The master’s thesis of Antonio Semakalu – measurement science in determination of radionuclides

Antonio Semakalu from Uganda defended his master thesis on February 28, 2012. The title of the thesis was “Gammmaspectrometrical Measurement of Radium Content in Water – Validation of Analysis Procedure”.

The thesis is remarkable not only because it was awarded the highest mark “A”, but also because it was defended three months (!) in advance of the deadline. Antonio talks about the thesis: “It will be applied in research and in environmental and nuclear labs for studies and decisions making in environmental control”. One of Antonio’s supervisors Siiri Suursoo says: “Antonio did a huge work and significantly advanced our lab’s measurement capability in this area. We are very happy about this thesis.”

Here are some of Antonio’s comments about Tartu, the AMS programme and his future plans:

— Impression about the training at UT:

“The major impressions I have are; Flexibility, Equipments and Environmental location. Training here allows flexibility in what you study. It gives you an opportunity to do any and as many courses you may want to do in any department without any obstacles (you just register it and do it). This has helped me to acquire many and different skill at one single study time. I managed to get knowledge from economics, chemistry and physics departments. The university has got all what you need to complete your course. All Equipments and every resource you may need are available. It location really has given me maximum concentration on my studies and students life has been fantastic. The people around the city and the students in the town really make one feel the university life”.

—Future Plans:

“Am now looking forward to do my research PhD in either nuclear studies or chemistry. Hopefully this can lead me to IAEA or professorship and research”.