Why did you choose the University of Amsterdam?

“I originally chose the UvA already for my Bachelor’s in Physics and Astronomy. I was drawn to the atmosphere on campus and the vibrant city of Amsterdam. The Science Park campus feels like a cozy and welcoming village within a bustling international city, and I have really enjoyed that combination ever since I started here. During my bachelor studies I became increasingly interested in Astronomy, and I got to know and greatly appreciate the astronomy research institute here. Staying on was an easy decision." 

What stood out to you during your time in the programme?

"One of the things I appreciated most about the programme was the level of involvement students have with the research institute. Especially in the second year, you spend a full year working on your thesis, and you really become part of the research environment. There’s a strong sense of community and a fun and social culture.” 

How much freedom did you have when selecting courses or projects?

“The programme offers quite some flexibility, where you can shape your path by choosing from a variety of courses, such as Extreme Astrophysics or Exoplanets and Planet Formation. My research interest lies more on the origins side of the institute, and has mostly been observational in nature. My Master’s thesis was in astrochemistry, where I used ALMA radio observations to look for a specific carbonaceous molecule called corannulene. Now, during my PhD (still at the UvA!) I work on exoplanets, using both spectroscopic and radio observations to look for star-planet interactions." 

How did the programme prepare you for your future?

“I think the programme does well to set you up for your next career stages. I personally went on to do a PhD, and felt that the research experience I gained during my Masters programme has been invaluable in setting me up for my current work. And while the programme maintains a high academic standard, it just as importantly pays real attention to student well-being.”