María Clara Vanegas Camero
Maria Clara Vanegas Camero is from Colombia. She heard about IHE Delft through an announcement that was posted on the website of Colfuturo about a Double Degree Programme in Sanitary Engineering. She was very interested, so she applied to study at IHE Delft.
Maria Clara wanted to study in Europe and was interested in designing sanitary structures, pipelines and wastewater treatment plants. ‘’Various international programmes did not offer this, but IHE Delft did.''
IHE Delft is a well-known Institute and there are a lot of experienced people around the world who have studied here. The water network that you build here goes throughout the world. Another benefit is that the lecturers have a lot of experience, they are running projects as well as giving lectures.
About problems in her home country: ‘’We have major problems with the Bogota river. This river is highly polluted. We have to reduce the pollution and the risk of flooding. Furthermore, we have to connect people to safe drinking water supply and good sanitation.’’
On her motivation to study in the field of water: “During my Bachelor’s I was interested in water treatment processes. During my work experience, I designed waste water treatment plants. This interested me as it broadened my knowledge of Sanitary Engineering. I needed more knowledge in this field, as I would like to apply it in my home country.’’
Her goals when she has finished studying: “The short term goals are to work in consultancy and apply my Master’s knowledge. After this I would like to study more and eventually I would like to have my own company and provide services in Sanitary Engineering in Latin America.’’
On life in Delft: ’’It is fantastic! The ‘senior’ Colombian students and fellows received us warmly and made it easier to adjust. The people are overwhelming, I am enjoying the experience of meeting so many people from all over the world. Delft is a little city and I like the fact that I can bike everywhere.’’