Mila Danklefsen

What is your background?
I have a background in Global Studies, a bachelor I did at Maastricht University.

Why did you choose the LUMES programme?
I chose LUMES because I was looking for an interdisciplinary master's degree in sustainability and thought that this programme covered many interesting topics such as Earth System Sciences, Geography of Sustainability and Social Sciences of Sustainability. I also chose it because Lund University is a renowned university offering high-quality education.

What academic and personal skills have you gained?
This master has taught me many different ways to look at the challenges our world and our environment are facing right now. I deepened, among other things, my critical thinking skills, my teamwork skills (as we had a lot of group projects), my research skills and my time management skills.

How would you describe the courses and the study environment?
The courses vary depending on the topic and the professor teaching it. Most courses are very lecture-intensive, presenting interesting talks from researchers in varying fields. For each course, individual and group assignments are required, which are usually based on topics the student can choose from. Each course brings its challenges and approaches to sustainability.

The study environment is very welcoming. LUCSUS (the building where LUMES is taught) has a common room and kitchen where students love to hang out and work together. Everyone is very supportive of each other, and the interdisciplinarity of the master's enables students to help each other based on their background.

What did you write about in your thesis?
The title of my Bachelor's thesis was "Managing Mobility in a Climate Insecure Future: The EU's Approach to Tackle Climate Induced Migration".

What advice would you give students starting the programme?
I would advise new students to trust themselves and their capacities. I would also advise not to hesitate to ask questions or for help from other students or teachers.

What sustainability issue do you care mostly about?
I don't think there is a sustainability issue that I care most about. I think all the topics taught in LUMES are equally important to tackle! At the moment, I am really interested in the sustainability challenge of food production and food waste. I am in an extracurricular project called "Folkets Kök", trying to combat food waste in Lund, which has brought me closer to the topic and deepened my interest.

Describe LUMES in three words.
Interesting, challenging, rewarding