Anastasia Cozma is a Bachelor student at MCI NanoSyd, University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg
Where are you studying, and what degree are you pursuing?
I am currently studying Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering, Innovation and Business at University of Southern Denmark, in Sønderborg.
What motivated you to study physics or engineering?
I have always been passionate about understanding how things work, and initially in school I was drawn to mathematics and physics. Their ability to explain the world with precision particularly interested me, but I wanted to go beyond just understanding. I wanted to use them as tools to create something tangible and meaningful and make a change. This led me to engineering, where scientific principles become tools for innovation and problem-solving. Particularly nowadays, I believe it is essential to take action, as the world faces pressing global challenges, from climate change to resource scarcity and stark inequalities between world regions. While some areas thrive with advanced technology and infrastructure, others struggle with basic necessities like clean water, electricity, and healthcare. I want to use my skills to help bridge this gap, and engineering provides the opportunity to develop sustainable solutions, improve living standards, and make a real difference in people’s lives, which is what motivates me the most.
What has been your favorite course or topic in physics so far?
My favorite has been a course called Computer Aided Engineering which provided a deeper understanding on computational tools to analyze, design, and optimize complex systems. By the use of a software, we learned to predict how structures and materials behave under various conditions and environments. What I loved most, was its very practical implication, that it allowed to simulate your construction taking into account real-world mechanical and thermal problems. I gained insight into how computational engineering is transforming industries and allows for more sustainable designs, improved safety, and cost-effective solutions.
Tell us about a cool project you have worked on or are currently working on.
I had worked on a group project each semester so far, all of which were generated by our own ideas, and then collaboratively working on its development and prototyping. That is the innovation aspect of my programme that I sought out and I enjoyed experiencing. Currently, I am working on a predictive maintenance project in collaboration with Siemens Gamesa. This project focuses on enhancing equipment reliability by utilizing machine learning algorithms to predict potential failures before they occur. My role involves researching and experimenting with various machine learning techniques to determine the most effective models for forecasting equipment degradation. The goal is to improve current maintenance strategies, reduce downtime, and optimize overall operational efficiency.
What kind of career do you envision for yourself after your engineering studies?
The current project on predictive maintenance has particularly sparked my interest in data-driven approaches and I see great potential for these technologies in various industries. After my engineering studies, I envision a career where I can apply my technical skills to create impactful and sustainable solutions. Given my passion for innovation, I want to work in environments that stimulate it. I am particularly interested in roles that involve the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve infrastructure, and drive sustainability. Beyond technical development, I aspire to contribute to shaping the future of engineering for a more equitable world. I believe that by applying these advanced technologies thoughtfully, we can address global challenges and advance accessibility to essential services where needed. In the long run, I aim to take on roles to drive forward innovative projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and help create engineering solutions that have a lasting, positive impact on society.
What does being a engineer mean to you?
For me engineering is before everything, about curiosity, an inner drive to question how and why things behave the way they do. It’s about exploring and then using that knowledge to create something meaningful. Engineering is not just about building things, but definitely about adding value to people’s lives, solving an existing challenge and making everyday experiences easier, more efficient and more fulfilling. At its core, it’s the pursuit of innovation with the purpose of benefiting others.
What advice would you give to young people, particularly women and minorities, who are interested in studying physics?
To seek out opportunities and take the risk—that is the mindset I believe in. So often, the first instinct is to focus on the negatives, to question what will happen if you fail. But I prefer to ask, “What if you don’t?” What if taking that leap turns out to be the best decision you’ve ever made? I believe that failure is not in trying and missing, but rather in never taking the shot at all. Because the former scenario has a chance to turn into success, whereas not taking any action cannot lead anywhere. When you take action, even if you fall short, there is always a lesson to be learned, an experience to build on, and a chance for growth. In contrast, choosing inaction guarantees that nothing changes, that is the mindset I strive to embrace and encourage others to do so as well.
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