Nanoscience

After I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Mexico City, I chose to study the MSc programme Nanoscience at the University of Groningen. I was drawn to this field because it encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, and a touch of Biology, creating a multidisciplinary environment. My professor at the time had connections with my current supervisor, and the university really spoke to me. That’s how I ended up in Groningen!

The programme is heavily research-oriented and certainly not easy, but in the end, it’s worth it since you gain so much knowledge in a short period of time. I particularly enjoyed the second year, because you are free in deciding your own research subject for the master thesis and you really have the time to dive deeper into the subject.

Currently, I am a PhD student in the Palasantzas group at the Zernike Institute. My research is about the Casimir effect in topological materials. So far, I really like the PhD position. It involves regular interaction with fellow PhD students and research groups, providing continuous opportunities for mutual learning.

Also, I feel that the programme prepared me well for this PhD position. Because all our teachers were professors associated with the Zernike Institute, you learn from the experts. The contact with my teachers was excellent; they were always willing to answer every one of my questions. This definitely had a positive effect on my research.

My advice to prospective Nanoscience students is: when you do the small project and assignments during the program, choose different subjects and professors! This will enable you to connect with various individuals, broaden your network, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the research field. There's much to learn from one another in this multidisciplinary setting.

As for my future plans, I can envision myself as a professor. While certain aspects of the journey don't fully speak to me, I have a huge passion for teaching. All in all, I will see where the future brings me!

I pursued my BSc studies in Physics at the University of Groningen. After that, I chose the MSc Nanoscience because this programme entails fascinating topics that combine physics as well as chemistry.

The programme aligned well with my expectations. One of the highlights of the programme was the integration into research groups. This gave me valuable exposure to potential thesis topics and research areas. The programme included a small research project in the first year and a thesis in the second year. Besides these projects I gained more knowledge by following courses and gained hands-on experience in the lab.

After graduation I started working at QDI Systems, a high-tech start-up, spin-off from Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (ZIAM), founded by a former PhD researcher from the same research group where I completed my master's thesis. My transition to this industry role was influenced by my desire to explore career opportunities beyond academia, given the high workload associated with pursuing a Ph.D.

The goal of QDI Systems is to achieve higher resolution in medical imaging. The company specializes in depositing quantum strips on various sensors for applications in e.g. infrared detection, X-ray imaging, and mammography. My role primarily involves device fabrication and characterization, extracting valuable insights from data, and formulating next steps. The skills and knowledge I gained during the master's programme in Nanoscience have been useful in my work here, as many of the techniques and methodologies we employ were introduced during my academic studies.

For future Nanoscience students, I would advise taking the time to explore the various research groups connected to the programme. Being proactive and not waiting for opportunities to come to you is crucial. In my case, choosing the Nanoscience master's programme turned out to be an excellent decision that aligned perfectly with my current job and career aspirations.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a focus on materials science. I have always been interested in the interface between chemistry and physics, which is why I chose the Master’s degree programme in Nanoscience. It was good to be able to gain some physics knowledge through the guided self-study at the beginning of the year, since my Bachelor’s programme did not address this as much. It is hard work but since the groups are small, you can really help each other. We spend a lot of time in the nano rooms, where you can work together or have a chat on campus. We also organised the Nanosymposium, which students organise annually.

You are given a lot of freedom in the research projects. I am doing a research project about STED microscopy: a microscope that can look at things at the nanoscale. I am researching whether these lasers can be used on living cells. This project applies my knowledge of both biology and physics. After my studies, I would like to do research at the University or at a company. The study gives you the tools to do a PhD because you have a lot of contact with the lecturers and interdisciplinary research groups. Working in research groups with different disciplines gives me a lot of energy.

With a bachelor's degree in Applied Physics, I joined the Nanoscience Top Master programme in 2012. I found the interdisciplinary nature of this programme the most appealing, as I was interested in gathering expertise on areas in chemistry, physics and biology.

During the Top Master, I have attended several advanced chemistry courses, did my thesis project on single-molecule studies of DNA-based processes and did my Small Research Project on the synthesis and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid materials. As part of the curriculum, I wrote a research proposal based on my experience during the Small Research Project, which got funded and led to my current PhD position.

I believe that the programme and the direct link to ongoing research in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials prepared me very well for my PhD. The Top Master programme allowed me to evolve from a student with a physics background into a researcher in the field of materials chemistry. Being able to work at the border between physics and chemistry, I find myself in a position where I feel that I can make significant contributions to science. Being able to make and characterize materials, gives me the tools I need to develop my career. In addition, I think that the strength of the Nanoscience programme goes beyond the cross-disciplinary nature of the curriculum. Having a small cohort of students (maximum of 15), significantly adds to the learning process. Working with people who do not only have different scientific backgrounds (physics, chemistry or materials science), but also different cultural backgrounds, was the highlight of my Master's programme and has taught me a lot.

As part of the curriculum, I wrote a research proposal based on my experience during the Small Research Project, which got funded and led to my current PhD position. I believe that the programme and the direct link to ongoing research in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials prepared me very well for my PhD. The Top Master programme allowed me to evolve from a student with a physics background into a researcher in the field of materials chemistry. Being able to work at the border between physics and chemistry, I find myself in a position where I feel that I can make significant contributions to science. Being able to make and characterize materials, gives me the tools I need to develop my career. In addition, I think that the strength of the Nanoscience programme goes beyond the cross-disciplinary nature of the curriculum. Having a small cohort of students (maximum of 15), significantly adds to the learning process. Working with people who do not only have different scientific backgrounds (physics, chemistry or materials science), but also different cultural backgrounds, was the highlight of my Master's programme and has taught me a lot.

I decided to study Nanoscience because I believe nanoscience is a very challenging and 'hot' topic; it really is the future of physics. I was attracted by the integration of chemistry and physics in the programme. The design of the modules seemed very promising. Also, I had some friends in Holland already.

The programme is very broad. It really gives you an overview of the relevant parts of chemistry and physics. On the other hand, I sometimes wish we had more time to go into even more depth. I guess that will have to wait until my PhD programme. Another strong point is that it really feels like a family. The lecturers treat you as colleagues rather than as students, and we students form a close-knit community. What also makes the programme attractive is that it is nice to have so many foreign lecturers in the programme, as role models. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely select nanoscience and come to Groningen again.