The CaT 39-1

THE CAT | Interview met het 49ste en 50ste bestuur

|TAP Lost

Volume Volume 3239 st 4th1edition edition

June December 2015 2021

| Biorefining, the way to a greener future?

|”Oops, I invented something”

| Introducing: Charlotte Diepenmaat | Interviews with the 57th and 58th board | Stage in India | De Scheikunde achter kwik | De chemische vervuiling van de Yangtze rivier | Een ijsje met…. Ben Lammerink Periodiek des C.T.S.G. Alembic

Dispersing Agents

Advertentie ...

C a ContenT Conten T s 39-1 From the Board

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News

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Introducing: Charlotte Diepenmaat

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Board Interviews

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"Oops, I invented something"

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Activities

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The Alembic Union & Colofon

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14

TAP lost

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Internachos: Felix Kranz

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Closing the Carbon and Nitrogen Cycles

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Stress: friend or foe?

Board|

From the Board By: Casper van Dongen & Jochem Schuerman

Dear Reader, Thank you for reading the very first edition of the CaT of this academic year. We are honoured to write the introduction of this CaT. We, the two (constitutionally) most important members of the board, are excited to show you what Alembic and the board have been doing the last couple of months.

From the start of the Kick-In, we have been quite busy running the association. During the introduction weeks we have been trying to be present as much as possible. It was exciting to see how much was possible again after a long period of restrictions.

We were able to interact with a lot of students and had a good time.

Almost directly after the Kick-In, still as part of the candidate board, we were still trying to figure things out. Which meant working hard to make sure a lot of activities were organised and make the association rooms as comfortable as possible. Then it all became official at the Change GMA of September 14th, we were constituted as the 58th board of C.T.S.G. Alembic!

This of course had to be celebrated during our Constitution Drink during which old boards and boards of other associations had the opportunity to congratulate us. We received a lot of fun presents. What stood out was the very fine bottle of whiskey which - in particular Jochem - really enjoyed. Unfortunately, the pedellen had a few moments of distraction which is why other boards had to keep our valuable things safe. This is why we are still very busy with organising events to thank the other boards for keeping our stuff safe.

After all the busy work we had for the last couple of months, we are grateful that the winter break is coming for us to celebrate Christmas and have some time off. We hope that you will all enjoy the holidays as well. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! See you in 2022 in the Alembic rooms!

Glorious Regards, Casper van Dongen & Jochem Schuerman Chairman and Secretary of C.T.S.G. Alembic

From the Editor By the time this CaT reaches you, either laying before you as a physical copy or staring back at you through the screen of your computer, we’re right in the middle of these cold winter months. A lot of things have happened since the summer.

place in physical form again, events on which you can read all about!

First of all, nice to meet you, my name is Charlotte van Reijen and I’m succeeding Jarno Sweers as the new Editor-in-Chief of the CaT. I’m also the treasurer of the current Board. You will get the chance to get to know us a bit better in this edition of the CaT, so make sure to read the Board interviews!

Hopefully you can find some warmth from this CaT when drifting away while flipping through its pages. Whether it’s by travelling back to older times by reading about some accidental inventions or a historical perspective on the TAP, by staying in current times when being introduced to the new Master’s study advisor, learning all about stress or looking into the future by reading about research on closing the carbon and nitrogen cycles.

Secondly, even though the corona measures may be more strict again right now, over the summer they have been a lot more flexible. Because of that, a lot of fun activities could finally take

I hope you enjoy your read!

Charlotte van Reijen Editor-in-Chief

4 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

rman

Turning your electrostatic jacket into a smart charger

|News

By: Esli Diepenbroek

Colour outside the lines, and think of a faraway future. It is late, pitch dark outside, freezing, and your phone just died with a miserable bleep. But what if you can just charge your mobile phone from the pocket of your jacket? It would certainly come in handy, and might even be translatable to whatever electronic device you have with you. For dr. Hiroaki Sakamoto from the University of Fukui, this is not a futuristic possibility, but a newfound revelation. He and his colleagues have created an all-fibrous triboelectric nanogenerator (AF-TENG) that can be integrated into your typical jacket.[1,2] Turning mechanical motion into electrostatic potential has gone one step closer to being a common practice.

Sources: [1]: University of Fukui (2021). "Smart textiles: High performance, breathable fabric to power small electronics."

[2]: H. Wang et al (2021). "An all-fibrous triboelectric nanogenerator with enhanced outputs depended on the polystyrene charge storage layer."

Their AF-TENG material consists of a triboelectric membrane,[2] made of electrospun Nylon 66 and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Movement will cause these membranes to gain electric charge, yet the ingenious aspect is not in the triboelectric effect itself. It is the assembly of polystyrene (PS) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) on top of the membrane that circumvent energy loss and thus performance loss of the nanogenerator.[1,2] Currently, the team of scientist is able to light up 126 commercial 0.06 Watt LEDs and describes the fibrous material as ‘flexible’ and ‘breathable’.[1] A perfect charger material for my future phone, it seems.

How tunable catalysis enables the optimization of complex industrial processes By: Esli Diepenbroek

In the world of catalysis, it is a given fact that particle size matters.

The bigger the catalytic particle, the smoother the surface – with less and less highly energetic binding sites – and this affects the way reactants are bound to these surfaces. From a microscopic point-ofview, this can easily be understood. However, it is not so simple to translate this to an industrial scale, in which transport phenomena govern the efficiency of catalytic processes. So how do people typically come to a new catalyst design? Trail-and-error was often the only way to improve or create new products. Now, researchers at the TU Wien (Vienna) might have found a way to monitor such complex system in realistic conditions ánd at a microscopic level, all with the power of isomerization and computation. [1,2] Isomerization. Same set of atoms, different configurations and behavior. In their publication in Nature Communications,[2] Alexander Genest and his colleagues have dedicated themselves to a Pd/Al2O3 model system for the hydrogenation/isomerization of 1-butene. This catalytic reaction is known to possess size-selectivity for the production of 2-butene, isobutene, 1-butene and butane.

Herein, the power of isomers is undeniably clear: whereas the first two products are used in fuel applications, the third is a vital building block for polymerization processes. As you may imagine, it is therefore crucial to know on what type of catalytic surfaces certain isomers are formed. And that the paper describes through molecular and kinetic models, supported with experimental evidence.[2]

What have they discovered so far? The size and amount of Pd(111) patches determine the balance between isomerization and hydrogenation. Small palladium particles are more prone to produce the isomers 2-butene, isobutene and 1-butene, while larger surfaces drive the reaction of butene towards butane. The occurrence of the three isomers themselves seems to be dependent on the crystal planes exposed and might be an interesting route to explore further. And in that sense, the sky is the limit, as Alexander Genest allegedly claims that “this approach is of course also applicable to many other catalytic reactions.” [1] Sources: [1] [2]

ChemEurope (2021). " Tuneable Catalysis: Solving the Particle Size Puzzle."

Genest, A. et al. (2021) "The origin of the particle-size-dependent selectivity in 1-butene isomerization and hydrogenation on Pd/Al2O3 catalysts."

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 5

Programme|

Introducing: Charlotte Diepenmaat Charlotte Diepenmaat: New Study Adviser and Programme Coordinator for MSc Chemical Science and Engineering Hello everyone, I’ve been given the opportunity to introduce myself: I’m Charlotte Diepenmaat, Study Adviser and Programme Coordinator for the Master Chemical Science and Engineering. I started last September, but am already familiar with UT, both as a former student and as an employee.

Before joining S&T, I was part of the Marketing and Communications department for which I was stationed at CES. In my role as Communications Officer, I focussed on informing new and potential students about the application process and related matters, such as visa, housing and registration. After almost three years, it was time for a new challenge. I had been looking for a position within the UT in order to have more direct contact with students and to be able to help students in a more direct way and was lucky that this position became available.

“After almost three years, it was time for a new challenge.”

When you’re young, it is difficult to decide upon a study or career and I initially set out to become an (art) auctioneer. I have always wondered about the interaction between society and art, which led me to study art history at the RUG in Groningen. After my bachelor’s degree, I decided to start a masters’ in a different field, which led me back to Enschede where I graduated with a Masters’ degree in Communication Science from the UT. I could have stayed in Groningen to do my Master’s in Communication, but the pre-master (in those days only 6 months) at the UT made for a much quicker way to obtain a masters’ degree than starting from scratch at the RUG. Before starting at the UT, I had been in the marketing and communications field mainly for B2B organisations (from window blinds, to ICT, to valves and actuators). Initially in Twente and later on in the west of the Netherlands. I am originally from Twente and I eventually decided that I was better suited to life in the east of the Netherlands than in the west. I feel that the way of life here suits me better in terms of work/life balance.

Naturally, I am very pleased to get to work in such a beautiful campus environment at the UT and to have had the opportunity to settle back where I’m originally from (as you see, I always return to Enschede).

“Naturally, I am very please to get to work in such a beautiful campus environment at the UT” 6 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

As I already touched upon: I think a good work/life balance is very important. Something I have learned during my studies (with thanks to my study adviser back then) and something I hope to pass on. I have experienced first-hand that studying, social obligations and the things life hands you are not always easily combined. In order to strike the right balance, I enjoy starting my day by going to the gym before work – it brings structure to my day and gives me the opportunity to clear my mind. On top of that, I enjoy some yoga and meditation from time to time.

“I think a good work/life balance is very important.”

