In 2019, I discovered a MOOC course offered by Lund University on Greening Cities that introduced me to the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) and MESPOM. Four years later, I found myself walking around the historic corners of Lund, exploring its libraries and town, and receiving knowledge inside the iconic Aula classroom.
I’m Erika Kalkofen, a Batch 17 MESPOMer from the USA. Following my studies in International Relations, I spent 2 years in Zambia working with farmers on conservation farming techniques to adapt to climate change. This experience sparked my passion and interest for environmental sciences.To gain more knowledge in this field, I applied to the MESPOM programme.
I was impressed by its alumni network and, its interdisciplinary offerings made environmental sciences easily accessible for students with a different background like me.
I am Kaja and, before joining the MESPOM programme, I had studied Liberal Arts and Sciences with a Major in Earth and Environmental Sciences in Freiburg, Germany. When studying abroad in Budapest during my undergraduate, I ran into some MESPOM students who had just started their studies at CEU. I was fascinated by that diverse, open and friendly group. Everyone I spoke to had interesting and yet different background and a lot of captivating stories to tell. When it was my time to apply for a Master programme, I remembered these people and their stories, and tried my luck.
I am a Malaysian-born Human Geographer, yoga enthusiast, and an advocate of Environmental and Social Justice. I grew up in Shanghai, London, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong, where I spent more than half of my childhood on a tennis court. I joined the MESPOM programme after completing my BA Geography degree at University College London, to address a personal knowledge gap and to gain exposure in different European university institutions.
