What studying Energy and Environmental Sciences is like

Hello everyone! My name is Ali Aqlan, a Mechanical Engineer from Yemen. I’m excited to share the highlights of my journey in Energy and Environmental Sciences (EES) as I continue my studies in this field. I am fascinated and interested in new era technologies, particularly, the decentralised renewable sources/systems, which rely on no detrimental fuels and are more resilient than centralised systems. Currently, I am a Master degree student/researcher at the University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Energy and Environmental Sciences.

Why did you choose the Energy and Environmental Science programme?

During my undergraduate years in Mechanical Engineering, I studied a subject called environmental engineering. This subject was really interesting and caught my attention; the course is related to the environment, natural resources and how utilising these renewable resources such as solar and wind would positively help to mitigate climate change and reduce the emission of Greenhouse Gases GHG produced by the burning of the enormous amount of fossil fuels. Although I was still interested in mechanical engineering as my main major of study, I found myself enjoying subjects related to renewable energy and environmental sciences more and thus altered my plan and started to read and focus more on these subjects. This shift in focus led me to pursue a master’s degree in EES, allowing me to delve deeper into my passion for sustainable solutions. 

What is your thesis about?

My current focus revolves around a thesis project centred on the design of European trucks, drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic attributes of sharks. This endeavour seeks to integrate the streamlined characteristics of sharks into European truck designs, with a primary goal of enhancing their efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Leveraging a combination of cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and meticulous wind tunnel experiments, I've successfully achieved a reduction in drag force, lowering it to around 50%. This achievement is poised to bring about not only improved fuel efficiency but also a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions, marking a stride toward a greener and more sustainable future in European transportation. I am planning to publish the findings from this project as a scientific paper, contributing valuable insights to the field of energy-efficient European transportation systems. 

How is it to live and study in the Netherlands?

I have been to many countries including Sudan, Ethiopia, Indonesia but moving to the Netherlands was different. Before I flew to the Netherlands one of my friends advised me to wear a very heavy jacket; he told me the temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius, to be blunt I did not like it and I was really pessimistic about living in a cold weather. This was my first impression about the Netherlands. Yemen or the other countries that I used to live in have a mild to hot climate during the year, for example in Yemen the sun shines around 300 days a year. Nevertheless, I moved to Groningen one year ago and I really like it and have gotten used to the weather in Groningen; I can truly say the city has become my second home and leaving it would be difficult for me. From its picturesque canals to its vibrant academic community, Groningen provides a dynamic and inspiring backdrop for my studies. Another advantage of living in the Netherlands is the transportation, the country has convenient public transportation. You can easily take the train, buses, or trams to move between cities. I used to rely on buses and private cars when I was in Yemen but here cycling has become my favourite. The country is flat and the cycle paths are everywhere which makes cycling a perfect choice. What also stands out in the Netherlands is the emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness. The Dutch are renowned for their innovative approaches to renewable energy and eco-friendly practices. This aligns with my passion for environmental sciences and reinforces my commitment to promote a greener future. Finally, the education system here is great and really advanced with a different system I used in Yemen where the semester system is used instead of a quarter. The University of Groningen, in particular, fosters a stimulating academic environment that encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and interdisciplinary problem solving. The support and mentorship from professors and fellow students have proven invaluable, allowing me to explore my research interests and broaden my horizons.

What’s Next?

Unfortunately, going back to Yemen after my Master’s programme is not an option because of the current war crisis. Therefore, I have a plan B which is finding an opportunity to grow and be promoted in an organisation or institution that has a direct link to my areas of studies which in turn will help me develop my skills. Nevertheless, it will be difficult to find such an opportunity here in the Netherlands due to the highly qualified graduates. A Dutch friend of mine told me, “If you want to work or follow a PhD in the Netherlands, learning Dutch is key”. I am motivated to take language lessons and I already registered for an intensive Dutch summer course at the University of Groningen’s Language Centre. To conclude, I believe learning Dutch, besides obtaining a Master’s Degree, from a prestigious and well-known university such as the University of Groningen will not only push me closer to accomplishing my ultimate goal of becoming a well-known scholar in the field of renewable energies and environmental sciences but will also help me to promote the practice of such clean energy in the Arab world and my home country. By concentrating our efforts on these regions, I believe we can spearhead the development and implementation of tailor-made renewable energy solutions that align with the specific needs and contexts of these areas. Initiating change at a local and regional level can ripple into a positive and transformative impact on a global scale.

Original source: Alumni Stories - Ali Aqlan