Student profiles

Explore the story of Maxon Quas, a recent graduate from the Iceland School of Energy, who expanded his Mechanical Engineering background into a Master's in Sustainable Energy Engineering. This article explores Maxon's thesis on wind turbine efficiency in harsh climates, reflecting on his academic journey at ISE. Discover how his research, combined with ISE's unique educational approach, equips students like Maxon to tackle real-world sustainable energy challenges.

Bochang Chen, is a 24-year-old student from China on a mission to make a difference in the world of sustainable energy. With a background in Automation and a passion for innovation, Bochang is currently pursuing a degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Iceland School of Energy. Iceland, known for its advanced geothermal technology, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people, is the perfect place for Bochang to take his skills to the next level and make a real impact on the future of energy. He is excited about the opportunities and knowledge that ISE has to offer and encourages potential students to join in this exciting journey towards a sustainable future.

Laura grew up knowing that she wanted a career that would allow her to work both outside and inside. Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, her education in science and geology provided the pathway. In school, she learned about mineral and petroleum exploration but knew it was not the career she wanted for herself. Through time she met those interested in geothermal and started the Geothermal Research Council (now Geothermal Rising) chapter in the University and worked with the Colombian Geothermal Association of Colombia - AGEOCOL, of whom she is now the treasurer.

Growing up on the shores of Lake Erie in Pennsylvania in the United States, Abra traveled in search of her interests in geology. Abra's academic goal was to become a hydrogeologist specializing in water resource management. While studying in the Appalachian mountains at Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Abra's interest shifted towards volcanology and geothermal energy. Today, Abra is completing her MSc thesis in Canada and has her eyes on moving and furthering her studies in Norway regarding borehole thermal energy storage. 

Xavier came from Quebec to Iceland in pursuit of both expanding his understanding of high-temperature geothermal systems and embarking on treks through the magical landscapes of Iceland with newly-made friends. He is no stranger to hard work having spent a summer tree planting in Northern Ontario, and used this work ethic in Iceland to develop the knowledge and skills needed to continue working on geothermal systems back in Canada. Read on to learn more about Xavier's time in Iceland and what exciting adventures his second year of studies will bring.

Nicole is the epitome of a world traveler, embarking on educational experiences in the United States, Thailand, Japan, Iceland, and Slovenia. Her adventurous spirit brought her to Iceland where she started her master's experience researching the energy community of Luče, Slovenia. Learn more about Nicole's adventures, career progression, and all of the incredible projects she's taken on.

"I’m a strong believer that mankind’s ability to innovate and create cutting-edge advancements in science and technology will be the solution to mitigate anthropogenic climate change. If we break it, we better be able to fix it." Mechanical engineer turned pilot turned modeling and simulation specialist...Corey's career has been nothing short of interesting and spectacular, and it's just getting started! Read on to learn about how Corey's passion for technology and drive for making a change brought him to Iceland.

Growing up in Iceland near hydropower plants, Hjörleifur had a strong interest in sustainable energy. His academic studies at Reykjavik University and summer internship with Varmaorka working at binary geothermal power plants solidified this passion. Learn more about Hjörleifur's journey and perspective on why studying sustainable energy in Iceland is an optimal experience.

Wanting to learn from people with varied and unique backgrounds, Matt traveled the world during his bachelor studies and developed a growing interest in sustainable development, clean energy, and international cooperation. With a desire  to explore previous interests, develop new ones, and graduate with a clear picture of the key issues facing our world today, Matt settled on ISE for his graduate studies. Find out more as he shares his story and experiences studying in Iceland.

Alex joined ISE in the summer of 2016 after acquiring his mechanical engineering degree and working as an automation engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. With eye towards the future and a passion to learn about intermittent renewable energy's impact on power and energy systems, Alex chose ISE to further his studies. Here he shares his journey and what is he up to now.

Growing up in Bogotá, the capital and largest city of Colombia, Andrés developed a passion for volcanology, energy and sustainability while studying Geosciences at Los Andes University. With a desire to further his knowledge, Andrés chose Iceland School of Energy to pursue his master's degree in Sustainable Energy with a specialization in Geothermal Energy. Here, he shares his experiences with ISE, moving to Iceland and what direction he plans on taking his career.

From a small surfing town from the Basque Country in Northern Spain, Arkaitz always had an interest in the ocean, all things renewable energy, and minimizing the human impact on our natural world. With a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of the Basque Country under his belt, Arkaitz chose Iceland School of Energy to further his studies and unlock the secrets of geothermal energy. Arkaitz is wrapping up his first year and shares his experiences in Iceland and what he plans on focusing on for his thesis.