As a study advisor, I hope to make you feel supported. My approach is to let you as a student take the lead: you get to decide what you would like to talk about and what types of solutions would or would not work for you, so that together we can work towards a solution that suits you.

If you have any questions, study- or non-study related or just want someone to share your thoughts with: feel free to reach out or drop by. You can find me in Carré, CR 3015.

My advice for your time at UT is: do your best, ask questions, take well-deserved breaks and above all: enjoy your time as a student.

Chairman: Casper van Dongen By: Jeanine ter Horst & Maarten Jager

Casper, can you introduce yourself?

Hello, I’m Casper, I’m 20 years old and the current chair of Alembic. I just started playing volleyball this year, and I play a little guitar. That’s about it.

What made you decide to do a board year at Alembic?

At the start I doubted, as I was afraid that a year away from study would be bad for my motivation. But later I realized that it will probably be a good idea, because it is fun, but you do have to make your hours.

This can help you with learning time management and such in a fun way.

Why did you want to do the board year specifically at Alembic?

Alembic is really close to me. It is a small association and really connected. Also, because I live with Max, I came in contact with Alembic often.

What ambitions do you have for your coming board year?

I want to find good motivation to keep on studying next year. During Corona I basically lost all motivation, so this year I hope to find a way to keep motivated.

Gerard, what do you think about this?

It's a really great reason to find motivation and to learn how to work disciplined. I think he can learn a lot from the year, and I hope he will use it for his study as well.

"I find it very annoying not to chair"

Gerard, what did you like best about your board year?

The thing I liked the most was searching for creative answers in an uncertain time and to continue organizing activities under different circumstances. Basically keeping the association running as good as possible!

Gerard, what final piece of advice would you give Casper?

Casper: The last one? Shoot...

Gerard: *After long pause* I think the most important part is to work together as a team and know what everyone has to offer. So work together, not as five individuals.

With which board member would you like to get stuck on a deserted island?

Gerard: With Maarten, when necessary we work together but it will definitely be lots of fun.

Casper: Max, I already see him 24/7 and we never tire of each other, so it will at least remain fun there.

Casper, have you already thought about your Christmas speech?

Oh no. no no. I did not realize that was something I had to do. I have to start thinking about that.

Casper, what did you like best about your candiperiod?

I mean, in general I liked the integration with other candidate boards. I set up a KlonkCie where we played flunkyball with other candidates. But other than that I really enjoyed the boardweekend.

|Interview

Who is the better public speaker?

Both: I don't know.

Casper: Both of us are actually not that great.

Gerard: It's probably a tie.

Casper: I hope to improve though.

If you have a very important meeting, who would you choose to chair?

Casper: I would choose myself. I find it very annoying not to chair I have found.

Gerard: I also really like to do the talking.

Casper: I wouldn’t mind giving it away to Gerard though.

Arago or Astatine?

Casper: I like them both.

If you had to choose?

Both: I’d go for Arago.

Gerard: Both boards were nice, but Arago had more members in their board, so more people to hang out with.

Casper: More people make it more fun. I also had some good conversations with the chair of Arago.

Regular drink or chairman outing?

Both: Chairmen outing.

TNW premeeting or boardmeeting?

Both: TNW meeting.

Casper: I really enjoy that meeting, talking with other chairs.

Gerard: We always drank beer during these meetings which I liked.

Casper, when was Alembic founded? *Immediately* March 29th 1965. On a Monday, right?

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 7

Interview|

On a rainy morning in October, the brand-new secretary and commissioner of educational affairs, Jochem Schuerman is accompanied by the old board members Niels Loman and Jarno Sweers to give a short insight about the past and future of Alembic. Jochem is glad not having to take the minutes, for once.

Jochem, can you introduce yourself?

Hi, I am Jochem, a 20 years old, 3rd-year chemistry student from Tilburg. I like to play football and watch my favorite team Willem II. However, I quit playing when I started with my studies and now I spend my time watching sports rather than actually participating. I’m also a member of DSCC/DJCR Audentis et Virtutis.

Secretary & Educational Affairs: Joc By: Maarten Jager & Emilie Dubbelman

Niels, did you change a lot during your board year?

I don't know, maybe a little. I think I did learn some new things and gained a bit of life experience.

Jarno, what have you learned during your board year?

Well, I have learned how to speak up to others and let my voice be heard.

For instance, I find it easier to say no sometimes and show what progress I have made.

Niels, what was the weirdest thing you ever wrote in a brasbrief?

I actually did not write a lot of brasbrieven because Friso liked doing it very much.

However, I did write a text for some yearbook with the theme ‘explosive’ a text about the ‘Vuurwerkramp’, which was in hindsight pretty weird.

"we stopped measuring at some point, but Gerard gained atleast 5 kg"

Jarno, have you ever discussed something important at ICOS*? *laughs* No, I have advised the 58th board to not participate any more in the meetings, because Alembic does a lot more for international students compared to other associations.

What made you decide to do a board year at Alembic?

To finish my time as a student in 5 years seemed a bit too short. I wanted to have a gap year to experience other parts of student life, besides chemistry. Alembic provided that opportunity.

Niels, what are you going to tell your children about your board year later?

I will tell them it's very nice to have a break from studying for a year, where you can focus on soft-skills fulltime. I think I will leave out the part about excessive drinking, though.

8 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

Jochem, with whom would you want to be stuck on an uninhabited island?

Wow good question! Max and Casper are very clumsy and therefore not so useful. If I want to survive, I’d bring Joep so he can build a boat and row us away.

Jochem, who will gain the most board points?

There are already board members who are actively pursuing this title, I think Joep will win though. I’m not sure how successful I’ll be this year.

Jochem, do you prefer taking minutes or having meetings with the programme staff?

Definitely meetings with the programme staff. Taking minutes is a necessary evil, but it diverts your attention away from the meeting. During meetings with the programme staff I can be a lot more influential.

Jochem, do you prefer being the secretary or the commissioner of educational affairs?

Secretary, it’s in the praesidium.You also have more free time to pursue projects of your interest, as there are fewer pre-set responsibilities.

What would you say is the most useless function of the two?

Neither, they are both essential to have for a study association to function well.

Red: In our board year neither function was executed, but the association still stands.

irs: Jochem Schuerman

|Interview

Secretary: Niels Loman By: Tim Schuttevaer & Maarten Jager

Niels and Jochem, do you prefer writing brasbrieven or taking minutes?

Niels: I did not write many Brasbrieven but it is surely more exciting than taking minutes. Jochem: If we Include the minutes of the GMA, then I would rather write Brasbrieven. Otherwise taking minutes, whatever is the least amount of work.

Jochem, who is going to gain the most board kilograms?

We have already started measuring, but for now there’s no clear indication. It will probably be me or Max, as we are the only ones who do not play sports.

Who gained the most in the 57th board?

Niels: We stopped measuring at some point, but Gerard gained atleast 5 kg.

Jarno: Gerard!

"We have discussed this informally and decided it’s Charlotte's problem. Good luck with that" What is the best abbreviation of the Educo, Jarno? *long silence* Red: Do you know any?

Jarno: Yes but they are very hard to pick. I think DONUT, they are delicious.

Red: What does DONUT stand for?

Jarno: I have no idea, the ‘T’ was for traktatie, I think.

Jarno, can I still collect beers for the exams I delivered to the TENTAMENBANK? I gave the info to the 58th board.

Jochem: Good question, we have discussed this informally and decided it’s Charlotte's problem. Good luck with that.

Sustainable Energy Technology is also not my thing, I am totally not-sustainable.

Jochem, if you had to spend €57,000,on student wellbeing next year, what great event would you organise?

I would go over budget and spend €58,000 on a large student festival with many famous pop stars.

Niels, SUN or SALSA? I have always liked SALSA, because I’ve gotten used to it. SUN still has many bugs (features) the SU promises to solve, but it should have more potential. Now I think of it, they’re actually both crap.

Jochem, Which predecessor has prepared you the best for your board function?

They both did really good jobs. However, Jarno had to divide his attention between 3 other board members because of the task division. Niels gave me his undivided attention, which I appreciated a lot.

Niels & Jarno, how do you see each other in 20 years?

Jochem: Jarno has even longer hair.

Jarno: I hope to still have contact with the rest of the board. Niels lives on a farm somewhere in the Achterhoek. He will have a partner and definitely some children.

Niels: I think he works at a company where he’ll work from 8 ‘till 10 in the evening. He will indeed let his hair grow longer and have a happy life.

Niels & Jarno, what is the last most important advice you would give Jochem?

Niels: I would say, first of all have fun.

Doing a board year is special and you have to get the most out of it.

Process or Materials?

Jarno: I currently hate both.

Jochem: I’m not sure. I dislike heat and mass transfer, because it’s almost like physics, but materials also has some physics with crystal lattices. Whatever has the least physics in it.

"Jarno has even longer hair"

Jochem, when was Alembic founded? *Very slowly* 29th of march 1965.

This was probably a Wednesday.

Red: It was a Monday.

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 9

Interview|

Treasurer: Charlotte van Reijen

Charlotte, can you tell us something about yourself?

I am Charlotte and I am 20 years old. I come from Hoorn. In my free time I like listening to music, baking and chilling with my friends.

Charlotte, what do you hope to learn during your board year?

I want to learn quite a lot during my board year at Alembic. I want to be less shy and find it easier to be on the foreground.

Also, I want to become better at saying no.

Jordi, what will you later tell your children about your board year?

