Between September 2023 and February 2024, Leo Daly has been the student assistant for our Smart and SHARED Cities minor programme. As student-assistant, he made sure the minor ran smoothly by staying in touch with students and teachers, but lso assisting in the organization of the Smart and SHARED Cities symposium. At the end of February, Leo said goodbye to the Centre for BOLD Cities. During his final week at the office, we asked Leo to look back on his past few months at the centre and tell us about his highlights and plans for the future.
Working as the student assistant for the Minor in Smart and SHARED Cities has truly enriched my experience as a student here at EUR. Before I began, I really didn’t know what to expect, but the whole team welcomed me with open arms. One of the aspects of the role that I really enjoyed was the ability to see academia from the ‘other side’; the side of those who make the whole student experience possible, the side of those responding to the panic-stricken emails you send as a student. Being able to see how a course syllabus is put together and the different ways the amazing lecturers of the Minor integrate different learning methods into their modules was also truly insightful. As someone that plans to pursue a career in education and research, it was heartwarming to work and support academic staff that are so passionate about their role and that transmit that passion through their teaching.
One of the aspects of the role that I really enjoyed was the ability to see academia from the ‘other side’; the side of those who make the whole student experience possible."
The highlight
The highlight of the year has to be the workshop organised by Tomasz Jaskiewicz at the Gemaal op Zuid. In their module ‘Citizens and Everyday Experiences with the Smart City’, the students were tasked with providing solutions to issues currently faced by residents of Rotterdam’s Afrikaanderwijk, and I thought it was really commendable that Tomasz was motivating the students to already begin to see the link between theory and practice throughout their Bachelor studies. I really enjoyed seeing the students engage with the community there, and this approach has motivated me to be more reflexive in the way I approach my own studies of societal issues.
What’s next?
Now begins the daunting task of finishing my Master’s thesis, and applying to various PhD positions across Europe. My experience working at the Centre for BOLD Cities has really served to confirm my love for research, and the solutions it can provide for society, and I hope to continue my academic career with the same spirit.