Testimonials

Previous education

Bachelor's Chemistry

Programme

Molecular Chemistry

Country of previous education

Netherlands

Kathleen Cheasty is a Master's student Molecular Chemistry at Radboud University.

What do you like about the programme and why?

I particularly like, that the programme offers a lot of space for internships.

What do you think about the atmosphere in class?

The classes have a nice atmosphere, as everyone is very friendly, and we can just ask all questions without fear of being judged.

How has the programme challenged you?

The internships are especially challenging about this programme. I was encouraged to go out and organise them myself, which was especially challenging for my internship abroad, but also a great learning opportunity.

How is the supervision within the study programme?

Supervisors are very approachable, and you can just come to them with any concerns (or ideas) and they will be really open to it.

What are your plans once you have received your degree?

I want to pursue a PhD degree after I received my Master's. Eventually, I would really like to stay in academia and be a PI for my own research group.

Why did you choose for the Radboud University?

I was at Radboud University for my Bachelor's as well; therefore, I knew I liked the atmosphere.

What do you like about Nijmegen?

It is a very pretty city; there is a beach and plenty of things to do, as well as events. Also, since it is a very green city, there's lots of vegan and vegetarian food.

Are you involved with a study association? If so, in what way?

I do judo in my free time, so I was involved there, as there are many group activities and the people there are really nice.

Which information activities do you find valuable and why?

I personally like the open days, as it gives the opportunity to really experience a University and its surroundings.

What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?

Make sure that you are interested in the courses of the university as well as the research. Ultimately, where you study doesn't matter as much as what you learn from there.

Nationality

Nederlands

Programme

Molecular Chemistry

Robin Schenker is a PhD student in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at Radboud University Nijmegen.

Could you introduce yourself?

I never thought I would become a PhD student. My name is Robin and I'm from the western part of the Netherlands. I completed my Bachelor's in Molecular Science and Chemistry in Leiden. I also started a Master's programme there, but I lacked the motivation to continue. Instead of pursuing further studies, I went to Peru for almost a year. Upon returning to the Netherlands, I struggled to find a suitable position in chemistry. I eventually ended up doing unskilled warehouse work. Six years after completing my Bachelor's, I decided it was time for a change and began studying for a Master's in Molecular Chemistry in Nijmegen. 

Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?

In secondary school, I enjoyed conducting experiments at home. I particularly liked making substances or mixtures that burned well. The choice to study chemistry was therefore a logical one. Chemistry appeals to me because chemical synthesis enables so many other things in society. By specialising in chemistry, I wanted to make myself useful and even indispensable. I always found organic synthesis to be the most enjoyable aspect of chemistry. 

What are you currently researching? 

My research focuses on developing new substances for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This form of cancer is currently incurable in most cases. The tumours are surrounded by a shell of connective tissue that promotes tumour growth. We are trying to develop drugs that do not bind to the cancer cells themselves – as cancer cells can easily adapt and become resistant – but to the connective tissue cells that support the tumour. These drugs can accumulate in the tissue surrounding the tumour and subsequently be activated by the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), an enzyme specifically found around the tumour. The activation leads to the release of cytotoxic molecules which – we hope – can selectively attack the cancer-supporting connective tissue cells and the cancer cells. 

What advice do you have for students who are making their study choices? 

Don't be afraid of making the wrong choice. If you don't like it, enrol in a different programme for the next semester or year. In the meantime, enjoy the extra time as a student!