I think it will be quite a special story. My board year was quite different due to Corona, which was not what I initially thought. Anyhow, it was a very fun and unique experience where I really bonded with the rest of my board. I would really recommend taking up the challenge of doing a board year.

Jordi, what did you learn the most?

The difference between studying and a board year is that studying is more individually oriented, while you are more dependent on others during a board year. What I learned most is how to work together with not only the rest of your board, but also other people within the association..

10 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

By: Tim Schuttevaer & Luuk Okkerman

Charlotte, what is your board’s most important policy point?

What I found important is integration of first and second year students, since the association has just opened up again. It’s nice to see everyone come by the rooms again this year, since that was almost not possible last year.

Charlotte, what did you like most about your candidate board period?

I liked the most how close we became as a candidate board during this period. Also, it was nice to go to the university again due to having “ inwerkmomenten” as a candidate board.

"Expect a lot of remarks from members and the KasCo" Charlotte, who’s your favourite board member from the 57th board?

Of course it’s Jordi, because I spent a lot of time with him during preparation for becoming the next treasurer of Alembic.

Jordi, what advice would you like to give Charlotte?

As treasurer, expect a lot of remarks from members and the KasCo. As a general board member, enjoy your board year and have fun with the rest of your board members before the year is over.

Which board member plays the best music during room service?

Jordi: We all have a favourite playlist, with “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” at the top. So, for me everyone is equal.

Charlotte: Me! Even though the rest of the board may disagree. I always look forward to my room service so I can play my own music. If I had to choose someone else, it would be Max. What’s your favourite item from the Makro?

Charlotte: Bueno’s, because I like chocolate.

Jordi: Soda cans, specifically Lipton Ice Tea. I don’t always bring a drink with me to the university, so I buy them often.

Once we ordered a tray, of which all of the sparkles were gone.

RvA or KasCo? Charlotte: KasCo, because I think I’ll have more contact with them. I can also ask questions to them regarding finances.

Jordi: KasCo. Charlotte, how much profit will Alembic make?

The plan is to break even, but Joep is doing really well so we may make a profit.

Charlotte, when was Alembic founded?

29th of March 1965!

Jordi: 29th of March 1965.

What day?

Charlotte: Monday or wednesday or something.

en

External Affairs: Joep Elfrink By: Maarten Jager & Jeanine ter Horst

Joep, can you introduce yourself?

Hello, I'm Joep, 20 years old and the new Commissioner of External Affairs of C.T.S.G. Alembic, De Glorie van Twente.

I have a very active social life, I row at Euros, socialize with other boards, and participate in Alembic activities. That pretty much sums everything up. Now Friso?

Red: No Friso already did this last year.

Why did you choose to do a board year at Alembic?

I like the study programme a lot, studying a bit less though. So I thought: why not do something completely different for a year? Like the solar team for instance. Too late I decided for Alembic, but I still ended up here.

Friso, what are you most proud of in your board year?

I’m most proud of keeping the association running during a year which was almost fully online, and seeing that it is still alive.

Joep, what kind of activities can we expect from you this year?

Last year many activities did not continue, and I want to make sure they will, this year. I plan to do the Chemical Engineering Branche Day and also the Chemical Company Fair. I just really want to regain the flow, and make up for every missed lunch lecture and excursion.

I am currently in contact with many companies, but do not get your hopes up yet, there’s still Corona present.

Joep, what aspects of career orientation will you focus on the most?

Not a single aspect. I just contact companies and do not care about their background. I do try to get as much from both tracks. I Just try to see who wants to organize something and try to get as much money as possible. Sounds stupid to leave companies out.

How do you see each other in 20 years from now?

Joep: Friso has just finished his master’s in TBK then. He will be a manager of a big company, not doing too much chemistry.

He will have a nice wife, 3 children, a dog and a red car. Doesn't live too far from Amsterdam and is a lacrosse coach in his free time.

Friso: Joep will not-necessarily be working in the chemical industry, he will be wearing a suit to work each day. He will have 2 kids, a daughter and a son. His wife will have blond hair, and he drives an Audi A5 with cognac leather seats, in navy blue. He’ll live in Woerden and still be drinking with his rowing friends.

Joep, what are the best selling points of Alembic?

We have the best members ever. The brightest ones, who will be doing genius stuff. Chemical engineers have an interesting view on the world, technical, yet still connected to society. This is really helpful for companies. Friso: Alembic is small and closely connected so it is easy to contact the entire association. This makes it easier for companies to be seen.

|Interview

How useful would you rate the EB meetings?

Joep: I like them alot. I currently chair them and many interesting topics are discussed. We discuss things like company gifts, the Corona situation or other problems externals encounter.

More importantly, there’s always beer present.

Friso: I thought they were really useful, and a nice way to talk to people who have the same function and problems.

Which board member is best to bring to a company meeting?

Joep: Jochem, because he is really social, he is also the Vice-Extern(?) of our board.

Jochem always has something to add to the conversation and knows when to propose things to companies.

Friso: Depends on the company, not a single person was the best choice; Gerard for social companies, Maarten to assist in making conversation. To put real pressure, I would bring Jordi.

Excursion or lunch lecture?

Both: Lunch lecture. Joep: You’ll make more money and it’s easier to organize.

Friso: It’s also easier to get more enrollments. During an excursion you spend the entire day somewhere else, which reduces efficiency.

When was Alembic founded?

The 22nd of March 1965. Shit! I mean the 29th!

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 11

Interview|

Internal Affairs: Max Veldman By: Jeanine ter Horst & Maarten Jager

It is the morning after the constitution drink...

How hungover are you?

Maarten: 7/10 Max: 3/10 Max, could you introduce yourself to our readers?

I am Max veldman. I come from a small village called Frederiksoord. I played football all my life but I always sucked at it. I also play counter strike for the e-sport team twente. I did one year of applied physics. I basically followed Maarten around here.

What are you hoping to learn this year?

Now I am forced to be at the university and to work. During corona, I had trouble with motivation, I could not get myself to do something and I already noticed that it is helping. I want to be forced into a situation to organize stuff and be responsible.

Maarten, what part of your board year did you enjoy the most?

Working together with a lot of different people. Talking to active members and committee members.

Maarten, what will you tell your children about your board year?

Yes.*long silence*Ehmm, probably, that it was a fun year to do, to learn new skills besides your study. It was nice to have a big project with a group of people that matters, not a small module project in which you achieve nothing of importance.

12 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

What are you most proud of?

It was not the best year activism wise. I do think we did a great job on preserving activism for this year.

Maarten, what advice would you give Max? Maarten: Make sure the committees plan ahead, they don't want to but they have to.

Really often they wanted to do an activity in two weeks. Max: I did that too.

What is your favorite activity whilst lying on the couch in the relax room?

Max: *very quickly* songclash!

Maarten: I don’t know, I’m not that good with songs.

You were there a lot though Maarten.

Maarten: I worked there but that was not the most enjoyable thing to do. I would say watching movies in the afternoon when everyone was done working.

Why is Internal Affairs the best board function?

Max: You know more about it, Maarten.

Maarten: The function is quite flexible.

You can pick up other projects and choose what you're working on.

Max: You also do more fun stuff than other functions such as helping committees, organising activities and talking to members.

Who is the fastest beer chugger? *Confused looks* Maarten: I think me. Max: How fast are you?, I am quite slow, 3 or 3.5 seconds for a glass.

Maarten: Oh but that’s fast.

Max: On a good day yes.

Maarten: We should test it.

Max: VriMiBo this afternoon?

Maarten: Yes! Server crash or board crisis?

Maarten: Board crisis, I hate service crashes.

Max: Server crash, I will just call Jarno.

Maarten: During a server crash, they expect me to do stuff I can't do. I do like crisis management and I am good at it.

TAP or De Stek?

Both: TAP Max: The Stek is far.

Maarten: You don't walk by for just one beer when it is all the way in the Stek.

Drinking beer at VriMiBo or relaxing on couch?

Maarten: During the VriMiBo: definitely drinking.

Max: Yes, drinking is more fun.

Maarten: Afterwards you may need some relaxing, though.

When was Alembic founded?

Max: Oh boy...

Maarten: *looks disappointed* Max: I am thinking about the year, the day is not gonna happen.

Maarten: Do you know how old we are, can you count?

Max: 58th board, so 58 years, maybe 57, I don't know.

Red: You can always guess..

Max: 20 March 1965.

Maarten: Hmm quite close..

. t i u n e Groet

NU D R WO EUR! T A N O D

Word donateur: maak uw bijdrage over op banknr. NL09 ABNA 0592 7191 89 ten name van Stichting Universiteitsfonds Twente.

Op onze website www.utwente.nl/ufonds kunt u makkelijk en veilig via IDEAL een bedrag overmaken. Daar vindt u ook meer informatie over periodieke schenkingen.

Hartelijk dank namens de studenten van de Universiteit Twente.

MET HET UNIVERSITEITSFONDS TWENTE KOMEN ZE VERDER

De Stichting Universiteitsfonds Twente is een door de Belastingdienst officieel erkend goed doel.

De Stichting heeft de status van Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling (ANBI).

