Designing constructions to meet the basic needs of society
Reuven, from Israel, has chosen to study abroad where you can get on well with the English language. Because he is also interested in civil engineering, his eye fell on our bachelor programme Civil Engineering at the University of Twente. As a first-year bachelor student, he was awarded the Young Talent Award of the Royal Dutch Society of Sciences.
You have won the Civil and Maritime Engineering incentive prize of the Royal Dutch Society of Sciences based on your achievements in the first year in November. Why did you get this prize?
Reuven: “I am very proud to be awarded the Young Talent Award. I got awarded this prize based on my grades and my participation in the Honours Program. I would like to thank the University of Twente and staff for nominating me for this.”
What Honours programme did you follow? Can you elaborate on the things you have learned? Why did you choose for an Honours programme in the first place?
“I am participating in the track "Process of change". In this track, we are learning about changes at different levels, from changes in the whole society to changes at the individual level. This track is very special because it emphasizes the need for being creative and thinking out of the box. I decided to join this program because I wanted to broaden my knowledge, meet new friends and to learn something that is not directly related to my main studies.”
Why did you choose to do a bachelor's programme abroad, at UT and why Civil Engineering?
“I used to live in Australia and New-Zealand with my girlfriend in the last years. Together we wanted to study in English and to be closer to our families. My family lives in Israel and my girl-friends family live in Germany.
The University of Twente was a perfect match for me, as I wanted to study the bachelor’s programme of Civil Engineering. Also, we learnt that it is possible to get around in the Netherlands with English quite comfortably. I chose to study this bachelor because it is a practical study, and everything can be imagined. Also, I am interested in real estate and buildings/structures do fascinate me.”
As a CE student, what complex civil engineering challenges have you been able to solve?
“Every module we are working on a different project in groups of usually around 5 people from our faculty. For example, In the first year, we had to design a dam in Ethiopia. This project was complex as many stakeholders were involved and their involvement was mainly based on survival (water supply for agriculture and drinking). At this moment, we are designing a bridge in the Red-Light district in Amsterdam. This bridge will be designed with a network of sensors that could indicate the state of the bridge and gather information that could help for the maintenance phase and for the spatial planning in the area.
Generally, projects in the civil engineering sector are connected to society. It involves the basic needs of people and that is why it is so interesting. As a Civil Engineer, you can make this world a better place.”
In the program CE, you learn everything a civil engineer needs to know to design, construct and manage large projects in construction & infrastructure, water management, and traffic & transport. Which field of research attracts you the most?
“Construction is the most interesting for me and this was the reason me choosing to study this programme. I like to design structures and be proud of the result, and maybe help society solve a problem at the same time.”
Which course do you like best and why?
“Structure mechanics and Math. Always I liked Physics and Math. In the Structure Mechanics course we learn how to design structural objects such as buildings and bridges and how to make sure that the structure is stable enough to use. Also, we learn how to optimize the structures, and which is the best materials to use (concrete/steel/timber/etc…).”
You have lived in the Netherlands (Enschede) for some time now, can you indicate what you noticed or thought was extraordinary?
“The city centre of Enschede is a special one. I love that cars are not allowed to drive there and you can walk around and enjoy your time. The cafes and bars in the centre are amazing and we are going there a few times a week. Also, we enjoy going to the market on Saturday, there is a lot of stands and the atmosphere is great. Besides my hobbies reading and running, cooking is one of my passions. I can buy almost all my ingredients on the market.
Enschede is a lovely looking city, all the houses are covered with red stones and white windows which creates a unique view of the city.
For me, it is the first time to live in Europe in my life, so this is a whole new experience, different culture and different people. So far, I am enjoying it.” Reuven smiles.