System Dynamics Analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development

Why did you choose to study System Dynamics?

After studyinig Mathematics in my Bachelor and having a strong intrest for sustainable development, I wanted to operationlise my thoughts in a structured and meaningful way. System Dynamics offered exactly that, a framework which looks into problems in a systemic fashion, bridging qualitative and quantitative reasoning, enabling participative and transparent modelling. Feeling that today's society lacks this mindset and this set of tools, it felt natural to explore this approach and start applying it to different kind of issues.

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

The master program merges perfectly the theoretical to the practical with a seemingless program structure. The fact that each class builds upon the previous one, enabled me to gain stronger confidence in the skills acquired whilst reflecting on them in a different way. All of which was only possible thanks to the amazing teaching team (professors and assistants) who are so very keen on helping throughout the learning process.

Whilst the academic is one side to the story, Bergen has so much to offer on a personal side. The extraordinary landscapes that surround the city leaft me so many memories with friends and family in the mountains or on the water that I'll remember for years to come. The beauty of the fjords and the change in seasons made me want to live outside (even with the well known Bergen rain).

What did you study in your master's project?

Following the first year of the Master, I decided to go for a full year master thesis project. This project took place at the Millennium Institute who welcomed me with open arms as a reasearch intern. Together with the team and based on my reasearch choice, I worked on an integrated analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in a Business As Usual scenario at Belgium's national level. The research consisted in calibrating and adapting the iSDG model to Belgium to then analyse the trajectory of key performance indicators. The result of the analysis concluded that the trajectories didn't lead to significant progress and in some cases a worsened situation.

What is your current occupation?

At the International Institute for Sustainable Development, I leverage system models and the Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) approach to guide climate resilient and sustainable infrastructure choices, involving quantitative and qualitative model construction. Moreover, I contribute to capacity development and integrated EU Copernicus Climate Data into economic models and decision-making resources. In other words, I provide decision makers with a systemic analysis of the infrastructure projects that concern them.

How is System Dynamics of relevance for you in your work?

All of which I have learned in the Master program in System Dynamics is directly put to use in my work. First and foremost, the systems thinking skills are directly put to use in assessing the impacts, costs, benefits of the infrastructure project I work on. Second, the rigour of the modelling techniques learnt are also directly put in use when building models. Third, tools such as Causal Loop Diagrams are directly used with the stakeholders to evaluate the scope of the project. Finally, all written and verbal skills practiced extensively during the master program are put to use on a daily basis when drafting reports or delivering outcomes to stakeholders.

What is your advice to new System Dynamics students?

The more you are involved in the master program and all the surrounding activities, the more you'll get out of it. Trust me, you can get a lot out of it!