TAP Inhoud| Lost|

TAP Lost By: Luuk Okkerman

In times of hardship, one might find relief in poetry. And what poetry is better to relieve one’s hardship than that which has withstood the test of time. Milton’s epic ‘TAP Lost’ was written in a different era, yet aptly describes the current struggles of Alembic and the other Triple-A associations with the inaccessibility of their drinking quarters, the TAP. ´TAP Lost’ starts in medias res with the fallen angels Alembicifer, Asatantatine and Aragoëlzebub banished from the TAP by the almighty Uni, creator of the TAP and everything else. (Uni of course ultimately from latin UNUS, ‘the one’, the biblical connotations are quite on the nose). Let us see how Milton introduces Alembicifer: Book I, verse 37 and onwards: [37]...Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host Of rebel Associations, by whose aid, aspiring To set himself in glory above his peers, He trusted to have equalled the Most High, If he opposed, and with ambitious aim [42] Against the throne and monarchy of the Uni, Raised impious war in the TAP and battle proud, With vain attempt. The Almighty Power Hurled headlong flaming from th’ ethereal sky, With hideous ruin and combustion, down [47] To bottomless perdition, there to dwell In adamantine chains and penal fire, Who durst defy th’ Omnipotent to arms.

‘‘With hideous ruin and combustion, down to bottomless perdition’’ Here we can directly find parallels between the poem and our unfortunate reality, both Alembicifer and Alembic cannot access the TAP anymore (which is at the 5th floor of Carré, very high). Instead they are cast down to the furthest point from the TAP, the Stek (which is below all of the Bastille, aptly named after a prison!). Then Milton describes the dire situation: [53]...But his doom Reserved him to more wrath; for now the thought Both of lost happiness and lasting pain Torments him: round he throws his baleful eyes, That witnessed huge affliction and dismay, Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate.

He views the dismal situation waste and wild.

A dungeon horrible, on all sides round, As one great furnace flamed; yet from those flames No light; but rather darkness visible ...

With thirsting beers unconsumed.

‘‘No light; but rather darkness visible’’ The Stek in Milton is a dark and dreary place, no replacement for the glorious TAP. The sadness of Alembicifer hurts one to the core. The final verses about the furnace are quite telling.

Even though a furnace burns, there is no light. Or in terms of our reality: even though we can drink beer, the ´gezelligheid’ is just not completely there. A short passage further cements the dismay felt by Alembicifer: [73] For those rebellious; here their prison ordained In utter darkness, and their portion set, As far removed from the top of Carré and light of the TAP As from the centre thrice to th’ utmost pole.

Oh how unlike the place from whence they fell!

‘‘As far removed from the top of Carré and light of the TAP’’ 14 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

|TAP |Inhoud Lost

Yeah, Milton really sells how much you want to be in the TAP instead of the Stek. Besides Alembicifer, lies Aragoëlzebub, who was also cast out from the top of Carré. He too is a shadow of his former self. Alembicifer cries out:

‘‘... even though the TAP is Lost, he still has his Spirit!’’

[84] “If thou beest he—but O how fallen! how changed From him who, in the happy realms of light Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine Myriads, though bright!—if he whom mutual league, United thoughts and counsels, equal hope [89] And hazard in the glorious enterprise Joined with me once, now misery hath joined In equal ruin; into what pit thou seest From what height fallen...”

This concludes my short introduction on the first part of Milton’s great work. I highly encourage you to find your own copy (Project Gutenberg is freely available), and seek a way to dry your tears.

Throughout the ages, this work has inspired many minds to never give up on their dreams, and I hope it will do the same for you!

‘‘Joined with me once, now misery hath joined’’ We see that Alembic is not alone in its exile. Arago and Astatine too are not allowed in the TAP. Alembicifer longs for the days that he, Aragoëlzebub and Asatantatine had a shared space, where they could shine. Later in his poem, Milton describes Alembicifer travelling through the pits of the campus, where ultimately he finds the Stek still the most suitable as his new base of operations.

From there he will attempt to regain the TAP. [245] “Is this the region, this the soil, the clime,” Said then the lost Association, “this the seat That we must change for the TAP?—this mournful gloom For that celestial light? Be it so, since he Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid [250] What shall be right: farthest from him is best Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme Above his equals. Farewell, happy TAP, Where joy for ever dwells! Hail, horrors! hail, Infernal world! and thou, profoundest Stek, [255] Receive thy new possessor—one who brings A mind not to be changed by place or time.

The mind is its own place, and in itself Can make a TAP of de Stek, a Stekkie of TAP. What matter where, if I be still the same, Alembicifer and the others come to terms with their fate, and are determined to get back what they want. They once more lament the loss of their happy TAP. But now he announces ownership of this new place, the Stek. He recognises that even though the TAP is Lost, he still has his Spirit! Verse 258 is especially powerful in my opinion.

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 15

Alembic| Internachos|

Internachos with Felix Kranz By: Casper van Dongen & Max Veldman

The first module has ended and hopefully the first year students have acclimated to the study culture in the Netherlands. To put this to the test, I (Casper) interviewed an international student together with another board member (Max) to see what the student life is like as an international student in the Netherlands. Of course, the interview goes together with some nachos and cheese; the nachos slightly burned on the top and the cheese not-melted. However, this did not stop us from having a nice conversation!

Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Felix Kranz, and I am from Germany. I grew up internationally which means I have lived in a couple of different countries.

Sounds exotic, where have you lived?

I was born in Germany but after my 3rd birthday I moved to Pakistan, and then to Malaysia. After that, I moved back to Germany, followed by Ivory Coast and South-Africa. And now I am here! I came to the Netherlands 15 months ago for my pre master, as my math level was not sufficient to join the CSE program immediately.

“The Netherlands is my favourite country”

16 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021 2019

After the Netherlands (of course), what is your favourite country you have lived in?

The Netherlands is actually my favourite, but Malaysia or Pakistan would be my second favourite. Sadly, Pakistan was not doing very well during the time I lived there. Malaysia had great sushi, as they have a large Chinese population which loves to eat sushi. I guess I would choose Malaysia then.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy chemistry, but outside of my study I enjoy hanging out with my friends. Back in high school I used to play rugby, but I have not yet found the time to do so here.

So you are not a member of other associations?

No I am not, but I am a member of the DiCie!

Why did you come to the Netherlands to study?

I knew I wanted to do a study in English.

Since I am German, I looked at Germany first but that was not possible. The Netherlands is close by and has good universities so that’s where I went. A big thing for me was the foundation year I had to do, which is why I could not study at some Dutch universities because they did not offer such a year. Here, I could do a preparation year, but it barely prepared me for the real thing at all.

How does your previous education compare to the Netherlands?

Since I moved around frequently, I have learned from a lot of systems like the American international and the British educational system. I like the university system better, since there is a big focus on group projects and working together and focusing more on bigger projects.

|Internachos |Alembic

Having to go to so many schools throughout the years made it a lot easier to adapt to a new educational system.

Generally speaking, however, the study is pretty challenging, and sometimes I have to work from early in the day until very late (red.: a prompt MATLAB discussion ensued) but I do have a passion for the subject so I am willing to put in the effort.

Do you have plans for after you get your Bachelor’s degree?

I definitely have thought about staying here to get a master’s degree, but I heard that going to different universities could be very beneficial for my education so I might do that.

“I really like Alembic and find it useful” How do you like Alembic and its activities?

The first time I heard about Alembic was during the Kick-In when I saw you at the opening fair. Once I found what you do I immediately wanted to join and up till now, I really like Alembic and find it useful.

I especially enjoyed the Kick-Out and the committees you have to offer. Basically, you can find something exciting for yourself and participate in a committee that’s closest to that, such as the DiCie in my case!

“Dutch people are very straight forward and concise” How are you handling the corona situation right now?

I came to the Netherlands right when the parties started again during corona times. The Netherlands handles it from a very… liberal perspective. From my point of view, all the regulations are focused on freedom and how much personal freedom people have. I quite enjoy that and I feel like they do a good job in that.

In Germany, they have the rule that you have to get vaccinated to do anything which I am kind of torn about. Both public health and freedom are very important so it is a delicate subject.

What do you (dis)like about the Dutch culture?

Dutch people are very straight forward and concise. The Netherlands is very enjoyable except for the winter, because it is so dark. I do really like the mood around Christmas: lots of lights and nice food like oliebollen! To be honest, I do not really dislike anything about Dutch culture.

Have you experienced Sinterklaas already?

Sadly around this time last year, corona was a big thing so I did not have the opportunity. But I will place my shoe at Alembic this year!

What do you like/dislike about Dutch food?

There are definitely some points of critique… but the sweet savories and pastries are really good! The food you can get on the street is all fried though.

The ‘bamischijf’ in particular is one of the worst things ever.

“The ‘bamischijf’ in particular is one of the worst things ever” Oh, I actually like the bamischijf - Casper What is your number one place to go to?

The Donermax for a Kapsalon.

Last question, do you know any Dutch?

Nee, ik spreek geen Nederlands. But I don’t find that a problem! One thing I like about Chemical Engineering is that the international and Dutch students interact with each other a lot!

DECEMBER DECEMBER 2019 2021 || THE THE CAT CAT || 17 17

Inhoud| Research|

d n a n o b r a C e h t g n i Clos s e l c y C n e g o r Ni t by: Dr. ir. Jimmy Faria

Just a few weeks ago the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) took place in Glasgow, where the leaders of the world discussed strategies to accelerate the actions towards the goals of the Paris Agreements and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The last report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that: “Global surface temperature will continue to increase until at least mid-century under all emission scenarios considered. Global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century unless deep reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades”.

In 2019, however, atmospheric CO2 concentrations were higher than at any time in at least 2 million years, and concentrations of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are all greenhouse gases, were higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years. It is clear that there is still a lot to cover. In this context, our group is focused on developing novel catalytic materials and processes that are aimed at closing the carbon and nitrogen cycles with the sole aim of reducing the impact of human activity on our planet (see Figure 1a).

