Head of Development at the Millennium Institute

Why did you choose to study System Dynamics?

I was always interested in the area between fields and topics. System Dynamics seemed like a methodology that would allow me to navigate between different fields, without having to settle down and become a specialist in a specific subject.

What is your best memories from the System Dynamics studies in Bergen?

The best part of the my studies were (and still are) my classmates. I was lucky to be surrounded by a group of open-minded, good-hearted and interesting people. It was a period of time when I never struggled to find energy from within for my studies or challenges in life, since it was so energizing to be in that group of people.

What did you study in your master's project?

I studied the sustainability of logging in Romania at the national level.

What is your current occupation?

At the Millennium Institute, I started out as an intern during my studies, then gradually took on more responsibilities, first as a Data Analyst, then Data Engineer, then Model Developer, and now as Head of Development. I lead the development process of our core model, as well as the surrounding software elements: the data pipeline, the analytical processes, documentation and so on. Our core model, previously known as Threshold-21, currently as the iSDG model, is intended to help policy analysts and other stakeholders engage in sustainable national development planning with a holistic approach - so there is a wide area of fields and topics that we cover.

How is System Dynamics of relevance for your work?

The System Dynamics studies are of course directly relevant, since our core model is based on the System Dynamics methodology. But on a broader level, I am constantly faced with the task of understanding the implications, from both a philosophical as well as a technical perspective, of choosing to represent something from our world with a given set of numbers, or a given set of mathematical objects. This implication concerns not only the system dynamics methodology, as it touches the fundamental questions in any kind of modeling work. The System Dynamics studies were a really good starting point for me in practicing this important skill.

What is your advice to new System Dynamics students?

If you want the opportunity to work on something, just ask. Ask your teachers, ask your peers for opportunities. This was the advice that I needed early during my studies. You may need some other advice, or none at all. What applies and helps in all cases is to be mindful and to listen.