Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Rosalie van Zelm and I graduated in Environmental Technology from the University of Twente in 2005. Afterwards, I completed my PhD in Environmental Science at Nijmegen and continued there as a postdoc, Assistant Professor and now as an Associate Professor. I teach in the Bachelor's programmes in Chemistry and Molecular Life Sciences and in the Master's programme for all science disciplines. Additionally, I am working to integrate sustainability education broadly into the Faculty of Science Bachelor's programmes.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I have always been interested in new technologies, particularly in the field of chemistry. However, I found it less interesting to simply help large companies develop further without considering the consequences. Environmental Technology therefore suited me well at the time. After my studies, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. When I had the opportunity to work briefly at the Department of Environmental Science, my interest in modelling was sparked. With this, I could predict the environmental consequences of certain decisions on a large scale. What I find interesting is that the methods I develop are used worldwide to predict the environmental impacts of products and systems, thereby promoting sustainable development.
What is your current research focus?
Besides the continuous development of methods to predict environmental effects that can be applied to all types of systems, sustainable healthcare is currently a major research area. We develop predictive models for the environmental effects of both pharmaceutical production and use, and participate in case studies. By applying our methods, we can advise pharmaceutical manufacturers and hospitals on reducing their environmental impact. In this research, we collaborate with the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and various other parties, including pharmaceutical companies.
What advice do you have for students who are choosing their field of study?
Look carefully at which subjects interest you, but also at what appeals to you in a study programme. I never knew what I wanted to do later in life, but always made choices based on my interests at that time. Also look at possible elective courses and specialisations that could make a study programme a good fit.
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I enjoy being able to teach students something and also learning from them. The discussions in the classroom and during internship assignments give me energy.