Seven new PhD students at the Department of Economy and Society
Italy, Peru, Germany, the Netherlands and Greece. This where the seven new PhD students, who have started their doctoral education at the Department of Economy and Society during the autumn. We've asked a few questions to get to know them better.
Raisa María Rubio: Economic History
My name is Raisa María Rubio and I am from Piura, Peru. I did my Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Universidad de Piura in Lima and my Master’s programme in Economic Development at Lund University.
What is your research area?
I am interested in welfare and economic development, that is, understanding the implications of global trends in both poverty and inequality in developing countries in Latin America, from a long run perspective.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
Through my PhD I want to contribute to rigours research to better understand how the poorest and vulnerable have fared in labour markets in a changing world. My goal is providing with inputs for much needed evidence-based policy making. Having both worked and researched in public policy in Peru made me realised the importance of this aspect to which I want to contribute too.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
Gothenburg is a diverse city with many options to explore from exploring the archipelago’s islands to visiting restaurants featuring different types of cuisine from around the world. People is reserved but friendly and willing to help if one needs it. A vibrant international community makes Gothenburg even more interesting.
What's your favourite food from your country?
It's hard to choose but I would say ceviche which is the national dish. We have (slightly) different versions but the core of it is chopped fresh raw fish cocked with strong Peruvian lemon juice & aji limon (special type of chili). In my region, Piura, it's served with cassava & sarandaja beans.
Bart van Holsteijn: Economic History
My name is Bart, and I am from the Netherlands. I obtained both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Utrecht University. During my master’s I also completed an eight-month research internship at the Bonn Center for Dependency & Slavery Studies (BCDSS) in Germany.
What is your research area?
As you might guess from my previous answer, my research area is in the history of slavery and colonialism, although I also take an interest in processes of labour coercion more widely.
What made you want to do research as a PhD.?
There are of course many reasons, but the most basic ones are that I wanted to do a PhD because I very much enjoy doing research and I wanted to contribute to our collective knowledge of the history of coercive labour relations.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
I have been enjoying my time in the city a lot so far! It has everything to offer you would want from a major city: beautiful architecture, many cosy cafes and restaurants, and a rich cultural agenda, while at the same time the streets are not overwhelmingly busy. I also find the locals to be very friendly and welcoming. I am looking forward to getting to know the city even better.
What's your favourite food from your country?
It is hard to say since the Netherlands is not particularly well known for its brilliant cuisine. Perhaps I would pick something from the wide range of popular snacks: kaassouflé, kapsalon, stroopwafel and other savoury and sweet delights.
Giulia Martini: Economic History
My name is Giulia, and I am from Rome, Italy. I did my Bachelor in Rome, where I studied Political Science and International Relations. I did a double degree Masters called Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG). The first year I have studied at the University of Groningen (the Netherlands) and the second at Lund University (Sweden)
What is your research area?
My research interests are gender norms in West Africa in an economic and historical perspective.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
I decided to pursue a PhD when I was writing my second master’s thesis. I was writing it about microfinance and women’s empowerment in Ghana, and towards the end I realised I wish I had more time to study more about gender norms and how those affected women on their daily life.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
I really like Gothenburg; it is a very welcoming city. I am having a really good time exploring it. Moreover, there is always something interesting to do, like concerts, exhibitions, stand-up comedy nights (in English), and book clubs. Moreover, I really enjoy in an international environment because it always gives you the possibility to learn something new or from a new perspective.
What's your favourite food from your country?
It is a very hard question, so I will keep it simple and say pizza.
Ioanna Petridou: Human Geography
My name is Ioanna, and I am originally from Greece. I got my integrated Master’s diploma of Engineering in Urban and Regional Planning and Development at the University of Thessaly in Greece and my Master’s in Human Geography at Stockholm University in Sweden.
What is your research area?
