Process & Food Technology

Hi! My name is Mariia! I have just finished my first year of Process and Food Technology Programme (Chemical engineering). I chose THUAS and I am very happy with my choice. The study program is very interesting and well balanced, the lecturing and tutoring staff is professional and student oriented, the laboratory equipment is fantastic,  the atmosphere in the University is very friendly. The city (Den Hague) is also friendly to foreign students, however it might be challenging to find housing. I can’t say that it is easy to study PFT at THUAS. You have to put in a lot of effort to succeed but trust me it is worth it!

”I’m a second-year student in the PFT regular track (4 years). During the first year I really liked the cheese project and water treatment project. They allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges while I enjoyed making Gouda cheese and water filtration illustration from scratch. Also, the excursions to different companies helped me gain an insight on industries. Overall, the balance between theoretical learning, practical experience, and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation makes this program an excellent choice. It provides us with the skills we need to make a real impact as chemical engineers.”

"One of the things I love most about Process & Food Technology is the many hands-on projects we get to work on, like beer brewing and cheese making. These projects give us the chance to apply theoretical concepts in practical and creative ways. The programme is incredibly versatile too: you will explore a wide range of fields from chemical processes to food science. PFT is definitely a challenging programme, but with motivation and good time management you will succeed. The sense of achievement and the skills I’m gaining make every effort worth it. To relax, I like to go skateboarding or explore a city with friends.”

During the Open days, where I was helping out, I was often asked if the degree programme was difficult because you had to speak English. I replied: No, because my English was really bad before I came here." You learn the language very quickly. The first week you are supported in putting your fears aside because you cannot do anything else but speak English. Everyone is in the same boat. "

“After 30 years of working as a microbiologist I switched for a position of lecturer. The main reason for that, is to transfer my knowledge from the working field to the young engineers of the next generation. What I really like as lecturer, is to guide and inspire you in developing your skills. I am teaching subjects related to biotechnology, food technology and food safety for all year classes based on “blended learning”. This means that I involve practical assignments and demonstrations in class and connect theory with the practical working field.” 

“I obtained my doctorate degree at Delft University of Technology in the research area of Membrane Technology, Catalysis and Process Design. While doing my PhD, I was employed as a lecturer at the Process and Food Technology (PFT) programme of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Currently, I am fulfilling several roles and functions within the university. I teach Chemical & Food Engineering subjects, and I am the international coordinator of PFT. I am also part of the Future Urban Systems research group. My research topic is on Improving Waste Management in Developing Countries.”

“As a teacher, I enjoy preparing my lesson material and presenting concepts in a way that interests students. In my ideal world, you look forward to coming to my class and leave each lesson a little bit more inspired and challenged and with a little bit more curiosity than before. Meeting and interacting with students from diverse backgrounds is the best part of my job. Before I became a teacher I graduated with PhD in Chemical Engineering at the National University of Singapore, worked a few years in the semiconductor industry and also did a postdoc stint at TU Delft.”

“As a Senior Lab Instructor, I am jointly responsible for the practical classes in the laboratories and kitchens. Additionally, I am the PR coordinator and involved in open days, trial study, day with a student, new students and alumni activities. Furthermore, I am  project coach and mentor. I am in contact with you during the entire study program, via study choice check interviews, practical classes, projects and mentor sessions, internships, excursions and guest lectures. Working with young people is inspiring and keeps me young as well.”

“After finishing University, I noticed a gap between what we learn in school and what's actually needed in the real world. That's why I decided to become a teacher. My goal is to help you build the practical skills required in the workforce. I cover topics like Public Speaking, Networking, Personal Branding and more. As your teacher, I aim to bring an open mind, a positive vibe, and a bit of humor to the class. My hope is to inspire and encourage you to learn and grow both personally and professionally.”

''I teach general chemistry, chemistry lab experiments, and polymer technology. As a teacher, I have the privilege to share my own learning experiences with young minds and I enjoy that. You will meet me in both classroom and laboratory. I will help you through your first industrial projects for example, and with difficult setups of lab experiments or chemical calculations. It’s my goal to show you that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is not only for a super-genius person. In fact, STEM fields are very practical and a key to our modern society. Without innovation in science and engineering fields, our life would not be as comfortable as it is today. You are needed as an engineer, and we are there to help you become one.''

''I’m so excited to share my working experience with you! Can you imagine that you get your dream job within three months after graduation? I’m the lucky one. I’m now working at Ecolab as an application engineer. Ecolab is an international company which is specialized in all kinds of hygiene and cleaning products and services. I work on ensuring the performance of energy-related systems in chemical production such as cooling towers, furnaces, and boilers, etc. Every time I go into the plant to see the production, I think it’s so great to apply what I learned in school in reality.''

''I started at Janssen Biologics after my graduation internship. Right now, I am a process engineer focusing on process equipment and upstream processing. My working day is best described as “dynamic”. It’s mostly a combination of desk work, meeting with a lot of people all over the world, and going into the production areas. During the PFT programme, I naturally drifted towards biotechnology. When Janssen came up as an opportunity, I immediately felt the intrinsic motivation of being able to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I am still happy about the choice I made.''

I am currently a student doing my master thesis (Chemical Engineering at TU Delft). The moment I started my bachelor programme in HHS, I was already planning my next steps towards a master’s. I can definitely say that the dynamic environment PFT provides had a major role in stimulating me in developing analytical skills and thinking out of the box. Furthermore, a broad network of experienced people such as my father (of course), PFT professors and professionals I met during the projects and internships, played a crucial role in my study career. My educational path is just like stairs full of challenges, facing them pushes me a step closer towards my passion and ultimate goal, namely becoming a process engineer focused on the newest innovative technologies.