University students embody EELISA’s DNA – they are diverse, curious, creative, and are playing a key role in our Alliance either through their involvement in EELISA communities, as participants of activities, as reporters, or as members of the EELISA’s governance structures. This portrait series aims to give visibility to those pioneer students who are building EELISA as well as to acknowledge their efforts and contributions.
In this second article, we will meet student and member of the EELISA Academic & Scientific Committee Julie Kleinhans (ENPC), who has also been selected to be part of the European Student Assembly; and Eylül B. Özgen (ITU), a student who has experienced EELISA Mobility by attending a course at EELISA partner university FAU.
Julie Kleinhans
Hi! I’m from Paris’ suburbs, in France. After two-year post-A level course in maths, physics and chemistry, I integrated one of the top French engineering schools, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech, where I’m currently studying civil engineering. In addition, I’ve been one of the elected students of the Ecole des Ponts ParisTech’s Graduate School Council for 2 years. Thanks to this position, I had the opportunity to become one of the first student representatives of EELISA. These experiences brought me a lot of soft skills I hope I will soon apply as a civil engineer, in France or abroad in Europe. As a child, I wanted to become a lawyer or to work at the crime lab. My plans changed a little bit during my studies… and I’m grateful to the professors who helped me to choose my path.
How do you think EELISA can impact your life as a student?
To me, EELISA is a great opportunity to connect me with other European students. I think the future engineer will be a European one: sharing our knowledge and our ways to work is efficient! I hope EELISA will help and encourage students to move into Europe. I recently discovered that even an online meeting with EELISA European students brought me a lot, particularly in my reflexion about the ways to learn and to teach.
…and how do you think students like yourself can contribute to EELISA?
Students’ voices are essential: the alliance is mainly built for us! The head of the alliance and professors need our feedback to make things evolve. We shouldn’t be shy and shouldn’t hesitate to challenge our universities with the changes we want, for example, encouraging courses which are accessible for English-speakers in all the alliance, proposing topics which resonate a lot for us today…
Your words to describe EELISA
Future, hope, barrier-free
Eylül Berke Özgen
Hello! I am from Turkey. I graduated from electrical engineering and now, I am doing a Master’s degree in Economics at Istanbul Technical University. I have been one of the EELISA students of the course “Innovation and Leadership” given by Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. This experience enabled me to contact people from all over the world, especially Europe, and changed my perspective about innovation and “being driven”. In the near future, I hope to spend my time doing research in the field of economics and organizing innovative projects to shape the world for the public good.
How do you think EELISA can impact your life as a student?
EELISA presents a huge opportunity to students by enabling them to attend world-known universities’ courses and enable them to connect with lots of bright ideas. I had a chance to work with valuable lecturers and students during my experience. The program enabled me to broaden my horizon by getting me involved in brainstorming activities and a huge network.
…and how do you think students like yourself can contribute to EELISA?
From my perspective, students should understand that EELISA is a unique and international program. Good things increase when shared with others. We can broaden the network of EELISA by sharing our EELISA experience with more motivated individuals. Also in the academic field, attending EELISA’s future seminars/discussions and shaping new perspectives can be an important contribution.
Your words to describe EELISA
Opportunity, education and innovation.