Laura Ciamei

What is your background?
I’m Italian-Filipina and grew up in Hong Kong. I hold a BA in Media and Information from the University of Amsterdam, and shortly after graduating moved to Copenhagen to pursue my studies at LUMES.

Why did you choose the LUMES programme?
My international upbringing meant I was exposed to different perspectives on the same issues. I got to learn about more local or holistic approaches to social and climate challenges that don’t always show up in Western science and recognised their importance to understand the whole issue. That’s why LUMES really stood out to me as an interdisciplinary study, which would cover content from different perspectives, and address the root causes or acknowledge valuable stories that are often neglected or forgotten in mainstream sustainability and climate conversations.

What academic and personal skills have you gained?
LUMES has significantly strengthened my ability to engage in group work. It not only taught me how to navigate challenges within group dynamics but also how to highlight the unique skills and knowledge of each team member to achieve the best possible outcomes. I’ve also been introduced to a wide range of research methods and methodologies that were unfamiliar to me before the programme. I’ve gained the confidence to apply these not only in academic assignments but also in real-life fieldwork. Most importantly, LUMES has shown me that there is always something else to learn. Whether it’s a different perspective, a new approach, or an unexpected theory, there’s always another angle to consider in sustainability. 

How would you describe the courses and the study environment?
Every course is uniquely tailored by the professor teaching it (who are all really great by the way). You really get to dive into each course and explore many interesting case studies, methods, and theories. The learning space is pretty open and positive, you can be yourself, ask questions, and share your thoughts without feeling out of place. The study environment feels like a safe and nurturing space. Everyone is really supportive and willing to help with any study troubles that you may have and you just create a sense of collaboration that I think is really unique to LUMES.

What did you write about in your thesis?
I am co-authoring my thesis with another classmate (yes you can do that!), on the topic of resilience to disasters in informal settlements in Manila, the Philippines. We’re exploring the local realities of coping with disasters such as floods and typhoons in these settlements, and analysing any adaptation measures or possibilities of transformation to help communities thrive in these situations. As climate change intensifies these disasters, we believe it’s essential to investigate the most effective strategies for managing them, particularly for those most vulnerable. 

What advice would you give students starting the programme?
Keep an open mind and be willing to learn. You’ll find that lectures at LUMES are actually ones you WON’T want to skip, because what you’ll cover really is interesting and captivating. Ask questions when you’re curious, have conversations about what you learn and always stay willing to know more. And while studying may feel stressful, remember to enjoy your time here because it’ll fly by real fast!

What sustainability issue do you care mostly about?
I’d say I care about biodiversity loss and resilience/adaptation to disasters most. They seem like pretty different topics, but they’re a lot more interrelated than they may seem at first. I actually wasn’t as familiar with the topic of resilience/adaptation to disasters prior to LUMES, but you’ll likely find that your main interests either grow or alter as the study goes. LUMES has allowed me the space to learn more and dive further into both topics of interest. 

Describe LUMES in three words
Interdisciplinary, close-knit, fundamental