“the aim is reducing the impact of human activity on our planet” In the first cycle (Figure 1a), we look at biomass and other recycled/waste streams as feedstocks to produce addedvalue chemicals. Since biomass captures carbon from the atmosphere, it is possible to use it as a renewable feedstock.

18 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021 2019

In the early days of the energy transition, in the 2000’s, biomass was viewed as a source of renewable energy.

This led to the development of plants that thermally treated biomass in a process called torrefaction, where oxygen and water content are reduced while increasing the C:H ratio. The resulting material can be used as fuel for boilers for heat and power generation.

In parallel, bio-fuels for transportation became more relevant, which led to the development of bio-ethanol and bio-diesel. However, these routes soon were under public pressure due to the competition between food and fuel production since those bio-fuels required the utilization of corn, sugarcane, sorghum, or soybean oil feedstocks that are conventionally employed in the food-value chain. This resulted in the development of new alternatives to produce bio-fuels from non-edible crops, e.g. lignocellulosic biomass. This led to the development of new technologies for lignocellulose valorization using fermentative, thermo-chemical, and catalytic strategies for the production of fungible fuels. While these fuels are still a promising solution for gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels, the advent of electric mobility has changed the longterm impact of these new developments.

For this reason, the chemical and fuels industries are starting to look at how to use lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock for producing materials, e.g. polymers and bulk chemicals, rather than transportation fuels. This strategy is particularly interesting as the oxygen content and chemical functionality of the biomass is closer to that of the chemical industry than those of the conventional transportation fuels.

In this line, in my group we focus on creating catalysis for making chemical building blocks that can replace their fossil-based counterparts.

Due to the chemical and morphological complexity of the biomass-derived feedstocks, the catalysts and processes that we develop must be able to withstand impurities that are often not present in conventional fossil-based streams.

For instance, resistance to corrosive water environments during conversion of biomass is perhaps one of the most challenging issues when developing new catalysts. Since water presence is ubiquitous in biomass, it is essential to develop very stable catalysts that can withstand this harsh reaction system.

At the same time, biomass feedstocks are highly reactive, even at moderate temperatures, resulting in losses in product yield. For these reasons, creating the appropriate catalytic functionalities with sufficient selectivity and stability is critical to ensure the techno-economic feasibility of the process.

“creating catalysis for making chemical building blocks to replace their fossil-based counterparts” To improve the stability of the catalysts, we have developed hydrophobic coatings that protect water-sensitive catalysts, such as zeolites, during catalytic conversion of biomassderived molecules. In this approach, we employed organosilane functional groups that covalently bonded to the surface of the metal oxide catalyst to form a hydrophobic coating that prevented the hydrolysis of the silicon-oxygensilicon bonds of the zeolite framework.

Surprisingly, the hydrophobization did not alter the activity of the catalyst, which enabled the effective utilization of all the active sites in the material. In addition, we have designed new metal oxides with controlled crystalline structures that have enhanced stability in hot

|Inhoud |Research

liquid water, such as titanium oxide with a rutile phase. This inexpensive catalyst shows an inherently high hydrophobicity that helps to stabilize the active sites even under hydrothermal conditions.

Next to improving stability, we have made important advancements in the development of new catalytic pathways to produce selectively polymer precursors from biomass-derived feedstocks.

Recently, we reported a reaction platform for the synthesis of three different highvalue specialty chemical building blocks starting from bio-ethanol with the aim of providing new sources of revenue for the biorefineries. In this multi-stage process we converted bio-ethanol into a beta-hydroxy acid (3-hydroxybutanoic acid), which is a precursor for polyhydroxyalkanoates. This class of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers can be employed as thermoplastics, enabling their use as substituents of polyethylene and polypropylene. The methodology could also be adjusted to produce alpha, betadihydroxy acids, which can be employed in pharmaceutics.

In the second cycle (Figure 1a), we center our attention on nitrogen. Here, we can identify the nitrogen fixation process that generates ammonia, which can be either oxidized to produce nitrates such as ammonium nitrate, or reacted with carbon monoxide to generate urea CO(NH2)2, or with sulfuric or phosphoric acids to produce ammonium sulfates and phosphates, respectively.

“nearly 50% of the nitrogen in the human body has been at least once in the HB process” All of these chemicals are primarily employed as fertilizers in the production of crops. The key to unleash the potential of the nitrogen cycle was the development of the conventional HaberBosch (HB) process. Here, nitrogen and hydrogen are reacted over a Fe-based catalyst at 350-400 °C and 100-300 bar to produce ammonia.

This process, developed more than one century ago, has enabled the exponential growth of the world population by increasing crop yields at low cost.

It is estimated that the HB process is responsible for feeding ca. 70 % of the world population. As a result, nearly 50% of the nitrogen in the human body has been at least once in the HB process.

This cycle, however, drastically increases the concentration of highly reactive nitrogen oxides (e.g. nitrates, nitrites, and nitrous oxide) in the environment, as only 20-50% of the nitrogen-fertilizer is captured by the plant.

Unfortunately, this leads to eutrophication of the water bodies, toxic levels of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water, and the release of harmful nitrous oxides that greatly affect human health, climate change, and biodiversity. Furthermore, the HB process utilizes large quantities of hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (e.g. natural gas), resulting in enormous C-emissions. In fact, the ammonia synthesis process is responsible for about 1.6 % of the global CO2 emissions and consumes 1-2% of the world’s energy.

Figure 1: (a) Carbon and nitrogen cycles that are tackled using catalysis, and (b) research methodology.

DECEMBER 2021 2019 | THE CAT | 19

Research| While the carbon footprint of ammonia production can be drastically reduced by using renewable electricity to generate hydrogen via water electrolysis[8], the large pressures and temperatures of the process make it difficult to downscale it and thus, to deploy it in remote isolated locations in the developing world.

“Global challenges have triggered our group in pursuing strategies to reduce the carbon footprint, enable decentralized deployment and mitigate the impact of the released nitrates and nitrites” These global challenges in the nitrogen cycle have triggered our group in pursuing strategies to: 1. reduce the carbon footprint of the ammonia synthesis 2. enable decentralized deployment in an economically feasible manner by lowering pressure and temperature 3. mitigate the impact of the released nitrates and nitrites on the environment and human health In this sense, our group is currently exploring new materials to activate nitrogen at milder reaction conditions using renewable hydrogen from electrolysis and eliminating nitrates and nitrites in drinking water via catalytic hydrogenation reactions. For instance, we recently reported that polymer coatings can be employed to tune the fate of the reaction of nitrites to dinitrogen in drinking water.

20 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021 2019

In this case, we were aiming at improving the selectivity of nitrogen, reducing ammonia formation.

Here, we demonstrated that the presence of polymers, such as polyn-isopropylacrylamide or p-NIPAM, modifies the solvation environment near the active site, consisting of palladium clusters hosted by gamma alumina, and thus increasing the activation barrier for the formation of undesired ammonia.

These new results showcase the importance of the chemical environment on the selectivity of reductive reactions in aqueous media. More broadly, we envisage that utilization of polymerbrushes like p-NIPAM as micro-solvation modulators will be essential in the design of catalysts with high selectivity for removal of pollutants in drinking water, as well as in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals.

To achieve these ambitious targets, we leverage our fundamental knowledge on physical-chemistry and engineering to study complex multi-phasic reaction systems and create novel synthetic catalytic materials for the sustainable production of renewable energies and chemicals. Our research approach (Figure 1b) combines (1) tailored material synthesis with (2) detailed reaction mechanisms and kinetics, (3) physicochemical characterization of catalysts, (3) chemical engineering process design and optimization, and (4) reaction environment information that leads to new materials and processes that are techno-economically feasible for closing the carbon and nitrogen cycles.

In this process, we generate valuable knowledge that further improves our understanding of these complex reaction systems. Our group actively collaborates with industrial partners in the development of these processes, which allows us to transfer our knowledge quickly to end-users. More importantly, our educational activities are closely related to our research projects, which helps us in preparing our students for the future job market on production of renewable chemicals and fuels.

Stress, Friend or Foe? Student life can be a little overwhelming. Deadlines, exams and reports are very stressful sometimes and, oh, don't forget that you have to go to that one meeting. There are a lot of things going on in a student's life that may cause a lot of stress. Some people experience stress negatively. But is stress really always a bad thing? Where does stress actually originate from and how does it affect your body and mind?

When a stress signal is sent to the brain, the hypothalamus will produce a peptide called CRH. This stimulates the pituitary gland to produce ACTH [1]. This compound stimulates the synthesis of the stress hormone cortisol in the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol reacts directly in the body, but also plays an important role in the production of epinephrine, which is a compound that regulates glycogenolysis processes and is thus essential to the fight or flight response. Cortisol itself increases the blood pressure as well as blood sugar levels, which is experienced as an energy boost. It also reduces the effect of the immune system to prevent immediate overreaction to damage the body might catch in a stressful situation. Furthermore, cortisol increases metabolic processes by increasing the ability of muscles to use amino acids. This does come with some side effects. By increasing the metabolic process, bone formation is decreased, the water-salt ratio in the body shifts and the stomach secretes more acid. Not only does stress have an influence on your body, it also influences mechanisms in the brain. Cortisol, in combination with epinephrine, can make it more likely to capture stressful and traumatic events. This is very important since these memories can be used to avoid dangerous situations in the future.

