Coming to the Netherlands gave Biljana Potic more than she ever expected. In the beginning it was difficult to bring her husband and small daughter, but now that they are all here she feels more secure.
At the University of Belgrade she graduated from the faculty of Technology and completed a master's degree at the department of Chemical Engineering. Two years after obtaining her master's Biljana applied for a PhD-position in the Thermo-Chemical Conversion of Biomass group (TCCB), headed by Professor van Swaaij. Together with four MSc students she is working on the project: 'Supercritical Water Gasification of Biomass'. Biljana explains: 'We are investigating the use of biomass as a renewable energy source. It is becoming increasingly necessary to fulfill the growing future demands of energy and the need to reduce the carbon-dioxide concentration in the atmosphere.' The objective of the project is to synthesise a proper process for the conversion of wet biomass into a hydrogen rich gas by reaction between the organic components and water under supercritical conditions (appr. 300 bar and 600 degrees Celsius). Experimental research consists of micro-scale experiments and a pilot plant.
Biljana sees working at the UT as a good life experience. She is enthusiastic about her high-level scientific work, especially about the organisation of the PhD- project, excellent communication, and carrying out students' ideas. She states: 'For a project we are using the high pressure laboratory and we have our own technician. And although my group does not have unlimited financial resources we are able to realise most of our ideas. Generally, I am very satisfied with working and living here.'
Many foreign students find it difficult to adapt to a new country, but Biljana and her family do not have such problems. 'We are friendly with many Dutch people in order to learn their culture, how they live and work. Our motto is 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' and that has benefited us.'
Biljana is concentrating on her job, and even with a small child she has enough time for everything. 'I want to be open minded, to improve communication in order to get the best results.'
Name: Biljana Potic
Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
Languages: Serbian, English, and Russian
Favourite food: Mussaka
Favourite movie: High Heels (Pedro Almodovar)
Favourite sport: Rhythmic gymnastics
Favourite music genre: Evergreen
Favourite place in NL: Enschede
Best part about living in the NL: Working environment
Worst part about living in the NL: High taxation rates
Dream destination: Rome
Hobbies: Jazzercise
Jelena Radovanovic
Biljana Potic on a working trip to Hawaii.
