Catalina Silva-Plata

Nationality: Colombian

Thesis title: Towards a soft path for water in the food industry

Why did you choose to study at Strathclyde?

I first came to Strathclyde for the MSc in Environmental Entrepreneurship, which is the first of its kind in Europe. After the MSc I decided to carry out research on environmental and sustainability studies, reason why I pursued my PhD degree under the supervision of Dr Elsa João.

What help did you receive in the application process/on arrival?

People in Glasgow and in the university are very friendly and helpful, they are always willing to clarify any question or provide assistance in any matter. My advisor Dr. João was my main point of contact since I applied to the MSc and always provided assistance during the application process. In addition, the administrative staff of the department helped me throughout.

If you studied in your home country, what differences have you found studying at Strathclyde?

Strathclyde has a stimulating international environment full of different training and networking opportunities. There is always a chance for meeting people from across the globe which differs from the university environment back in Colombia. Additionally, the university is very research-oriented whereas at my home country institutions tend to be more teaching-oriented.

What do you enjoy about studying/living in Glasgow?

Glasgow’s best asset is its people who are particularly friendly at all times! The city has all the advantages of a metropolis without being too big, almost everything is within a walking or cycling distance. There is also a vast range of cultural events, concerts, gigs and festivals which reflects the young spirit of a city with a large student population.

For the nature lovers, Glasgow is at the doorstep of the highlands, islands and Scotland’s country side, it is very easy to just take a train and within as little as one hour reach breathtaking sceneries, I highly recommend going hiking in Scotland.

What advice would you give to an international student thinking of coming to study at Strathclyde?

The University of Strathclyde is an institution full of different opportunities, keep informed about what is going on at all times! I highly recommend the training courses provided by the Research and Knowledge Exchange programme.

In Strathclyde, you'll have the opportunity for meeting and networking with people from a vast range of backgrounds which I think enhances the learning process. On another note, I advise you to spend time getting to know Scottish culture and its people, for example I think attending to a Ceilidh (a type of Scottish dancing) is a good start.

What's the best thing about studying at Strathclyde?

Our motto is 'the place of useful learning' which pretty much summarises the strengths of the institution. Strathclyde is at the forefront of the Scottish universities and provides many opportunities for its students and researchers.

What did you particularly enjoy about your PhD?

Research is an exciting quest, full of new challenges. This journey has taught me a wide range of skills and I have gained knowledge in many different areas. My research falls in the interdisciplinary region as I used methods of the social sciences for investigating the way in which corporations embrace and reduce their impact on the environment.

The PhD has opened my mind to a whole different level and that’s what I have enjoyed the most.

What do you think of the new research facilities in the department?

The department has invested in brand new labs which I haven’t used because my research is not lab-based, however many of my friends in the department do and I have heard many good comments.

The new office spaces are comfortable and ideal for working and networking. You learn a lot through having conversations with your peers and members of staff, this might inspire you for ideas for your own work.

Are staff in the department helpful?

Both admin and academic staff in the Civil & Environmental Engineering department are very friendly and always open for having interesting academic conversations or for helping you in any matter.

The department strives for gender equality which has been demonstrated by the Athena SWAN silver award which reflects the department ethos.

What are your career plans for the future?

I am very interested on working in global socio-environmental challenges and will look for opportunities for doing so. I think researchers share a big responsibility for making the world a better place and I would like to give back something positive to the society.

What are you doing now, post-graduation?

I am working with the Sustainability Team of the university as an Environmental Coordinator. We run a range of programmes such as projects for waste recycling and reduction, student and staff engagement in environmental issues, carbon reduction, cycling support and the setup of the university as a living-laboratory for encouraging researchers and students to carry out projects towards the enhancement of the university’s sustainability.

Would you recommend the department to prospective students?

Yes! I think one of the main strengths of the department is its interdisciplinary nature.

What final advice would you give to prospective students?

The academic environment is very stimulating, make the most of it and don’t lose any chance for talking to people from many different areas and departments.

I truly believe that for providing solutions to the world’s problems we need a mixture of approaches and talking to people is a good start.