Meet the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme students

“I am always surprised to see how people fear radioactive waste more than all the problems caused by a lack of energy. My objective is to work in a diverse scientific community, researching ways to get a fully closed nuclear fuel cycle, thus solving the radioactive waste problem that is one of the main concerns about nuclear energy today.

And the most important for me is to inspire other young women in any country to not give up on their dream of working in the nuclear field. Since my first year at university, I always had to combine jobs and studies to help my parents pay my tuition fees, which was not an easy thing. With the IAEA MSCFP, things are different because they took away my financial stress, gave me the opportunity not just to do the master’s studies of my dream, but also to fully concentrate on my studies and research."

Flora Mbouyom from Cameroon, studying nuclear energy at the IMT Atlantique Bretagne-Pays de la Loire, France

“Thanks to the IAEA MSCFP, I was able to focus on my master’s degree without the financial burden. The scholarship helped cover the cost of living in a new country, and university tuition. I was able to shadow medical physicists and assist in different research projects related to the development of new technology for future patient care in radiation therapy. These experiences helped me obtain a placement in a medical physics residency program after graduation.”

Elvia Reyes Guevara from Guatemala, studied nuclear science and applications at the University of Pennsylvania, United States

"The IAEA MSCFP facilitated my immersion in research, while the internship component allowed me to build a strong network in the scientific and professional field at the IAEA Dosimetry Laboratory. Through these experiences, I gained the clarity needed to define my research interests and make an informed decision about pursuing a PhD programme that aligns with my aspirations."

Roua Abdulrahim from the Syrian Arab Republic, studying nuclear science and applications at the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Germany

"As a physics graduate, I have a special interest in medical physics. This field is not only about nuclear radiation, but also about human well-being.

I have seen very closely the hard stages that a person with cancer must go through and I want, with all my heart, to help improve the quality of those people and contribute to an early diagnosis to increase their chance of overcoming the disease.

In 10 years, I see myself as a mature professional, helping my country in strengthening medical physics at the research level in hospitals, universities or research centres."

Duque Geraldyne ULE from Colombia, studied medical physics at Universidade de Sao Paolo in Brazil

“I am a girl from a village in Mafikeng, and I have always dreamed of becoming a scientist. I decided to study applied radiation science out of interest, I wanted to find out more about it.

When I learned more about nuclear energy, I thought it was the most fascinating subject and I decided to pursue a master’s degree in it. The IAEA MSCFP helps me do that, both to finance my studies and complete my research.

In the future, I see myself as an influential scientist who will work all over the world and especially in countries that are yet to have technological developments, helping them have better and easier lives.” 

Lesego Mvembeli from South Africa, studied applied radiation science and technology at North West University in South Africa

“The Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 inspired me to choose nuclear engineering as my Master’s degree.

I am extremely interested in technical but also social challenges faced by nuclear science and technology. My dream is to make our lives more comfortable with nuclear energy. I specialize on liquid divertors since they are directly related to the safety and efficiency of operating the reactors continuously. 

I used to have a great fear of nuclear technology because of the Fukushima Daiichi accident. In the future I hope to work on improving nuclear power plants and to share the correct knowledge on nuclear science.”

Nanako Kawano from Japan, studied nuclear engineering/nuclear communication/fusion at Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan

“The IAEA MSCFP would remove much of the financial burden from my master's program in non-proliferation and terrorism.

As the world will increasingly feel the effects of climate change, more countries will likely embrace nuclear power. However, we need to ensure that robust measures are undertaken to keep this material out of terrorists' hands. 

I hope to play a role in building the international nuclear security regime and develop more stringent systems to track nuclear material in all phases.”

Lindsay Leslie Bryda from the United States of America, studied nuclear security at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, USA

“The MSCFP scholarship will mitigate my stress in financially supporting my studies and will allow me to fully focus on my academic work and research.

During my undergraduate physics studies, I came across the field of nuclear physics and I realized its importance in understanding the physical world. I was especially interested in the close links of experimental nuclear physics with applied nuclear science. 

In 10 years, I imagine myself as part of a diverse scientific community, conducting research in nuclear science and technology for a better world. I also hope to inspire young scientists and especially young women to work in nuclear research and contribute to the peaceful uses of nuclear science.”

Stamatina Alexandropoulou from Greece, studied nuclear physics at the University of York, UK