Young Star Renske Donkers: how is she doing now?
How is Young Star Renske Donkers doing now? Early this year she was the second person ever to win the Young Star Award for the best bachelor student. After her bachelor Molecular Science & Technology, Renske is now busy with her master Chemical Process Engineering in Delft. ‘This award was a great boost for my self-confidence.’
Renske has just finished the first kick-off session for her final thesis. No more lectures, all that remains is to graduate. ‘My subject is CO2 reduction,’ she says. ‘This involves taking CO2 from the air and converting it into carbon monoxide or other useful substances. This is done through electrolysis. The end products are useful as a fuel or in the chemical industry.’
Converting CO2 into other products is potentially very sustainable. But only if the energy for the electrolysis comes from sustainable sources, such as the wind or the sun. However, these energy sources do not provide constant energy: sometimes the sun shines, but sometimes it does not. ‘Until now, researchers have mainly looked at electrolysis with a constant electricity input,’ explains Renske. ‘I will be modelling how we can convert CO2 using fluctuating energy sources, such as solar or wind power.’
Plans for the future
During her bachelor project, Renske became interested in modelling: simulating real situations on the computer. That has not changed. ‘I also consciously chose other disciplines during my electives’, she says. ‘I didn't want to commit myself to one specialism straight away. But when I had to choose between being in the lab or modelling for my graduation project, I chose to model after all.’
First publication
The research Renske contributed to during her final bachelor project, has recently been published is in the Journal of Computational Science. You can read Renske's first publication here:
In addition, an optional course and an internship with an industrial company are also on the agenda. And after that? ‘I'm not sure yet. But I really enjoy working in a result-oriented way. So maybe I will go and see what I can achieve in the industrial sector. I hope to find out with my internship and graduation project.’
Applying knowledge in real situations
The rest of her master's programme also went well. ‘What I particularly like is that we students are increasingly applying our knowledge and working on concrete situations. We had to simulate such a situation using computer tools and models. We then looked at what happens if you change certain factors. We also worked with a company to solve a case study. Compared to the bachelor's, there was more practical experience and realistic situations. I found that very interesting.’
'AIf they believe in me, then I should do that too!'
Boost for your self-confidence
The rest of her master's programme also went well. ‘What I particularly like is that we students are increasingly applying our knowledge and working on concrete situations. We had to simulate such a situation using computer tools and models. We then looked at what happens if you change certain factors. We also worked with a company to solve a case study. Compared to the bachelor's, there was more practical experience and realistic situations. I found that very interesting.’
Looking for a destination
Renske has set aside the prize money of 2,500 euros for the time being. ‘I would like to spend it on something special. For example, seizing a nice opportunity to do something fun or investing in my own development. I wanted to take a course in November that included a week abroad, but unfortunately, that was cancelled. I'm just waiting for another nice opportunity to come along.’