Even though stress may have a lot of good qualities that help us, too much stress can influence the body and mind negatively. Long term stress can lead to a decrease in learning abilities as well as memory. Short-term memory to long-term memory is regulated by the hippocampus [2]. This part of the brain is the most sensitive to stress. When this part of the brain is exposed to high concentrations of stress hormones for a long period of time, stress can cause functional and structural changes to the hippocampus which can ultimately lead to memory disorders.

|Stress By: Wietse Uittenbogaard

Long-term stress can also lead to negative effects on multiple systems in the body such as the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the cardiovascular system as well as the immune system.

First of all, stress can influence one's appetite. This is caused by the ventral tegmental area and the amygdala via N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors. Secondly, stress also influences direct tract movement of the GI system. Next to that, stress prevents the stomach from emptying, increases colon movement, increases the movement of terminal parts in the GI system and decreases the initial part of the GI tract.

Finally, stress also causes inflammation of the GI tract which may lead to an irritable bowel syndrome.

As is already told earlier, stress causes an increase in heart rate as well as blood pressure. But a constant high dosage of stress may cause vascular changes, blood clotting and atherogenesis, which can ultimately lead to cardiac arrhythmias and subsequent myocardial infarction. Studies also have shown that psychological stress can cause alphaadrenergic stimulation and, consequently, increase heart rate and oxygen demand [4], which eventually can lead to an increase in myocardial infarction.

Lastly it was found that stress has a negative effect on the immune system as well. This is caused by the fact that stress mediators can pass the blood-brain barrier and thus exert their effect on the immune system. This negative effect on the immune system causes the person subjected to a lot of stress to be more frequently ill than people who are not under a lot of stress.

In conclusion, even though stress plays an important role in human functioning and survival, too much stress may lead to negative effects on the body and the mind. It is thus important to balance life in such a way that stress does not stay in long periods of time since this can lead to negative health effects.

Stress also shows a decrease in learning ability. In a study about hippocampus-dependent loading data [3], it was found that subjects that were exposed to a new environment while under pressure were less familiar with it then subjects who were not stressed. Furthermore, adrenal steroids have led to a change in long-term potentiation, which is important for memory formation.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Brian Chegg (2015) "Cortisol & Hydrocortisone".

Yaribeygi, H., et al. (2017) " The impact of stress on body function: a review."

Bremner, J. D. (1999) "Does stress damage the brain? " Jiang, W. (1996) "Mental stress--induced myocardial ischemia and cardiac events."

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 21

Inhoud| Oops...|

“Oops, I invented something!”

By: Tim Schuttevaer

In these modern times, scientific breakthroughs are made extremely rapidly. That’s not necessarily a surprise given the large number of scientists working at universities and institutions, but it’s always impressive to see the speed at which solutions can be found for problems that we face in our society. It must be no easy task to do this, as it takes an enormous amount of effort to traverse the scientific path from problem to solution… in most cases. Because sometimes, as a result of dumb luck or a crazy coincidence, these discoveries are made on complete accident. Let’s take a look at a couple of them, shall we?

Microwave Oven First up is an invention that has probably been a godsend on those evenings that you didn’t really feel like cooking up a full dinner. Just throw a premade meal in it, set the timer and wait for the beeps. As you’ve probably guessed, the first invention on the list is the microwave. This story goes back to 1945, when a self-taught engineer by the name of Percy Spencer was working on a radar set at the company he was employed at. Due to the second world war that was ongoing at the time, radar technology was a hot topic among scientists and engineers. Mr. Spencer was involved in the production of combat radar equipment, something which was one of the most significant projects of the Allied forces in WWII, next to the Manhattan Project. One day, Mr. Spencer was working on a radar set while carrying a candy bar in his pocket. Much to his surprise, the candy bar started melting because of the microwaves that were emitted from the radar set.

The observation of the candy bar melting in his pocket made Mr. Spencer wonder what the effect was of the microwaves, something which led to a couple of experiments by the self-taught engineer. He placed corn kernels in the vicinity of the radar set and the effect that he expected actually happened: the kernels started popping because of the heat generated by the microwaves from the radar set. Some time after Spencer’s accidental discovery, the company Raytheon at which he worked made the first commercially available microwave. The microwave would, after facing some resistance from the American public, become a staple kitchen appliance in houses around the world.

Slinky

You’ve got a lot of work to do!

You see a weird coil-shaped object ‘boioinging’ down the stairs and you can’t help but being mesmerized by the thing. While it looks simple, it’s a toy that has caught the attention of children and adults all around the world and yes… it’s invention was purely accidental.

Several decades back, in 1943, a mechanical engineer by the name of Richard James who was employed by the navy was working on creating something that could hold and suspend equipment inside of ships which had to endure the mighty waves of the sea. The design he came up with was a spring made of coiled wires. One day, while testing his creation, he accidentally dropped one of the springs to the floor of the vessel he was working in. Much to his surprise, the coil kept on moving after hitting the ground in some sort of mesmerizing fashion. In a quick “Eureka!” moment, he thought of this as the perfect design for a toy. After coming home and discussing his discovery with his wife, the couple decided to found a company which would produce these coils as children’s toys. They came up with the name ‘Slinky’, meaning “sleek and sinuous in movement or outline”. The business turned out to be successful; after a demonstration in a department store in Philadelphia, the stock of 400 Slinkys were sold out in a mere two hours!

22 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021 2019

|Inhoud |Oops...

Post-it Notes You’ve probably used them to write a small note to someone or label your food. They’re small, colorful and most importantly: sticky. But how exactly did this invention come to life?

It all starts in the lab. The company by the name of 3M is very well known for its research and development of all sorts of products that are used for day-to-day life. The scientists of 3M work day in day out on developing all new kinds of appliances. Dr. Spencer Silver was such a scientist who worked at the central research laboratory of 3M. Dr. Spencer Silver specialized in adhesives which were sensitive to pressure. In 1968, Dr. Silver was trying to make a very strong adhesive that could be used in the construction of airplanes. Unfortunately, he failed in his effort, as he ended up creating a relatively weak adhesive. The acrylic microspheres in this adhesive had a noticeable property, as they would make pieces of paper stick together just fine, but still allow the sheets to be pulled apart without tearing. It was this property that turned Dr. Silver’s failure into success, albeit that he did not see this immediately since he was unable to find an application of this adhesive for several years.

Things changed when a fellow 3M scientist by the name of Art Fry was met with something incredibly frustrating. On the Wednesday nights that he was practicing with his church choir, he had used little scraps of paper to mark the hymns that were set to be sung in the next service. Much to his dismay, he found that the scraps of paper had fallen to the ground on Sunday. Suddenly, Dr. Fry recalled Dr. Silver’s invention and thought: ‘Eureka!’. He partnered up with Dr. Silver and set out to produce paper with a small strip of the previously invented adhesive, which would later become the ever so well-known Post-It Notes.

Artificial Sweetener How do you drink your coffee? Black, or with milk and sugar? If you prefer the latter and also are not too keen on consuming a large amount of sugar every day, then the following accidental invention might be something interesting.

One day in 1879, two chemists by the names of Ira Remsen and Constantin Fahlberg were working in the lab like any other day. After spending some time investigating oxidation reactions of o-toluenesulfonamide from coal tar, Mr. Fahlberg went home and prepared for some well-deserved dinner. While eating his food, he noticed that it tasted much sweeter than usual. “Could it have been prepared differently?”, he thought. After finding out that there was nothing different about the preparation of his food, his thoughts went back to the laboratory. “I’m sure I properly washed my hands!” was the thought that raced through his mind. Still, Mr. Fahlberg was eager to find out what the cause was of the unexplainable sweet taste of his food. He went back to the lab and thoroughly inspected the equipment used on the day of the mysteriously sweet dinner. After analyzing the remains of the oxidation reaction that he carried out, he came to the conclusion that some sort of compound had formed that was the source of the sweet taste that he had experienced.

His conclusion turned out to be correct; a previously undiscovered compound by the name of anhydroorthosulphaminebenzoic acid had formed, a compound which is at least 300 times as sweet as sucrose. Seeing potential use for this newly discovered chemical as an artificial sweetener, Mr. Fahlberg and Mr. Remsen published a couple of papers about this chemical. Mr. Fahlberg went on to apply for patents in a number of different countries and started production of this compound which he named ‘saccharin’ in a factory near Magdeburg, Germany. Ira Remsen did not get credit or a share of the profit since Mr. Fahlberg claimed to be the sole inventor of the sweetener. This led to a strongly dismayed Mr. Remsen commenting: “Fahlberg is a scoundrel. It nauseates me to hear my name mentioned in the same breath with him.” Not too sweet of an ending to that story, unfortunately.

It sounds so easy right, coming up with inventions? Maybe it will ever happen to you or me that a groundbreaking discovery just so happens to fall in front of our feet, after which we pick it up and make it into a wildly successful product! Of course, the odds of this happening are pretty slim, but who knows? Anyway, if you are more on the realistic side of the spectrum, I’d advise you to quickly put down the magazine and return to your study books; you’ve got a lot of work to do.

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 23

Kick-In|

An Introduction that Could Connect Again By: Lieke Pieters

When applying for KIKSTart 2021 it was still very uncertain if a physical KickIn was even possible. Nevertheless, 6 motivated and enthusiastic 2nd-year students began their journey. We hoped that luck was on our side, and we were able to give both the first years as well as second years a Kick-In to remember.