Growing up in Iceland with a life-long love for nature, Gunnlaug joined ISE to further her knowledge of sustainability in both the land and marine environment. Having completed her studies of Fisheries Science at the University of Akureyri, Gunnlaug is now studying Sustainable Energy at ISE to explore the circular economic opportunities with aquaculture and learn about sustainable energy solutions across the world. Here, she shares her journey from Ólafsfjörður to Reykjavík and how she has been surviving as a student during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After working in the oil and gas industry for over a decade, Mariana decided it was time to pursue her passion for sustainable energy solutions. For this reason, she packed her bags and moved to Iceland from Brazil to start her MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering with ISE. Mariana is currently in her second year and focusing on offshore wind power and energy storage in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here, she shares her masters experience to date and her work on sustainable ammonia production.

While finishing up her undergraduate degree, Emilie took part in ISE's Energy Field School and fell in love with Reykjavik and RU. Needless to say Emilie decided to move from her hometown of Shediac in New Brunswick, Canada, to pursue a degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering here at ISE. Emilie is now in her second year, researching plastic waste streams in Iceland, and shares her experience to date doing a masters abroad.

Hailing from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Arthurton Bellot started his MSc in Sustainable Energy in 2019. Having experienced the destruction of his country from a climate-change-fueled-freak-hurricane, Arthie decided to focus on sustainability. More than a year into his masters, Arthie is currently conducting his thesis research specialising in subsurface modelling of geothermal systems,  gaining skills he intends to bring back to his home island of Dominica.

Originating from Itasca, Illinois in the United States, Liz came to ISE to study Sustainable Energy with the goal to focus on sustainable urban development. Liz was first introduced to the world of science and sustainability in 2015 when she decided to become vegan and after a 10 hour layover from Paris in Reykjavik, she knew her next step was the Iceland School of Energy. Liz is now deep in her masters studies and looks forward to attaining an internship in the coming semesters.

Roddy Akeel came to Iceland from Charlottesville, Virginia in the United States to study Sustainable Energy Engineering here at ISE. Specializing in Power Systems Engineering, Roddy decided to apply many of the skills he learned during his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in a different area. Specifically, Roddy aims to contribute to the large scale implementation of wind farms and solar arrays while maintaining grid stability. Roddy also finds the weather more than suitable for studying.

Originating from Bogotá, Colombia, Nataly came to the Iceland School of Energy to study Sustainable Energy while focusing on geothermal in particular. Having a geoscience background and being concerned with sustainability and energy, it was simply the next logical step. Nataly chose ISE because it "had all the things [she] was looking for". Nataly has since integrated herself in Iceland, while maintaining her culture with salsa and is most looking forward to the upcoming geothermal modules.

Originally from the Netherlands, Enzo entered the Sustainable Energy Engineerings masters program in 2016. With a bachelors in Aerospace Science and Technology, Enzo decided to transition into the energy sector, finding interest in various forms of energy generation. Since his start, he has attended extracurricular programs both in Svalbard, Norway and St. Petersburg in Russia and completed a managerial internship with Landsvirkjun, The National Power Company of Iceland.

Hailing from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, Kieran joined ISE in the Class of 2019. Coming from a background in physics, Kieran has chosen to specialize in Power Systems Engineering and is seeking to transition from the oil and gas industry to sustainable energy. Kieran also mentions seeking a more worldly perspective, something he could not achieve if he chose to stay in Canada. After almost two months in the ISE program, Kieran shares his experiences so far.

Originally from Jakarta, Evelyn completed her undergraduate degree in environmental science from the University of British Colombia before coming to Iceland. She is now two months into her ISE masters program studying sustainable energy, with aspirations of starting a consulting firm focusing on renewable energy and environmental assessment. Evelyn shares her experiences so far in Iceland, what she has enjoyed and not, along with her recommendations to future students.

A former student of geology and local Icelander, Jóhann Mar Ólafsson joined the Iceland School of Energy in 2016. Since then Jóhann has been an active member of the student body, leading and coordinating Meet the Industry events and taking on an ISE internship. Utilizing to his expertise, Jóhann researched the potential use of drones for future geological research projects within the school. He has taken this ISE internship and continued researching the topic for his masters thesis project.

After finishing her undergrad at Queen's University in Environmental and Geological Sciences, Gaynor decided to take her education to the next level by pursuing a graduate degree in Sustainable Energy here at ISE. Midway through her first year, Gaynor attained an internship with Landsvirkjun, The National Power Company of Iceland, where she completed an intensive study of Iceland's offshore wind potential. She has since expanded this into her thesis research.

Originating from Calgary, Canada, Chelsea quickly discovered her passion for geology and began working in the oil and gas industry of Alberta. Deciding to specialize her career in geothermal energy instead, Chelsea began her masters degree in Sustainable Energy here in Iceland. Now a year into her degree, Chelsea is off to Colombia where she will be creating a geological model of the Nevado del Ruiz geothermal area, in order to better estimate its geothermal potential. 

