Clotilde Formica
Tourism Destination Development Programme
Italian-born Clotilde is an alumna of the Master’s degree programme in Tourism Destination Development at Dalarna University. In her thesis Academic Air Travel: What Way Now? - Discourses on Academic Mobility among Early-Career Researchers and PhD students in the Swedish Tourism Field, she explores the culture of air travel in academia, focusing on the experiences of those at the lower levels of the hierarchy, such as early-career researchers (ECRs) and PhD students. Academic air travel is often considered essential for career progression and international collaboration, shaped by complex power dynamics and institutional expectations.
What inspired your research?
– The inspiration for this research stemmed from discussions during my programme in which mobility was a recurring topic. As I engaged with the literature and reflected on these discussions, I became passionate about investigating this issue, particularly from the perspective of ECRs and PhD students.
What were your findings?
– The findings reveal the hidden pressures and vulnerabilities stemming from the normalisation of hypermobility, exposing how this practice perpetuates divisions and fuels a taboo around addressing the topic. My thesis emphasises the need to rethink academic mobility and adopt sustainable practices. A balance between hypermobility and immobility is essential since reducing flights doesn’t mean stopping them entirely. My study calls for a holistic perspective, emphasising institutional and societal changes crucial for aligning scholars’ career ambitions with well-being and sustainability.
How do you wish the findings of your study to be used in the future?
– I hope that my work is published (fingers crossed) and that it inspires further discussion on academic mobility and sustainability. I also aim to explore the topic further through research to expand on the issues raised and advance the conversation.
How will you use the scholarship?
– I plan to use the scholarship to present my work at a conference, which will help me gain visibility, build networks, and engage in discussions that could lead to further opportunities for collaboration and research.
What advice do you have for students starting their thesis?
– My advice would be to choose a topic they are truly passionate about. The process requires a lot of patience and extensive reading, so it is very important to stay motivated. In my experience, choosing and refining the topic was the most challenging part of the project. I would also encourage students to be creative and think outside the box. Above all, enjoy the process, stay curious, and always maintain a hunger for knowledge.
Rozana Abd Alahad
Construction Engineering Programme
Rozana is an alumna of the Construction Engineeering Programme (Byggingenjörsprogrammet) at Dalarna University. In her thesis, Revit som stöd för klimatkalkyler, en fallstudie baserad på ett parhus, she explores how the software Revit can be used to streamline climate calculations. Her work was not only awarded the title of Best Thesis in Sustainable Development but was also named the Best Thesis of 2024 at Dalarna University.
– I chose this topic because I am interested in how digitalisation and efficiency improvements can simplify and enhance the process of preparing climate declarations in the construction industry, Rozana explains.
What were your findings?
– My results showed that the use of Revit simplifies the process and reduces the time required to prepare climate calculations. However, climate calculations in Revit are not entirely complete and require supplementary calculations in Excel.
How do you wish the findings of your study to be used in the future?
– I hope the findings of my study can contribute to improving and streamlining the climate calculation process in the construction industry. The use of Revit can provide a faster and more streamlined workflow, which can greatly benefit architects, engineers, and other professionals working with climate declarations. I believe companies in the construction sector, especially those focusing on sustainability and environmental certifications, can find significant value in the conclusions I have drawn.
How will you use the scholarship?
– I will use the scholarship to fund a trip to Texas, where I will participate in a short course or conference on sustainable development.
What are you doing today?
– I am currently working as a project engineer at the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket), where I focus on climate reporting and monitoring the climate impact of various railway projects.
What advice do you have for students starting their thesis?
– My advice to other students starting their thesis is to carefully choose a topic that feels both interesting and relevant to their future career. A compelling subject makes the work both more enjoyable and rewarding.