We are celebrating the EUROTECH program’s 30th anniversary, and we invited our alums to participate by reflecting on the program. Here’s our first portrait of Nicole Henry (’16):

1)    When you think back on your EUROTECH studies at UConn 2016, what stands out most for you, in your memory? 

When I think back on the EUROTECH program, I am extremely grateful for the opportunities the program presented me with. I was able to study abroad in Germany not once but twice. After signing up for the program during the second semester of freshman year, I did a short 6-week program in Stuttgart to catch up to the rest of the students in German classes. I then went back for my senior year to study in Heidelberg. The friends I made and all the stories from the places I travelled while living in Germany will stay with me forever. I also remember and am incredibly grateful to all the people who were apart of the program while I was at UConn. They were incredibly helpful and made sure I always had the support and help both at UConn and abroad.  

2)    What aspects or elements of the EUROTECH program have helped you pursue the career or life phase you are in now? 

The program gave me the courage and the push I needed to move back to Europe after I finished my degrees at UConn. I originally wanted to try and work in Germany but ended up applying to several graduate programs across Europe as well. As a result, I decided to move to the UK to pursue a MSc degree at Imperial College London. That year was another incredible experience and I actually ended up staying at Imperial to complete my PhD which I received in February 2023. I am now a postdoc researcher at the same institution. The EUROTECH program showed me how many incredible opportunities are available to you when you step outside your comfort zone.    

3)    What advice would you give any current or prospective EUROTECH student? 

My advice would just be to make the absolute most of your experience in the program, especially when living abroad. Make friends with as many people as you can and travel to everywhere and anywhere you find interesting, you never know where it will lead you.