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Maria

Maria comes from Colombia. Before coming to Sweden, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in microbiology from Los Andes University in Bogotá. Her friends describe her as a positive and outgoing person. In her free time you'll find her cooking up for friends, discovering new coffee spots, bouldering with friends, or indulging in some pottery or photography.

Ask Maria a question

Why did you choose this master's programme at KTH?

During my bachelor's thesis, right in the middle of the pandemic, I had the chance to dive into a fully computational project with microbial data. This experience, along with countless conversations with peers and mentors, opened my eyes to the rapidly evolving, data-driven landscape of life sciences. I was captivated by the innovative trends and techniques being used to analyse biological data and knew I wanted to dive deeper into bioinformatics and big-data analysis. That's where the MTLS programme comes in. It's designed to equip professionals from diverse backgrounds with the skills to tackle complex biological questions using a wide range of cutting-edge techniques. It's the perfect platform for anyone looking to be at the forefront of this exciting, data-driven revolution in life sciences. 

What are the best aspects of your programme?

One of the best parts of our programme is that it's a joint effort between KTH, Karolinska Institute, and Stockholm University. This means we get to enjoy the amazing facilities at all three universities and connect with their amazing academic communities. Imagine having access to incredible researchers from around the world, diving into a wide variety of topics and techniques. Many of our courses are held at the SciLifeLab, one of Sweden's biggest life sciences research hubs. It's super exciting to be right where cutting-edge research happens. Plus, our professors and researchers see us as valuable scientists who bring fresh perspectives to ongoing projects. This opens tons of opportunities for hands-on experience through internships at various labs. Another fantastic aspect of this master's programme is how international it is. I've met people from every corner of the globe, each bringing unique and valuable insights. It's amazing to talk, learn, and share ideas with them. We discuss everything from science to random life topics, enriching our experience and understanding of the world.

How is student life in Stockholm?

I'd say it's incredibly student-focused. I was amazed by the number of activities available for students. You'll find an abundance of clubs, associations, and events that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're into music, robotics, AI, theatre, or board games, there's a community for you. Also, Stockholm is a city where there's always something happening. When I'm not busy with lectures, assignments, or exams, I've had the chance to enjoy film festivals, free museums, exhibitions, spontaneous forest walks, day trips, and so much more. One of the things I love most here is the respect professors have for your free time. The Nordic culture places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, encouraging you to explore and enjoy life outside of academia.

What do you want to do after graduating?

Well, the time to decide is approaching fast, and I've been seriously considering pursuing a PhD. After learning about the fantastic benefits for doctorate students here in Sweden, I'm convinced this is the path I want to follow. My next goal is to find a research area I'm passionate about and a supportive research group to join. But that's not all. I also want to gain experience in the biotechnology industry. I believe I have a strong chance of doing both. If you look at what our graduate are up to now, you'll see a nice balance between those who stayed in academia and those who ventured into the industry, securing positions in biotechnology, startups, and pharmaceutical companies. This programme equips you with a diverse set of skills and tools, and so it's truly an excellent steppingstone for both academic and industry careers.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?

I would say don't think too much about it. KTH is not only a prestigious institution with an amazing campus and state-of-the-art facilities, but it's also a forward-thinking university committed to the sustainable development goals. This means you'll be part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Additionally, KTH is a fantastic student hub in a very international city like Stockholm. Don't worry, you don't have to know Swedish. In fact, most people here will speak English, although if Swedish is something you want to learn, you can do that too. The opportunities for academic and personal growth here are immense. From cutting-edge research to a multitude of student clubs and activities, there's something for everyone. Sure, the winters are tough, but with a few friends and some fresh homemade hot chocolate or Glögg, we've all survived. And guess what? The Scandinavian summers are amazing. So, don't overthink it; go for it.