We wanted to be ambitious even though all restrictions were still in place. One of the most difficult restrictions was to be unable to meet physically either at home or on campus. Therefore, we had to meet online except for a few working moments.

This made it very difficult to stay excited and motivated during the half-year, but we kept faith. The belief remained that the introduction would still go on like every year, with an exception for the large parties.

24 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

“We wanted to be ambitious even though all restrictions were still in place”

We all wished we could meet more often in person, but this was not possible.

Luckily, when looking at the plans of the government, we could at least host a fully physical Kick-In in a few months. Next to this, a lot of sponsors were ready to help us out regarding our budget which helped us bear all burdens. This motivated us to work through these difficult times.

We designed a fully physical program similar to previous years and a 1.5-meter distance scenario programme, on the advice of the KIC (Kick-In Committee).

Here and there, we changed some bits around, but the core elements were reused. From the beginning, we took the 1.5-meter distance rule into account for all activities, so that the chances of cancellation were minimized and fewer last-minute preparations were required.

We started booking locations and drafted up most of our activities. We had planned quite a few working moments to work on this together physically.

“A lot of sponsors were ready to help us out regarding our budget” Once the government released their plans regarding testing for entry (TVT), our heart rates started to increase, and we started to think that even the big parties might continue this year. We also started drafting up our own plans to be able to include nice drinks in our programme as well.

|Kick-In

Every time we got excited, they threw all our ideas out. According to the municipality, there was only one TVT activity per person per day allowed which meant that we could only host two TVT activities in our own programme and none during the normal Kick-In. Due to this, we had to cancel the pub quiz in the city centre and do an online version instead. In our programme we decided, in the end, to invite the candidate board to host a drink next to their lunch and we made the SNACK activity a TVT activity.

We knew that TVT activities could be a problem for foreign students, and we absolutely didn’t want to exclude them, but there was no choice.

“Every time we got excited, they threw all our ideas out”

This was very frustrating for us and brought many uncertainties about the activities we were planning to host. In the end, it turned out fine, but it caused a lot of stress.

Also, locations outside were not assigned to us, due to the study tents on campus and the lack of good boundaries of the areas for testing for entry (TVT).Another big disappointment was the cancellation of all drinks during the whole KickIn. Even when testing for entry plans was made and approved by the facility management everything was cancelled on campus.

With the SNACK we were keen on still having the activity and the traditional beer relays, so we tried to contact locations outside the campus. Luckily, C.V.V. Achilles gave us the opportunity to host the whole SNACK activity at their location including the BBQ when using TVT.

We could invite all our dogroups and even the new master students as well. For many students, this was as in the old days.

“For many students, this was as in the old days” The faculty Kick-In programme could mostly continue in the way we designed it. One of our ambitions was to change the old format a bit to give it our personal touch. This resulted in hosting several redesigned activities like the Meet The Teacher activity and The Case.

All in all, the KIKSTart 2021 had difficulty in realizing the Kick-In we envisioned.

We can be very proud of what we have achieved and hopefully next year all the sweat and tears are not necessary anymore.

A week in advance, the KIC notified us of the final scenario. The Kick-In would take place according to the 1.5-meter distance scenario, with an exception for the educational-related activities during the faculty Kick-In. We hoped that the decision could be made earlier, but we were luckily also prepared for this scenario.

However, the locations we booked were not assigned to us and when taking this scenario into account we had a major problem regarding the capacity. We needed to distribute the dogroups over several rooms to be able to adhere to the rules. Even during the Kick-In, the booking office changed locations. Once we fixed the issue, it recurred half a week later.

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 25

Activities |

GameCie: Belote Tournament

Excursion ExxonMobil

By: Jaap Weterings

On the 28th of September, the GameCie organized another fun activity: the Belote “Klaverjas” tournament. This is a somewhat traditional activity since the GameCie organizes a belote tournament every year. However, this activity was impossible to organize last year because of COVID-19. Therefore, it was very exciting to finally be able to organize a physical activity!

We first organized an introduction lesson in one of the breaks.

Herein, Luuk Egers introduced inexperienced players to the rules and strategies of the game. On the 28th of September we were finally able to play. The tournament took place in the Stek and when everyone was present we started playing. Every game took around 20 minutes and after a fun time playing we ended up with Koen and Bram as winners. They were happy to receive our first prize: the GameCie Christmas Package! The last place went to the team of Maarten and Jurgen, who were less happy with their prize of 5 litres of windshield washer fluid. In the end, everybody had a fun time and we got a lot of positive responses.

By: Joep Elfrink On the 22nd of October, Alembic organized an entertainful excursion to ExxonMobil in collaboration with Newton. A total of 36 students got the opportunity to visit the vast plants located at the Botlek. The day started with waking up a bit early according to the majority of participants (it also didn’t really help that our constitution drink took place the day before). Anyhow, when arriving at ExxonMobil, we started with a short introduction about ExxonMobil itself and a safety briefing. After the briefing the attendees got the opportunity to travel over the plant with a touring bus where an employee of ExxonMobil was explaining what is present on the factory plant.

During the afternoon, a lunch was arranged where we were able to chat with several employees of ExxonMobil on how they experienced their time at ExxonMobil and how they ended up at this company.

To finish the excursion, 2 speakers provided a lecture. One lecture discussed the working ambience at ExxonMobil and what you can expect when working at ExxonMobil. At ExxonMobil they don’t really see their employees as ‘chemical’ engineers or ‘mechanical’ engineers. When you work for ExxonMobil, you’re just an engineer and they trust you to be able to work in different fields of engineering, which gives a whole different dimension to your working ambience. Also, every 3 years you get a different task so you meet a lot of new people and end up with a versatile working experience. Finally, another speaker discussed Exxon’s vision on the energy transition and how there is a distinctive connection between society and industry. Later this year more activities with ExxonMobil will be organized so feel free to join!

FYCo: Pool Tournament By: Coen Bruin

On the 10th of October the FYCo pool tournament took place in Enschede. This was the last event which was organized by the old committee of the FYCo. A lot of people signed up, from first years to (way) older years. When we started at around 20:30 the heat was on already. Some had a tad bit of luck, others did not. However, in the end, everyone had a nice time.

Still, from this pool tournament we can conclude that the FYCo consists of great poolers, because in the final round 3 out of the 4 poolers were part of the FYCo. After this pool tournament the new FYCo, consisting of Coen (chairmen), Thomas, Gabriel, Brend, Veerle, Maike and Ilyas will take over the organization of activities. Via this piece we want to thank the old FYCo consisting of Casper (chairman), Marieke, Julian and Aron for their hard work during corona times and helping with the organization of this pool tournament.

26 | THE CAT |DECEMBER 2021

| Activities

RecreaCie: Real Life Among us By: Robin Holleman

One of the first activities this year was Real Life Among Us, based on the popular online video game with the same name. It was organised at the homebase of Alembic by the RecreaCie. During the activity, every player was given glasses that limit their vision significantly, causing some hilarious sites. Various tasks needed to be completed by the “crewmembers” like skippy balling in the medical room or shooting a nerf gun in the weapons room.

Two people were secretly selected to be “imposters” that needed to kill the crewmembers in secret before the crew members could complete all their tasks. In the security room you could watch through webcams of laptops that were placed at various places, much like in the video game. Using this, one crewmember was able to spot the imposter killing a crewmate who had no idea they were being watched. The imposters could also sabotage the crewmembers by having them have to fix the cameras or clean up a students puke.

While Astatine did not enjoy the loud sirens of megaphones when an emergency meeting was called, the players very much enjoyed the activity and was an overall success.

SailCie: Sailing Weekend

By: Max Veldman

On the 8th of October the SailCie departed towards Friesland for the Alembic Sailing Weekend. Some might argue that October is not the best month for good weather but we ended up with some of the best weather October ever had.

The only thing we could complain about was the lack of wind, besides that the weather was amazing.

On the first Friday we had a nice evening of drinking beer and playing games.

On Saturday we went sailing on the beautiful Heegermeer, we sailed away at 10 in the morning and came back at 5 in the afternoon. During the night the FrituurCie provided everyone with some amazing fried snacks that were prepared with the absence of a frying pan.

On Sunday we again departed with the boats at 10 in the morning, but this time we also took all our stuff with us from the accommodation so that when we came back, we could immediately go home. All in all it was a very nice weekend which everyone enjoyed very much!

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 27

Sjaars Inhoud| 101|

Sjaars 101: Gala By: Detonator Marge

This year, for the first time in three years, Alembic will have a gala once again. It is my duty to inform all the new sjaarsjes about the ins and outs of student life, but this time I will address all bachelor students (except the ones who have not been able to complete it within the recommended three years). The gala will be one of the most epic nights out of the year, but only if you are following the rules strictly.

Screwing up a few can make you the joke of the evening and neglecting them at all increases your odds of being refused at the door significantly.

Pie means that she is interested in you, but not all the way (yet). Adding a little whipped cream and you know the deal is sealed. No exceptions.

So first of all you need to dress properly.

For men it is quite easy, just get one of those white tie penguin suits, which you can wear to every gala over and over again. Not only Alembic will organise one, but many associations organise one each year and if you know some people you can get in at almost all of them. Not that you want to, because those associations are barely as much fun as your fellow chemists, but you can. So buy once, and be a penguin lots of times. Unfortunately, the women have it more difficult.

Step four is of course the epic night itself.

There the male party has some courtesy rules to follow. He should always walk on the right side of his date, except during dangerous situations (like walking close to a busy road), then the male party needs to walk on the dangerous side.

