Meet the Students: engineers of the future reflect on chemistry and sustainability

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The Brightsite Program Line 6 is dedicated to educating broadly schooled graduates with the ability to tackle interdisciplinary challenges. Let’s explore the experiences of three passionate students from Maastricht University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, who are contributing to Program Line 6 and driving sustainable change.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the students at Brightsite highlight the significance of a holistic approach. Alexia Mathias, a 4th-year Business Engineering student, emphasizes the captivating connection between the business and engineering realms. She explains, “Studying at Maastricht University offers diverse opportunities and valuable teaching methods, fostering my academic and personal growth.” This unique blend of knowledge equips her to strive for a more sustainable future, integrating the circular economy into daily life for the benefit of both nature and society.

Alexia Mathias, 3rd year student at Maastricht University:

“The circular economy, to me, means acknowledging the multiple uses of materials and designing durable, ideally reusable products. It is essential to integrate this concept into our daily lives. Furthermore, embracing the circular economy benefits both nature and society, highlighting the importance of its adoption.”


Data-Driven Solutions for Emission Reduction

For Luis Tabatabai Molins, a 3rd-year Business Engineering student, harnessing the power of data is paramount to optimizing plant processes and reducing emissions. His internship at Fibrant’s Business Intelligence department involves building a Data Warehouse to support data-driven decision-making. Luis firmly believes that data can promote cost and emission reductions for companies and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Luis Tabatabai Molins, 3rd year student at Maastricht University:

The program has raised my awareness of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, particularly in Spain where it receives limited attention. This exposure has made me more conscious of the issues and equipped me with technical skills to contribute effectively towards these goals.”


Embracing the Circular Economy

Erik-Peter Henrichs, also a 3rd-year Business Engineering student, is passionate Erik-Peter Henrichsabout embracing the circular economy. He stresses, “Designing waste-minimizing, resource-efficient products and systems is key.” Erik-Peter’s internship at Fibrant’s Business Intelligence department involves constructing a Data Warehouse to enhance a plant’s flexibility in response to electricity price fluctuations. This interdisciplinary project highlights the value of teamwork and diverse perspectives in problem-solving, an essential aspect of Program Line 6’s approach to education.

Erik-Peter Henrichs, 3rd year student at Maastricht University:

“The key insight I gained is that the circular economy involves more than just recycling; it includes repairing, reusing, and extending product lifespans, while considering nature’s role. Raising awareness among producers and consumers about these possibilities is crucial, requiring pioneers to showcase its feasibility and importance.”


Education and Human Capital: The Key to Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction

The significance of Program Line 6 becomes evident when considering the ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By providing students with diverse knowledge and sustainability-focused skills, the program prepares them to address the complex challenges that lie ahead. These young minds, inspired by the program’s vision, showcase the potential of holistic thinking, data optimization, and interdisciplinary collaboration in realizing a more sustainable future.