You have already completed a Bachelor of Forestry. What fascinates you about forestry, wood science and production?

I was born in a farming family, and since my childhood, I have been conditioned with agriculture, farming, and cattle rearing. Growing up in a village in Kerala, the southernmost state of India, which boasts abundant forest cover, I developed a deep connection with nature. Coming from a tropical region with a rich diversity and vegetation, I have always been captivated by the complexity and beauty of forests. The way forests contribute to ecological balance and biodiversity conservation is truly remarkable. The study of wood science and production is essential for understanding how to sustainably manage and utilize these resources. Research in wood technology is vital as it leads to innovations in sustainable materials, helps combat deforestation, and supports the conservation of our precious forests. I am from the largest timber trading hub in South India. I thought of becoming vendor who knows all the sides of not only the trade but of the wood too and the ethical side. Here certification plays a major role.

Why did you decide to study in Hamburg?

Hamburg, as a major port city in Germany, provides a unique perspective on the use of wood in various industries. During my studies, I visited several museums in Germany, which showcased the historical significance of wood in shipbuilding and other construction fields. I was particularly impressed by the creativity and ingenuity of German architects in using wood for house construction. Additionally, my visits to various timber industries have deepened my understanding of the importance of wood and its diverse applications in everyday life. This exposure to both historical and modern uses of wood has been invaluable in my education and has reinforced my decision to study wood science in Hamburg.

What does the UGH scholarship mean for you?

Getting a Universitäts-Gesellschaft Hamburg scholarship for me is the opening to wider network of opportunities. Most importantly the support it provides for every international student is immense and achieving it will be always a merit in my journey at all the places I am valued and the events that I can be a part of thrills me because it’s literally giving me an access to the people around the globe. The financial support that the UGH scholarship provides for every student is meticulous. It saves a lot of time and work that I can put into my studies and research. Being part of the UGH program I was able to excel in various areas as an international student. The offered contacts are amazing which helps to enlarge my connection with experts in various fields regarding my studies and often more.

Forests are suffering from the increasing consequences of the climate crisis. What does this mean for you, your studies and your (future) work?

Currently the forests are deteriorating due to the climate change which directly points towards the actions of mankind which will result in insect outbreaks, invasive species, wildfires and storms. Gradually these trend ends up in total destruction forest and other institutions depending forest lands which we have to conserve for the coming generations. A way to eradicate these problems is finding more ways to use the forest products more properly without the wastage and the usage of waste particles. Increasing the awareness in the youth regarding the reforestation programs and eradication of illicit felling of trees from the forest where wood certification plays a major role. We have to grow a generation that is concerned about using only the proper certified forest products. Proper study of plantations and its growth rate and weed management are also important, as well as finding good substitutes for wood products.

What area would you like to work in after graduation?

I want to work in NGOs like FSC, PEFC, Rainforest alliance to know more about legal trading of forest products import and export of these items. I like to gain some European and world wide experience on these subjects and to start a firm on wood products in my home country. Here all the customers could buy wood and other forest related products sustainable source and legal bound one.

Vorgestellt von Katrin Meyer