Furthermore, the female party always goes first, except for stairs.

“So buy once, and be a penguin lots of times”

For women it is tradition to wear a long dress that almost hits the ground, often while taking into account your high heels.

Pro tip: If you do not take those into account you can wear sneakers and nobody will notice them as they are hidden under your dress. The male needs to match his (and his dates’) corsage to the colour of her dress. Of course, the female needs to let the male know which colour her (often new) dress is and of course we have some very normal rules about this, but I’ll come to that later. If you are still following this great train of thought, you probably noticed that this was not really the first step at all. Since there are quite a few things that need to be arranged beforehand or at the same time, the steps can’t really be numbered properly.

So step two, the one you should start with, is to send a letter to your (intended) date for the evening, asking her to be your date. This step needs to be done by the male party with silver ink on a blue letter on which the female party responds with a pink letter and golden ink. In the response the desired date invites the other party to drink some tea. This small tea-get-together, also known as step three, is crucial. Not only will the female party give hint(s) about the colour of her dress, while at the same time responding to the original invitation in the form of what is served next to the tea. No snacks means no date. Cookies means the date is on, but she does not see you as more than a friend.

“No snacks means no date” 28 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021 2019

Well except for a leap year, then the female party needs to send the first invitation and all the roles are reversed.

Knowing everything you have learned from drinking coffee you can go back to step one and finish your outfit.

“... then the male party needs to walk on the dangerous side ...”

To prevent the man from looking up her skirts or down her bosom, the male takes the stairs in front of the female. Except when going up a very steep stair, then the female party will again go first such that the male party can catch her in case of a misstep, or fall along. Especially amongst the chemical engineers the latter sounds a lot more plausible.

"klemdating is commonly accepted" So what if you can’t find a date? Having no date is a bit pathetic, but klemdating on the other hand is commonly accepted.

There you ask somebody you like to drink with (I might have forgotten to mention this, but drinks are all-inclusive) as your date and make a pact to get shitfaced together. Saves you a lot of trouble from going through all those traditions.

| Activities

KIKSTart: Kick-Out By: Charlotte van Reijen On the first of October it was finally time for the annual Kick-Out. A chance for the first year students to look back at the Kick-In and reconnect to have some fun, after a tough first month of studying. Since last year the Kick-Out unfortunately couldn’t continue due to corona measures, it was great to be able to not only let the first year students, but also the second year students enjoy the many activities of the Kick-Out for the first time.

On the first evening it was time for the dropping, after having cycled to the secret location and having had some time to settle down, the do-groups were put into the back of a van and dropped of in a nearby forest across the German border. Even though the night was cold and rainy everyone started waking in good spirits and enjoyed themselves for several hours. Two brave do-groups even managed to walk the entire way back to the sleeping location!

The next day started (in a lot of people’s opinion, after not having had that much sleep) too early, with an early morning wake-up call and a morning workout organized by Kevin. After that people got the chance to enjoy breakfast and prepare lunch, before having to leave to an afternoon packed with fun activities. In a nearby woodland a game of real-life Stratego was played, where the do-groups battled it out, trying to find and conquer each other’s flags. Later in the afternoon the do-groups got a chance to design and build their very own beermeters, fitting to their do-group names. Everyone excitedly put in a lot of effort and built beautiful beermeters. After having enjoyed dinner, it was time for the cantus. This was the first Alembic cantus in nearly two years, so it was an exciting experience for first- and second-year students as well as older students. The first- and second-year students still fidgety, not knowing what to expect from an Alembic cantus, experiencing it for the very first time. The older students excited in anticipation for the fun activity that they had miss out on for so long, ready to enjoy their selves.

After what must have been one of the shortest nights in ages, it was time to have breakfast, clean everything up and cycle back home.

The weekend, full of wonderful activities and experiences, had come to an end. It was time to try and get some rest to be able to freshly return to the lecture rooms the next day. All in all it was a great weekend, it was a lot of fun to be able to enjoy a big, multiple day activity like this again, after not having been able to for so long.

Killer Sudoku Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? For all you puzzle lovers out there we have this fun Killer Sudoku.

The rules are simple: Just like with a normal Sudoku, the objective of Killer Sudoku is to fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9, in such a way that each row, column and nonet contains each number only once.

In addition to this, a Killer Sudoku grid is divided into cages, shown with dashed lines. The sum of the numbers in a cage must equal the small number in its topleft corner.

The same number cannot appear in a cage more than once.

Enjoy!

DECEMBER 2021 | THE CAT | 29

Graduates|

Bachelor Christos Ampatzis Coen van Beelen Daniela Perez Capelo Emilie Dubbelman Gerrit Jan Fokkert Halil Zengin Ivona Glišić

Jack Beijeman Jeanine ter Horst Jelle van Beek Jurrie Bruggeman Lars Hoogewind Lucas Cino

Martijn Sluijer Maxim Elbers Nathalie Hegeman Niels Hakkert Raymond Ongkowijaya Rick Sliggers

Hilbert Keestra Hossein Alinia Jari Wennemers Jelco Albertsma Joran de la Combé Jorrit Bock Jurgen Roman Kimberly Brock Leon Smook Lieke van Ginkel Lizette Roelofs Max Wevers Mireia Mayol Orga Noor van de Beek

Peter van der Wal Rens Horst Rick Baldenhofer Ruben Uineken Simon Hooisma Siva Sunilkumar Srinivas Abhinav Tarun Ravi Thien Nguyen Tjerk Watt Vincent Reurslag Vincent Siekman Yevgeniya Karibjanova

Master Adedayo Ladapo Aditya Rajhans Alaaeldin Elozeiri Alessandro Borrini Anuradha Bhansing Arthur Ramos Flöering Bo Soolsma Daniël Tiemessen Dwiplutra Zairin Dylan Keijsper Erwin Sieger Femke Hogenberk Gerco Gerritsen Gijs Wensink

By: Yucong Ma

30 | THE CAT | DECEMBER 2021

cong Ma

|Colofon |Inhoud

General information

If you move or want to change your data, you can (and should) let us know by sending an email to the secretary of Alembic (secretary@alembic. utwente.nl).

The CaT

Would you rather receive the CaT digitally to save the environment and with this also minimize some costs for Alembic, please mail to secretary@ alembic.utwente.nl.

By: Venise Alexandria Taboada

Regular Drinks & VriMiBo

Every Friday from 16:00 untill 19:00, there is a Friday afternoon drink in the Stek/TAP or nowhere due to corona. The bartenders rotate between the three A-associations. What is a better way to end your week filled with lectures, practicals and other ‘thinking‘ activities. Next to this a drink every week switching on Tuesday and Thursday will be held only for Alembic members.

www.linkedin.com/in/ctsgalembic

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www.instagram.com/glorievantwente

23

Editor in Chief

Casper van Dongen Charlotte van Reijen Esli Diepenbroek

Writers

Casper van Dongen Charlotte van Reijen Esli Diepenbroek Jeanine ter Horst Luuk Okkerman Tim Schuttevaer Venise Alexandria Taboada Wietse Uittenbogaard

Guest writers

Charlotte Diepenmaat Coen Bruin Detonator Marge Emilie Dubbelman Jimmy Faria Jochem Schuerman Joep Elfrink Lieke Pieters Max Veldman Robin Jan Holleman

Lost and Found: A Series of Fortunate Anecdotes

Editorial office

Casper van Dongen Charlotte van Reijen Jarno Sweers Jeanine ter Horst Maarten Jager

Printer

Gildeprint

Activiteiten Editorial office

C.T.S.G. Alembic Postbus 217 7500 AE Enschede tel: +31(0)53 489 2866 WhatsApp: +31(0)6 23796572 Rabobank: NL22RABO.0109.9893.17

www.alembic.utwente.nl editors-in-chief@alembic.utwente.nl

Issued by

C.T.S.G. Alembic 39th year - nr. 198 December 2021

Colofon

I got lost in the city center on the first day of class. I had plans to meet a classmate at Coffee Fellows to work on the MATLAB assignment we were given, and I decided I would find my way to the café on my own. That was a bad idea.

In the weeks after that unfortunate day, I’ve lost my way countless times. There were moments when I took the wrong left turn in Carré, moments when my study strategies never worked (sleep is too attractive) and moments when I genuinely needed someone’s help.

On the day of a much-anticipated Calculus 1A exam, I decided to contact a fellow classmate to ask if we could go to the exam site together (for fear I’d get lost again). This turned out to be a lucky decision on my part, because my bike chain decided to take a break and I couldn’t pedal anymore. My classmate towed me to the site out of the goodness of their heart (bless you) and demanded compensation in return (the original request was “cookies”, but I have goodness in my heart too and brought them pizza). Funnily enough, a different classmate offered to fix my bike the next day.

They came with free advice on bike repair too.

Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who supported me in all sorts of ways; people who shared the dread of completing our (seemingly endless) MATLAB assignments; people who made me realize that every single time I got myself into trouble, there was always someone around to help if I just asked.

This is the beauty of meeting people. There’s always something new to learn in the unexpected moments that occur between you. On a random day, you might step on a bus and have a long conversation with a classmate you’ve only ever spoken to once.

On the first day of a new and daunting study, you might get lost in the city center and be found by a classmate who simply tells you, “Don’t worry if you get lost. Just tell me and I will help you.”

JANUARI 2015 DECEMBER 2021 || THE THE CAT CAT ||31 31