Chemistry

What I really like about this Master's degree programme is that there is plenty of freedom in choosing your own study programme. I chose to study chemistry because I wanted to work on solving sustainability problems. In the Bachelor's degree programme, I discovered that I am also really interested in materials science. Within this Master's programme, I can combine these two topics very well. In addition, I find the contact with the lecturers very good.

In the first year of this Master’s programme, I followed many course units in the field of polymers,
which ties in well with my interest in sustainability. I am currently doing a research study on self-
healing solid polymer electrolytes, which provides a nice combination of synthesis and analysis. I find
it a very interesting topic, and I enjoy being able to take such a deep dive into a subject. You really
start to notice how your knowledge from the Bachelor’s programme is now becoming integrated –
you know more and can do more things independently.

I would like to do my second research study this year at a company to compare that experience with
my current, more fundamental research. In this way, I am hoping to discover whether I would like to
continue doing research or join the business world. I also took the Teacher-training Minor during my
Bachelor’s programme, so there is a possibility that I will go on to the one-year Master’s in
Education. Either way, I am hoping to discover this year what suits me best.

Annemarie's journey within the Polymer Science group , under the guidance of Prof. Marleen Kamperman (UG) and Prof. Wiebe de Vos (UT), is a true inspiration. Having recently submitted her thesis, her focus on designing antifouling coatings for underwater applications highlights her unwavering commitment. While her Chemistry Bachelor degree from the University of Groningen provided a solid base, it was during her Master's that her genuine passion for ”smart materials” emerged. Smart materials are materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, light, or mechanical stress, enabling them to perform specific functions or adapt to their environment.

Her PhD work involved the synthesis of (partially) charged polymers that could self-assemble into ultra-thin layers, capable of resisting dirt. This could turn out to be a highly valuable strategy for large-scale applications. Annemarie envisions stepping into the corporate sector after her PhD, driven by the desire for tangible impact and quicker results.

Although her heart remains tied to the Netherlands, she's eager to explore new corners of the country. While companies specialising in surface chemistry intrigue her, she's also open to exploring different sectors.

Early on, Annemarie has been focusing on networking and reconnecting with colleagues to pave the way for her post-PhD plans. She highly values the authentic insights her network provides as she gears up for her job search.

Celebrating (small) victories while doing complex research is what keeps Annemarie motivated. She encourages self-reflection, advising fellow students to align their passions with their chosen paths, whether that's in academia, industry, or management.

With a passion for "smart materials”, Annemarie keeps a keen eye on industry trends and innovations that link technology with materials, driving possibilities forward.

For Annemarie, effective communication, curiosity, enthusiasm, passion, and unfailing perseverance are the defining traits of a (doctorate) researcher, which grew stronger during her academic path. Her advice to her past self includes courage, self-trust, and intuition – valuable lessons learned from her own journey that she now shares as a chemistry alumnus

After obtaining my Bachelor's degree, I considered moving to another city for my Master's degree programme, but I actually have everything that I want and that I am looking for here. I enjoy the way of working here as well as the emphasis on good interaction between the lecturers and students.

In the Master’s degree programme especially, you will work in small groups within various specializations and the lecturers will also share their thought processes and working methods with you. Next to that, skills and knowledge is taught that is applicable for all types of chemists.

I have almost finished the first year of the Master’s degree programme in Chemistry. After the summer, I will begin a study on stimuli-responsive hydrogels. This is a network of polymers comprising functional groups that respond to light or heat, for instance. I got in touch with someone within this research group who is doing his PhD, and I found it really interesting to hear about what type of research is going on there. From there I spoke with the leader of the group and he had a spot available for me.

I still don’t know exactly what I’d like to do once I graduate. A lot of chemists continue in research, but there are also a lot of industry jobs in the Northern Netherlands. Delfzijl, with its growing number of chemical companies, is of course close by; but even here on campus, an increasing number of businesses are coming to build test plants, for example, to conduct research in the field of green energy.

My tip for students choosing a Master’s degree programme: students sometimes think that this Master’s programme is very difficult. It is a highly academic programme that also focuses on giving presentations, writing reviews, and efficiently gaining knowledge. It is a lot, and it is also sometimes quite fast paced, but if you managed the Bachelor’s phase then you’ll be able to follow this Master’s programme just fine.