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By Kim Donaldson

At UCU  earlier this month, students gathered for an alumni panel that brought urban geography out of the classroom and into real-world focus. Organised by geography track representative Noah van Houten ’25 and Dr. Dea van Lierop, with support from the Alumni Office, the event offered an honest glimpse into how a liberal arts education can shape dynamic, interdisciplinary careers.

Four alumni took the stage—not just to talk about what they do, but how they got there. Each story revealed a winding path marked by curiosity, uncertainty, and determination.

Viola Salemans ’12, Urban Development Strategist for the Municipality of Utrecht, spoke about planning cities with both vision and pragmatism. “I love that abstract long-term thinking with a really practical, here-and-now lens,” she said. For her, sustainable cities depend on work at every level—from individual homes to regional infrastructure.

Lena Sophie Wagner ’20 shared how a master’s in Urban Planning at Osgill University led her to the AMS Institute in Amsterdam, where she coordinates collaborative infrastructure projects. Her advice to students was simple: show up. “It wasn’t a straight line,” she said. “I reached out to people, went to events, asked questions—that’s how I found my way.”

Rosalie Fidder ’16, now an Environmental Advisor at Rijkswaterstaat, brought the conversation beyond city limits. Her work in the IJsselmeer region balances ecology, infrastructure, and public engagement. “There’s so much going on in a single project—from birds and bridges to museums and people. It’s all about balance and connection.”

Yvette Langer ’14 (UCR), lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Utrecht and expert in sustainable urban development, underscored the power of collaboration. Working at the Center of Expertise Smart Sustainable Cities, she connects students, researchers, and industry professionals. One of her recent projects: a student-led energy hub that charges scooters and bikes. “We try to link education, research, and real-world innovation,” she said.

During the Q&A, students asked questions that went beyond career steps: Where should I live? How do cities become more climate-resilient without losing cultural identity? The panelists pointed to real-world examples—like permeable historic streets—and stressed the importance of starting somewhere. “Sometimes you just have to start designing. That’s when people can begin to imagine change.”

The event closed with encouragement for students still figuring things out. Be curious. Stay connected. Trust your LAS foundation.

“You’ll find your way,” one panelist said—echoed by nods around the room.