Why the shift?
'I first studied Textile Engineering in Iasi (Romania), but the choice of specialization was more a sort of family compromise. Working in an industrial plant never appealed to me and I did not find an intellectual challenge in being a researcher in this field either. As the end of my study time came closer, I started asking myself what I actually wanted to do. One day, while sunbathing on the roof of the studentsÆ dormitory, I was reading a book about climate changes due to environmental pollution. This was the turning point in my life. It became clear to me that my new profession would have to involve environmental protection. But at that time there were no specialized degree courses at Romanian universities. There were only some courses related to this topic at several faculties. I chose the Public Administration Faculty, and specialized in Environmental Law. After finishing this study I got a scholarship and did my first Master of Science in Budapest, Hungary. Then I came to the Netherlands for another Master's course, also in Environmental Management and Policy, where I realized it would also be the best place to do a PhD.'
Why the Netherlands for a PhD?
'During my Master's study in Amsterdam I could see how much attention, both in terms of human and of financial resources the Dutch government invests in environment-related research. There are many advantages compared to the US, such as the length of the programmed, reduced budget risks, more reduced teaching assignments, etc.'
What are you actually doing in your current work?
'I'm based at the CSTM and I am looking at how governments could more rapidly increase the use of renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, biomass and small hydropower, to generate electricity.'
What are your future plans, as you will finish your PhD in a few months?
'I intend to write a proposal, together with my daily supervisor, fora post-doctoral project and continue my scientific research at the UT.'
Hometown: Bucharest, Romania
Languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, Romanian
Favorite food: pickles
Favorite book: 'A brief history of time' by Stephen Hawking
Favorite music: New Flamenco
Favorite place: Andalusia
Favorite place in the Netherlands: Leiden
Best part about living in the Netherlands: peaceful life
Worst part about living in the Netherlands: extremely short shopping times.
