Student story Bouke

During my bachelor’s degree, I acquired the theoretical knowledge needed to understand the everyday natural processes that shape our world. In my third year, I was able to deepen my expertise in hydrology and oceanography, both in Wageningen and during my exchange at the University of Oslo.

I chose this bachelor’s out of a fascination with soil science. I was concerned about the climate and learned that soils are the world’s natural carbon reservoirs, among many other things. Furthermore, I learned about the impacts of climate change on global and microscale processes in our environment, the infinitely varied ways of viewing our world, and the possibilities for making our surroundings resilient for the future. I discovered how complex our environment is and how systems and their interconnections can be understood using physics, chemistry, and mathematics. I love how each lecturer brings their own expertise and passion to their classes, but it’s also easy to have a conversation with anyone thanks to the small-scale structure of the programme.

Outside my studies, I am an active member of our student association, Pyrus. I serve on two committees: the FoodCie and the LexCie. The LexCie organises engaging lunchtime lectures and symposia with experts and alumni, while the FoodCie arranges food-related activities, including the annual Christmas dinner, where you can enjoy a three-course meal with your fellow students. I also participate in sports with the survival-running club WOEST and enjoy exploring the Wageningen area on runs and bike rides.

During my studies, I began to gain a clearer understanding of where my passion lies. During my exchange, I took courses in oceanography and noticed that most people worldwide live in coastal areas, which are threatened by rising sea levels. I want to continue my education so that I can apply my hydrological knowledge to contribute to the development of coastal communities, with a focus on safety and access to water.