I am primarily interested in feminist geography and migration, particularly in the context of public spaces. My research seeks to explore how various factors influence and shape gendered practices and the urban encounters in public space, with a specific focus on migrant women's experiences.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
My motivation to pursue a Ph.D. is rooted in my genuine appreciation for knowledge and a strong belief in the positive impact of education. I am eager to contribute to my field of study and its communities through this academic path.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
Gothenburg is a vibrant and beautiful city that seamlessly blends nature and urbanity. The people here are friendly, contributing to the city's simple and comforting vibe.
What's your favourite food from your country?
My favourite Greek food would be a dish called gemista (γεμιστά) which in English could be translated as stuffed, referring to various vegetables and different types of fillings.
Johannes Tröndle: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
My name is Johannes Tröndle and I come from a village inn south-west Germany called Nöggenschwiel which is famous for its roses. I did my Bachelor in Basel, Switzerland in Industrial engineering and I conducted my Masters degree here at Handelshögskolan in Innovation and Industrial Management.
What is your research area?
I'm in the unit for innovation and entrepreneurship, where my interest lies in university-industry collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
I'm interested in the topics around innovation management and wanted to look deeper into this area in combination with my previous jobs within the pharmaceutical industry.
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
I love how easy it is to get outside into the nature in Gothenburg and all the opportunities to go for a swim, either in lakes, at the coast, or on the islands.
What's your favourite food from your country?
Schwarzwälderkirschtorte – a traditional cake from the region where I grew up.
Lina Hartmann: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
My name is Lina and originally, I am from Hamburg (Germany). I conducted my Bachelor’s degree in International Business at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen in the Netherlands. Right after graduating from my Bachelor’s, I started studying my Master’s degree in Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship here at the University of Gothenburg.
What is your research area?
Within the PhD programme in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, my research area focuses on university-industry collaborations, with a special focus on academic entrepreneurship.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
Mainly, I chose to pursue a PhD since the unit’s research focus is very connected with many of my own interests, namely entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology developments. So, I derive most enjoyment from engaging in scientific work that is focused on application-oriented science to solve real-world problems. However, next to a hopefully steep learning curve within my research field, I am especially looking forward to an inspiring and intellectually stimulating work environment with my colleagues!
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
I have lived in Gothenburg for over two years now. I enjoy the humble, down-to-earth, sporty, and nature-bound Swedish culture very much. The combination of cold and cozy winters, and long summer days definitely adds to the charm of my experience here!
What's your favourite food from your country?
My favourite food from Germany is a very simple, but classic one: Bratwurst im Brötchen (sausage in a roll) which is extra delicious if you eat it on a German Christmas market. However, as a pescetarian now, I cannot get enough from Franzbrötchen (which tastes similar to a Kanelbulle) and Laugenbrezel (pretzels).
Stijn van Weegberg: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
What is your name and where are you from?
My name is Stijn and I am originally from The Netherlands. I have a joint Bachelor’s degree in Technical Medicine at Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. I have a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Design at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg.
What is your research area?
I will be doing research into so-called Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, specifically relating to sports and SportsTech. I find it interesting to help advance our current understanding on how entrepreneurship can be facilitated and stimulated through all types of different factors and actors within, for example, a country such as Sweden.
What made you want to do research as a PhD?
For a long time, I wanted to work at a start-up. However, now, I enjoy the autonomy and flexibility that a PhD position offers, in combination with the chance to contribute to science and our understanding of the world from a broad perspective. I always thought it would be impossible to find a PhD topic that aligns with my diverse background and interests, but I managed to find the right topic at our unit and so I’m extremely grateful that I get to do research in my field!
What do you think of Gothenburg so far?
I’ve lived here for over two years now and I still love it! I enjoy the Swedish culture, and it’s amazing to me that there is so much gorgeous nature so close by. Coming from such a densely populated country like The Netherlands, it’s fantastic to be able to have so many lakes and forests just around the corner to go running, swimming, or just wandering.
BY: Kajsa Folmeus Strandberg
What's your favourite food from your country?
To be honest, The Netherlands isn’t famous for its cuisine (and rightfully so). We’re great at snacks and candy though, so I’ll happily pick Stroopwafels!