“The reputation of TU Darmstadt helped me a lot”
Interview with TU Darmstadt Alumnus Armit Gajurel
2021/10/19
Amit Gajurel joined the TropHEE program at the TU Darmstadt in 2016. Today the TU Darmstadt Alumnus from Nepal works as adoctoral student at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He says, the time in Darmstadt meant a giant leap in his career.
Where do you live and study at the moment?
Currently, I live in Las Vegas/USA. I am a doctoral student in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I am focusing my research on the study of disinfection by-products and different water treatment techniques.
You were part of the TropHee program. Why did you choose TU Darmstadt for your research?
Back in my home country of Nepal, German universities have a huge reputation. So, naturally, I was fascinated by them. Furthermore, I was keen to study environmental engineering with a focus on water science. When I found out about the TropHEE program at TU Darmstadt, I had no doubt I wanted to join the program. So, I chose TU Darmstadt and got enrolled in the TropHEE program in October 2016.
How did you experience your time in Darmstadt? What was special for you?
I had a wonderful experience during my time at TU Darmstadt. My program was an international program. So, I could become friends with people from around the world which I had not imagined in my wildest dreams. I learned much about the cultures and traditions of people from different corners of the world. We used to travel quite a lot and enjoyed what Germany and Europe offered. I still miss hanging out at the “Weihnachtsmarkt” [Christmas market] with my friends.
I had a wonderful experience during my time at TU Darmstadt.
Where did you study before you came to Germany?
I grew up in a city close to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. I completed my higher secondary education in my city. However, I received my Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Kathmandu University which is about a couple of hours drive from my hometown in Nepal.
What was the most striking contrast between TU Darmstadt and your home university or your home country?
In my home country, the educational system is generally theoretical, with limited research and laboratory works. We basically would go to the classes, do our weekly assignments, and take at least three exams in a semester for a course. At TU Darmstadt, however, I spent most of my time in the laboratory and library. That is the most striking contrast I found between my home university and TU Darmstadt. TU Darmstadt focused more on independent work.
How did TU Darmstadt influence your further career?
It was a giant leap in my career when I joined TU Darmstadt. Some attributes that I gained during my time there have helped me tremendously in my current study. I am sure the reputation of TU Darmstadt helped me a lot to get this opportunity.
It was a giant leap in my career when I joined TU Darmstadt. Some attributes that I gained during my time there have helped me tremendously in my current study.
Are you still in contact with former students or teachers of TU Darmstadt?
Yes, of course. I have made very strong friendships at TU Darmstadt. They are an integral part of my life. We are still in touch, meet online regularly and discuss what we did during our time at TU Darmstadt. Some funny interesting stories come up every time we talk.
Thank you very much!
Interview: Astrid Ludwig
