My Digital Identity

by DAVID DUARTE NIETODI by studentsPosted on No Comments

Below, I present my digital identity plan, where I aim to strengthen my professional and academic presence. My goal is to continue growing in areas such as ceramic materials, data science, and circular economy, while building a strong network to support my development. Here, I share the strategies, resources, and activities I am implementing to achieve my goals and establish my identity in the digital environment. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VDnEUdUkPNYh_I55hnjJNxlnX4WAUF4i/view?usp=sharing

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.

My professional future

by OSCAR LINDBERG AUGESTADSin categoríaPosted on No Comments

Reflecting on my professional future through the lens of Yuval Noah Harari’s insights, it’s clear that the rapid development of AI is reshaping the landscape of work and society. In a recent conversation between Harari and a program leader, he emphasized the paramount importance of adaptability and flexibility in career planning. As an engineering student, this advice resonates deeply. The notion that specific job roles could quickly become obsolete as AI systems advance requires an adaptable mindset—one ready to pivot and embrace new opportunities and skill sets as they emerge.

Harari argues that in a world dominated by technological progress, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is not just valuable but essential. This perspective underscores the importance of cultivating a mentality that is open to constant change, where being attached to a singular career path might be limiting. Instead, I need to prioritize versatility, developing a toolkit of skills that allows me to shift roles or approaches seamlessly as AI begins to fill more technical and repetitive positions in engineering and beyond.

The ability to grasp new frameworks and adjust to different sets of rules quickly will be a competitive advantage. For an engineer like me, this might mean going beyond traditional training and incorporating interdisciplinary knowledge, such as data science, ethical AI considerations, and circular economy principles, into my expertise. This adaptability, coupled with ongoing learning, aligns with Harari’s prediction that the future belongs to those who can navigate the interplay between technology and human creativity.

To prepare for a career in this dynamic landscape, I need to stay proactive in identifying emerging trends and be ready to re-skill when necessary. Embracing this mindset will ensure that my work remains relevant and impactful in an era where technological development is both a challenge and an opportunity.

Avatar photo

About OSCAR LINDBERG AUGESTAD

Innovative Sustainability Expert | MSc Candidate in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling Erasmus Mundus Program | Experienced Analyst in Renewable Energy & Environmental Sustainability Solutions

A Personal Reflection on my Professional Future

by LAIBA ZAHIDStudents presentationsPosted on No Comments

Reflecting on Yuval Noah Harari’s insights in “The Two Most Important Skills for the Rest of Your Life” brought both excitement and introspection about where technology is taking us—and where it leaves me as a Material Engineer with a passion for sustainability and circular economy principles.

Harari introduces a future where human “hackability” isn’t science fiction. It’s about algorithms and AI understanding our choices before we do, predicting what we want or need next, and shifting our interactions with the world. This idea sparked a personal question: How will this AI-driven insight affect industries where sustainability and resource efficiency are key? Could AI predict not just material needs but also the most sustainable approaches to sourcing, lifecycle, and waste reduction? As exciting as these advancements sound, they come with ethical implications, particularly in sustainability fields where transparency is critical.

For me, this means adaptability isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Harari points out that, beyond technical expertise, we’ll need emotional resilience to pivot with each wave of change. As someone in a field rooted in problem-solving and environmental responsibility, I see this as a call to embrace lifelong learning. Today, I might be refining recycling processes; tomorrow, I could be collaborating with AI to discover the next best circular materials.

In a world where technical skills alone might not keep pace, I believe developing emotional intelligence will be my biggest advantage. It will help me stay grounded, stay curious, and ultimately, stay human in a world driven by technology. Harari’s message has deepened my commitment to sustainability and reinforced that adaptability and self-awareness aren’t just “soft skills” but vital tools in building a resilient, meaningful career.

Avatar photo

About LAIBA ZAHID

A materials engineer specializing in advanced recycling and circular economy, currently pursuing a Master's in Circular Economy for Minerals and Construction Products at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

About Myself!

by LAKI KHATUNSin categoría, Students presentationsPosted on One Comment

Hello everyone!

My name is Laki, and I am from Bangladesh. I am a passionate and driven master’s student specializing in Advanced Materials & Innovative Recycling (AMIR), an EU-supported program under the Erasmus initiative. I have completed my first year at Masters of Material science and Engineering from NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT) – University of Lisbon. Currently I am doing my second year, Masters of Circular Economy_ Priorities construction Materials at Technical University of Madrid (UPM). I have gained extensive knowledge in recycling, circular economy, and sustainability principles.Throughout my academic journey, I have developed strong expertise in materials recycling, waste-to-energy projects, carbon capture and storage (CCS), construction and demolition (C&D) recycling, sustainable product design, and packaging. My studies, paired with professional experience in entrepreneurship and sustainability management, have prepared me to make meaningful contributions to the recycling and sustainability sectors. I am very happy to connect with you, All!

