Flávia Arcari da Silva- BSc Environmental Science
Degree and name of home university:
Environmental Engineering; Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina State University) – UDESC
Why did you choose Bangor?
My choice about coming to Bangor is related with both the city and the university. I searched for universities with tradition in the environmental segment, and through the other Science without Borders students that were already studying here, I got the information that the SENRGy department, in addition to offering great content of knowledge, has great lecturers and an organised system of education. Which now I can say is very true and I take my chance to thank my tutor, Prysor Williams, for all the help during the exchange. As to the city, I was attracted by the idea that in a small city I would be able to get closer to the local culture. After reading a little about North Wales, the culture and natural places, I was sure I would enjoy living here.
What’s been the best part of your stay in Bangor?
My personal growing.
What do you think of Wales and the UK?
I have always being a big fan of the United Kingdom, and I can say I was not a bit disappointed after coming here. In the opposite way, I got even more enchanted by the history and by the people. Beyond the fact that living in a developed country gives you a higher perspective of life quality, one of the things I most admire here is the respect about other people and the importanciven to voluntary work, giving a little of your time for the benefit of society. I had the chance to learn about Wales, especially North Wales and the rich heritage and history. The natural places are wonderful. Different from the nature I am used to seeing in Brazil, but in no way less enchanting.
How do you think you’ll benefit from participating in the SwB programme?
Improving my English is the highlight from participating in the Science without Borders programme. Nevertheless, I am benefitting from much more than that. The experience of having lectures with such good lecturers, the personal growing, and the exchange of knowledge and the different focus between here and my home university is providing that I become a more complete professional.
Where have you gone on placement and what did you do/are you doing there?
The placement I did, involved helping with data compilation for a Master’s degree in research. The research is about the Life Cycle Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion (AD). It is focused on AD implemented at small-scale on farms, and aims to evaluate the environmental balance and resource efficiency of AD as an option to deal with farm wastes and to generate renewable energy. Through the months of my placement, I learned important things about Anaerobic Digestion and Life Cycle Assessment, which I am sure will be most valuable when I am back home. I had the pleasure to work with great people, such as my supervisor David Styles.
What will you remember the most about your time in Bangor?
The welcoming way people, both from inside and outside the university always treated me, sharing the culture with me and making me feel so welcome.