The association is dedicated to enhancing the MSc MADE student experience by promoting their interests and supporting their professional and personal development. They organize a wide variety of events and aim to improve the education of the master’s program. In January 2024, a new board was installed. Who are they, and what drives them in shaping the community of urban changemakers? Let's hear from them!
The board members of 2024
Romane – Chair
"The MADE IT board consists of Yannick, our cheerful Secretary; Nina, our dedicated Internal Affairs Officer; Quentin, our efficient External Affairs Officer; and me, Romane, the Chair. We share a common passion for ensuring a great student experience, reflected in our student-centered approach.”
“Coming from the small french village of Quiberville (Normandy), with spanish heritage and having lived in Scotland, USA, Malaysia, Spain, England and now Netherlands, I fully understand the importance of place and people. This is reflected in MADE IT’s values in ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and healthy environment for all. It is not easy being new somewhere, but MADE IT aims to ease the student life by providing a quality learning environment, key professional opportunities and a good social balance while they’re at it!"
Yannick - Secretary
"I grew up in Scheveningen, The Hague, where I noticed issues of segregation and inequality from a young age. Urban design and policy are crucial in addressing these problems, which drew me to the MADE program. With a background in architecture and interests in diversity and sustainability, I feel at home at AMS Institute and within the MADE IT board."
Nina - Internal Affairs Officer
"My motivation is rooted in gratitude and a desire to make spaces more joyful and just. Growing up in Houston, Texas, and having roots in India, I bring a diverse perspective to my role. With a background in civil engineering and experience in climate policy and community solar, I aim to foster deeper relationships and support students in getting the most out of our program."
Quentin - External Affairs Officer
"With a background in Architecture and Urbanism, my goal is to leave places better than I found them. I am dedicated to giving MADE the recognition it deserves by building connections with companies, potential students, and the academic world. Outside of work, I enjoy rugby, cooking, and country music."
What does the new board hope to accomplish?
Seamless integration between stakeholders
One of the key ambitions of the MADE IT board is to simplify key processes and collaboration between the MADE IT board, MADE committees, the MSc MADE education team, and AMS Institute professionals (including the research and valorisation team and the AMS staff).
"We aim to enable personal, educational, and professional growth through real-world immersion opportunities," says Romane. The board is keen on establishing and maintaining connections with companies and other study associations, thereby expanding the professional network and opportunities available to MADE students. These collaborations are not just about professional growth but also about enriching the student experience with diverse perspectives and practical insights.
Fostering transdisciplinary links
The foundations for links between MADE IT, AMS Institute, and the larger ecosystem are already in place, and the board's role is to actively exploit and strengthen them. Social media and organizational platforms play a crucial role in this endeavor. The board plans to leverage these platforms to facilitate joint social events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and educational and professional opportunities. "Our goal is to create strong community links through effective communication," Romane explains. This includes joint media communications, like this blog post, and upcoming alumni series, which will showcase the diverse achievements of MADE graduates.
“I think working with and learning from people with such diverse educational backgrounds really takes MADE to a different level, compared to programs like urbanism. I see a great amount of drive in the students here, and I know we will make great impact as the engineers of the future.”
Yannick
The importance of a strong MSc MADE community
The MSc MADE community is considered one of the MADE program's most valuable assets. Romane emphasizes that the diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and cultures of the students bring immense value to addressing key urban challenges. These include low-carbon transitions, accessible mobility, climate resilience, and systems redesign.
"We have a range of different perspectives and ways of thinking, which we are encouraged to explore in class through debates, group work, and reflections," Romane explains. “This diversity and collaborative spirit prepare students to become metropolitan innovators and strategic decision-makers. The ability to provide transdisciplinary and multidimensional solutions is crucial for tackling the complex urban issues of tomorrow.”
The board believes that a strong community of MSc MADE students and alumni is instrumental in driving change on an urban scale. By fostering an environment of open-mindedness and integrated understanding, the MADE IT board is committed to nurturing the next generation of urban changemakers.
