sustainable use of minerals and materials recycling. AMIR offers the possibility to deepen my knowledge in different aspects of materials science, the energy efficiency of processes and the fundamentals of waste recovery. Especially, since I want to pursue a career in battery recycling and developing new and innovative methods to improve recycling efficiencies, this master’s is a very valuable addition to my curriculum.

This whole experience of moving abroad has broadened my horizons and inspired me in many ways. I met so many interesting people along the way from all over the world and even got to know myself better. I strongly believe that these genuine connections made with people from different backgrounds and cultures helped to develop myself and will also help me to develop my professional career.

I sincerely hope we can connect on this blog to learn with and from each other, because, what is more rewarding than working together to create a sustainable world?

Hello blog-enthusiasts! Please allow me to present myself: I am Kai Madjidi from Munich, Gemrnay, and I’m a Bachelor of Economic Psychology with a passion for sustainability and a drive to create a better future for the next generations.

Having worked in various fields, including public administration, tech startups, COVID-19 response centers, and language teaching, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our world.

My diverse experiences have fueled my conviction that real change requires a holistic approach, encompassing not just industry-led initiatives but also well-crafted regulations and a sustainable tax system. I believe that by aligning economic incentives with environmental goals, we can design a market that fosters sustainable practices and protects our planet for future generations.

My professional aspirations lie in joining organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and non-profit organizations that are working at the forefront of sustainable development. I envision myself contributing my skills and knowledge to shaping policies and programs that drive environmental protection, social equity, and economic resilience.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m a music lover, enjoying genres ranging from rap and techno to classic 60s rock. I also find inspiration in nature, spending time hiking, exploring new places, and appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Moreover I play basketball which teaches me to use individual skills together in a team.

My journey has been shaped by a deep-seated belief in the power of individual and collective action to create a brighter future.