EACH programme continues to be a great career booster
In 2023, the seventh intake of EACH students successfully graduated. Within a few months, 13 of the 14 most recent alumni have found a new position to continue their careers in either Academia or Industry.
Similar to last year’s graduates, also this time most of the fresh EACH programme alumni continue their careers as Ph.D. students in Europe’s top universities and research centers, such as University of Antwerp (Belgium), Stockholm University (Sweden), Åbo Akademi University (Finland), Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (Denmark), Helmholtz Zentrum Munich (Germany), etc. Some recent graduates have secured a job e.g., as R&D engineer in the smart products team of Andritz Oy (Finland).
Read what some of our recent graduates have to say about how the EACH programme contributed to their current career:
Divisha Saxena (ÅAU study track), currently working as R&D engineer at Andritz Oy, Finland:
“The day I left my home country India for the first time in my life to pursue master’s in Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, I had many doubts, how will I feel away from home, alone in a new place, away from my culture, my family, my friends; how will I manage studying in a completely foreign country, and so on! Little did I know back then, the most beautiful two years of my life awaited for me on the other side. Two years of EACH, that not only made me “excellent” in analytical chemistry but also boosted my self-confidence, gave me opportunity to experience different cultures and viewpoints, and changed my entire outlook on life, thanks to the very diverse nature of EACH!
The first year at University of Tartu was mostly focused on learning fundamentals of various analytical techniques, practical laboratory works, and metrology in chemistry. After that I chose ÅAU track to continue with specialization in Electrochemistry and chemical sensors. After EACH, I continued working with Andritz Oy as a Research and Development Engineer in Finland, where I am currently developing online chemical analyzers for application in pulp and paper industries.
As I look back, I feel so grateful to each and every one I met because EACH, for immense support of Prof. Ivo Leito & Prof. Johan Bobacka, and our program co-ordinator Anu Teearu at every step; for skills and knowledge I gained from EACH, that helped me achieve my career goals; for friends who became family, and for memories of a lifetime.”
Gonzalo Antonio Araya Vargas (UCBL study track), currently a PhD student at Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions doctoral network), Karlsruhe, Germany:
“I believe there are many testimonials that accurately describe what this programme provides to its students. In that regard, I can only join them and express how proud I am to have been part of this fantastic yet demanding programme. In my case, EACH allowed me to become a student again eight years after completing my undergraduate studies. Initially, it wasn’t easy, but the quality of education provided during the first year in Estonia made the adaptation process quite swift.
EACH was truly a life-changing experience for me. I encountered both professors and students who were incredibly passionate about their work. The programme equipped me with tools that have allowed me to dream big and opened many doors once completed. It’s essential to highlight the high level of organization the programme offers, from the application process to completion and even beyond.
For me, undertaking this programme not only meant earning two master’s degrees but also building a vast network of contacts, gaining wonderful friends, and the experience of living in two countries with excellent education systems. Even months after finishing the programme, I still feel like I’m part of this great family. The programme has become one of the best experiences of my life.
I am currently embarking on my Ph.D., where much of what I learned, especially during the second year in France (chemometrics, design of experiments, sensors, automation, inline technologies, instrumentation), proves to be incredibly helpful every day. I am confident that these insights will continue to be valuable throughout this entire journey.”
Victor Augusto Xavier da Silveira (UCBL study track), currently working at National Metrology Institute of Germany as a researcher:
“EACH has granted me various possibilities of career choices. Many doors were open after I got my diploma, from Ph.D. positions, to research engineer and field service jobs. Not only because of the courses and science that you will learn during the two year programme, but also the personal and cultural experiences lived there. Learning a new language, talking to diverse people, living as a foreigner, having an Estonian resident status. These unique and incredibly useful characteristics made the entire programme worth it, and by end, I could choose what I wanted to follow. Right now I hold a research position in the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB) as a scientific staff in the area of laser spectroscopy and reference data. And I am grateful for all the lessons I had during EACH that has led me here.”
Maico Lechner (UU study track), currently a PhD fellow at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Denmark:
“Over the past year, my position in Copenhagen has been both challenging and thrilling. It has provided me with numerous opportunities to delve into new subjects within the realm of mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The most fascinating aspect of my research involves exploring cutting-edge technologies in single-cell proteomics, developing data analysis and visualization strategies, and utilizing state-of-the-art high-resolution mass spectrometry. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with many brilliant individuals.
These technologies enable us to develop methods for various cell models. This allows us to determine changes in protein expression following drug treatments and to discover alterations in protein post-translational modifications as part of cell signaling. The precision and accuracy of these methods pave the way for a better understanding of cell communication and the identification of potential disease markers. This fusion of technology and biology is incredibly exciting and holds the promise of making significant contributions to the field of medical science and future disease treatments
EACH served as an excellent catalyst in my journey towards becoming a Ph.D. student. Given the chance, I would undoubtedly choose to follow the same path again. It presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone aspiring to become an analytical chemist. EACH offers a wealth of theoretical knowledge, complemented by numerous hands-on laboratory sessions. These sessions teach a wide variety of instruments and measurement principles, which prove invaluable in the daily life of an analytical chemist.
During my time in Tartu and Uppsala, I not only met a host of incredible friends but also solidified my foundational scientific knowledge, which I could then build upon. However, the most valuable lesson I learned during my two years was the importance of effective networking and science communication. This realization ignited my confidence in my work, enabling me to seize opportunities to present my research.”
We wish all the best to our recent graduates in their new careers!