From Canada to Iceland and back, with multiple stops in-between, Andrea Morgan has returned to Canada after a year of lectures here at ISE to begin her masters thesis research. Since arriving in Iceland, Andrea took her education in her own hands, visiting far-off destinations such as the UNIS in Svalbard, Norway, or SPBSTU in St. Petersburg, Russia, to learn more and grow. Now in her second year, Andrea is off to Quebec City, where she will investigate the geothermal potential of flooded mines.

Coming to Iceland from Germany, Anja Kathrin Ruess is now poised to return to Germany for her masters thesis project. Having spent a year in classes here at ISE, Anja decided upon nuclear waste management as her research topic. In particular, she aims to research public participation in a multinational nuclear waste repository project. As Iceland has no nuclear generation, Anja found it only natural to return to Germany and contacted the Karlsruhe Insitute of Technology (KIT).

Coming to Iceland from Palmer, Alaska, Riley has always been passionate about geological processes. Riley entered the Sustainable Energy Sciences program here at ISE with a background in geophysics and physics. A year later, Riley has now set out to apply his knowledge with his thesis work in New Zealand. Working with the support of experts at the University of Auckland, Riley seeks to create a geological reservoir model for the IDDP-2 well in Reykjanes here in Iceland.

With a background in Architecture, originating from the tropical Dominican Republic, Emmanuel turned both his immediate climate and career upside down by coming to study Sustainable Energy Engineering here in Iceland. Indeed, he hopes to turn the Earth's climate away from it's current trajectory by advancing renewable technology. After studying fluid and thermodynamics as a Future Arctic Scholar for a year within the ISE, Emmanuel is now in France putting his skills to good use.

Completing his B.A.Sc. in Mining Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Brennan decided to transition to renewables by pursuing his M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Engineering degree here at ISE. A years worth of classes and lessons later and Brennan is now ready to return to Canada to apply his knowledge and skills in sustainable energy systems to the mining industry with his upcoming thesis project.

Originally from France, Romain came to Iceland to pursue his graduate education in Sustainable Energy, here at ISE. With his background in Geology of Natural resources, he had his eyes set on further expanding his knowledge in geothermal exploration. Romain is currently in Switzerland, taking the lessons he has learned in class to the real world by conducting geological research for his thesis project.

Sven joined ISE in July of 2013 after having completed a four-year selective study business and economics programme with BP and working as Business Analyst for the downstream midterm planning department. His decision to join ISE was founded on the nature of the programme, as it combined engineering and economics into a truly interdisciplinary approach to sustainable energy.

Originating from Jakarta, Dwina completed her undergraduate degree in Economics at McGill University in Canada. Shortly after, Dwina joined ISE here in Iceland to study Sustainable Energy. Attracted to holistic approaches, Dwina has since completed an internship with Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, where she was tasked to conduct research on the Social Progress Index and it's applications within Landsvirkjun and the energy sector.

Originally from Amherst, NH, Mike came to Iceland in 2014 after having worked as non-destructive engineer in the American oil industry, following his completion of his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Economics. He joined ISE because of the decline in oil and gas related jobs, the opportunity to live in such beautiful country and a desire to entrench himself in the wind power sector.

Since the start of her undergraduate degree, Marie knew she wanted to get into the energy sector. Entering her masters degree in Sustainable Energy Engineering, Marie showed great interest in wind energy, after having completed her B.Sc. thesis on wind. Since then Marie secured and completed an internship with Landsvirkjun, the National Power Company of Iceland, looking at Iceland's offshore wind potential. Marie is now looking into wind energy for her thesis work.

Jordon Grant joined ISE with the Class of 2018 after having worked in the oil and gas drilling industry for several years. Returning to his background in electronic engineering, Jordon has developed a big interest in power systems, in particular high-voltage-DC systems. Now in Mexico at UNAM, Jordon is designing a microgrid for a small island in Belize, working with a small company on the specifics of the design.

In summer of 2015, Selma-Penna Utonih, 25, joined the ISE family from Beijing, where she had obtained her undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering. She has always been interested in the energy sector, especially in her home country of Namibia. She now pursues her master's degree in Sustainable Science Engineering.

Fritz came to ISE in 2015 from Greifswald, Germany, with a background in European Public Administration. Since then he has been studying Sustainable Energy and sought to combine his two passions with an internship with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) in Germany. Fritz has since completed his studies at ISE and wrote his thesis researching electric vehicle participation in the Icelandic balancing market.

Mads joined the Iceland School of Energy in summer of 2014 from Denmark. The Horsens-native had previously completed his degree in business development engineering, with a focus on innovation and start-up companies at University of Aarhus. In order to specialize in the energy sector, Mads joined ISE. During his time at ISE, Mads focused primarily on feasibility analysis of small and medium size systems and wrote his final dissertation on such a system in Greenland, before graduating in 2016.