Femke Maes (UGent) was selected as one of the 2 PhD students who got to go to UC Berkeley with a grant in the framework of our PhD exchange agreement. She joined the group of Prof. Edward Miguel (UCB) for 4 months in spring 2024 to work on Development Economics, on the topic of field experiments in water, hygiene and sanitation.
She comments:
"During my stay at UC Berkeley as a visiting PhD student, I was impressed by the vibrant academic atmosphere and the rich array of resources available. I met numerous researchers that were inspiring in their expertise and teaching and exceptionally accessible and willing to engage in meaningful discussions, providing valuable feedback and insights into my work. The authentic libraries were a perfect quiet spot for conducting my research. The bells of the Campanile provided a charming backdrop to my days on campus, adding to the unique ambiance of the university. Nestled in the shadow of Yosemite National Park, Berkeley’s location offered as well unique natural escapes in my free time. Overall, my time at UC Berkeley was intellectually stimulating and very rewarding."