Objective:I am actively seeking a challenging and dynamic internship or thesis project that aligns with my background in materials recycling, waste management, and sustainability. I am open to working in various environments, from urban centers to remote locations, and am eager to apply my knowledge to impactful projects that drive sustainable innovation.

Avatar photo

About LAKI KHATUN

Hello everyone! My name is Laki, and I am from Bangladesh. I am a passionate and driven master’s student specializing in Advanced Materials & Innovative Recycling (AMIR), an EU-supported program under the Erasmus initiative. I have completed my first year at Masters of Material science and Engineering from NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT) – University of Lisbon. Currently I am doing my second year, Masters of Circular Economy_ Priorities construction Materials at Technical University of Madrid (UPM). I have gained extensive knowledge in recycling, circular economy, and sustainability principles. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed strong expertise in materials recycling, waste-to-energy projects, carbon capture and storage (CCS), construction and demolition (C&D) recycling, sustainable product design, and packaging. My studies, paired with professional experience in entrepreneurship and sustainability management, have prepared me to make meaningful contributions to the recycling and sustainability sectors. I am very happy to connect with you, All! Objective: I am actively seeking a challenging and dynamic internship or thesis project that aligns with my background in materials recycling, waste management, and sustainability. I am open to working in various environments, from urban centers to remote locations, and am eager to apply my knowledge to impactful projects that drive sustainable innovation.

Students presentation: Oscar Augestad

by OSCAR LINDBERG AUGESTADStudents presentationsPosted on No Comments

A little about me

Hello, I’m Oscar Augestad, a 26-year-old Norwegian materials and chemical engineer with a deep-rooted passion for recycling and sustainability. From an early age, I’ve been captivated by the potential of recycling to transform our world and contribute to a more circular economy. This curiosity has driven me to pursue education and hands-on experience in material technology and recycling.

A Journey Across Continents

Living in multiple countries across Africa, South America, and Europe has given me a global perspective on sustainability challenges and opportunities. My experiences abroad have not only enhanced my adaptability but have also fostered a collaborative mindset, as I’ve learned to thrive in culturally diverse teams. I’m now based in Spain, where I continue to learn and innovate.

Academic and Professional Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in material technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where I explored subjects like metallurgy, corrosion, nanotechnology, and heat transfer. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) from institutions in Spain and France, which allows me to delve into subjects like urban mining, life cycle assessments, and sustainable building materials.

My professional experience has been hands-on and dynamic. At SINTEF Industry, I worked as an R&D intern on projects involving aluminum recycling and spectroscopy techniques, such as Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and GD-OES. I’ve tackled the challenges of operating aluminum smelters and sand-molded casting, learning firsthand about the intricacies of recycling metals. I even shared some insights in a video to make the technical accessible and engaging!

An Eye on the Future of Recycling

With my expertise in material science and my passion for circular economy solutions, I aim to contribute to a world where recycling and sustainability become the norm. My journey has only just begun, and I’m excited to keep exploring how we can innovate to create a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Avatar photo

About OSCAR LINDBERG AUGESTAD

Innovative Sustainability Expert | MSc Candidate in Advanced Materials: Innovative Recycling Erasmus Mundus Program | Experienced Analyst in Renewable Energy & Environmental Sustainability Solutions

My professional future

by juliaadelcuadroStudents presentationsPosted on No Comments

During my bachelor I never had any clear direction for my professional future, and eventhough I am currently focus on a master related to circular economy, I do not know where this will take me, as there are a wide range of topics and carreers in this area.

I only know, as a young professional who started working less than a year ago, that I see my professional future in a combination of the following characteristcs that will be very present in a few years from now when I search for new possitions.

Julia Álvarez del Cuadro

Environment

Work on environment projects.

Some topics that I am very interested in:

  • Renewable energies
  • Raw materials
  • Circular economy.
  • Environmental legislation.
  • European projects.

Demand

Love but not depend on my job.

I pretend to work on something that I like and that I will be good at, but not having the work as the center of my life.

Location

Staying in Spain is a priority.

Eventhough I would love to live in another European country for a while, I know that my professional future will be in Spain, specially in the North.