Monica is researching ways to improve properties of recycled fibres using enzymes. She explains, 'After successive recycling loops, paper fibres become less suitable for papermaking due to a deterioration in their properties. The fibres become short, stiff and less fibrillated. I use enzymes to enhance or restore paper properties and therefore make superior-quality paper that is more competitive. Enzymes are biocatalysts; this means that enzymes are catalysts produced by nature, some of which have the desired effect on cellulose - the main polymer present in paper fibres. Using the correct enzymes and the correct process conditions we are able to selectively modify the fibres.
'The Netherlands is one of the countries that processes a large amount of recycled fibres in order to make recycled paper and cardboard, which makes this research worthwhile. This project is part of the E.E.T.-project; a Dutch government programme that supports fibre technology for sustainable production of paper and board.'
After her Master's in Chemical Engineering from University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Monica collaborated with ENCE S.A, the biggest producer of Kraft Pulp in Spain for a research project for three years. æI wanted to continue to improve my fundamental research skills but did not want to go to the USA. It is simply too far.'
When I came to the Netherlands it was quite a shock to see a country so flat - especially since my hometown is very hilly. The pace of life is awfully fast since people here are so devoted to their agendas. And the Dutch hang their coats unsecured outside a room. In Spain, the coat would simply disappear!
Another observation is how cheerful the Dutch are; their sentences are so often laced with words like 'lekker/leuk/gezellig/mooi'. But I do find some of them to be quite arrogant (my friends are going to kill me for this!). They believe they are the best. I suppose that is because they are raised to believe this. And they have fixed ideas of Spain. That it is always warm. Not in the winter, my friends. And that everything there is done 'manana' (tomorrow)!'she says rolling her eyes.
Monica is taking a Management course for Young Engineers in Amersfoort. 'I am interested in gaining insight into management theories and principles.' So is her future in industry then? 'I would like that. And if I do not like it after all, I will come back to academics'.
Hometown: Galicia
Favourite food: Lacon con grelos (Ham cooked with typical vegetables of Galicia)
Favourite music: Celtic music
Currently reading: Het Parfum by P.Suskind
Extra-curricular activities: At present it is fixing the garden in my new house!
Best part of living in NL: Communicating with people from different countries (excellent for my language practice)
Worst part of living in NL: the Agenda
