Javier

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?

My academic journey has always been about finding the perfect intersection between my passions. While studying Mathematics and Engineering Physics, I discovered two essential things about my interests: first, that I am very passionate about some of the applications of physics (especially those in the life sciences) and second, that what I enjoy the most is doing maths.

This realisation led me to pursue a mostly theoretical research internship at UC San Diego. While it was a fantastic experience, it also made me very aware that I want to be doing research with an application that genuinely matters to me.

I had previously completed highly rewarding internships in molecular simulations, and it was suddenly undeniable that I wanted to do maths for those physics applications I’ve always been passionate about. The COSSE programme at KTH (with TU Delft and TU Berlin) was the perfect fit because it offers the unique opportunity to develop the methodology and mathematical tools to perform better simulations for the sciences (and engineering). This is the ideal intersection between the theoretical work I enjoy and my desire to create meaningful applications.

What are the best aspects of your programme?

The best aspects of the COSSE programme are its incredible versatility and internationality. In my time here, I’ve had the chance to meet a diverse group of people from an extensive range of academic and personal backgrounds.

Whether you're an engineer looking to improve your mathematical skills or a mathematician who wants to apply theoretical knowledge practically, COSSE allows you to customise your curriculum to your exact needs and preferences. You could be interested in performing simulations or developing the methodology behind them. No matter your aspirations, the programme provides a strong foundation in computational mathematics. Moreover, all the partner universities offer a wide selection of courses. For example, at TU Delft, I took electives on advanced PDE theory and cutting-edge topics like physics-informed neural networks or graph neural networks. Here at KTH, I am taking electives from control theory to molecular simulations.

But it gets even better. You will be taking all these excellent courses alongside a cohort of incredible COSSE students who will become great friends. You will experience life in two of the most amazing cities in Europe (no matter which partner universities you choose), and they will introduce you to different cultures and ways of thinking that will help you grow both academically and as an individual.

Finally, the programme takes excellent care of you. The local coordinators organise regular meetings to check in on us, and we were even granted housing in Stockholm through KTH housing.

What are some of your favourite courses so far?

In the first semester of the programme, I took “Perturbation & Variational Methods for PDEs,” which served a double purpose. Not only did it give me tools to check the correctness of numerical solutions, but it also provided me with the theoretical foundation that I needed to understand courses like “Finite Element Methods” and “Non-linear Analysis for PDEs,” which were incredibly fun.

I also really enjoyed the course “Machine Learning for Graph Data” because it provided an incredibly detailed view of GNNS and included a great deal of mathematical analysis. GNNs are very present in machine learning applications in molecular simulation, so this class was very compelling.

I have just started classes here at KTH, but I am already loving my “Computational Physics” course. It covers many aspects of molecular simulation that I have always wanted to learn.

How do studies at KTH differ from your previous studies?

The studies at KTHand TU Delft differ significantly from my previous bachelor's studies at UPC, and these changes have been a very welcome part of my master's journey.

My undergraduate curriculum was very rigid with a limited number of electives. In contrast, having the freedom to choose many courses and “handcraft” my itinerary at TU Delft and KTH has been a fantastic change.

What’s more, both TU Delft and KTH have courses that are much more project-based than the courses in my Bachelor’s. While I think the traditional, class-based approach was the best way to learn foundational theory during my Bachelor’s, I believe that TU Delft and KTH’s approach is perfect for master' s-level courses, where the contents are much more specific and closer to research-level.

I particularly enjoy KTH’s structure of having two 7.5-credit courses per period (with two periods per semester). This allows me to delve deeper into the content and gain a more focused understanding.

How is student life in Stockholm?

Student life in the COSSE programme is a unique blend of experiences. I have only been in Stockholm for a few weeks but already love it. There is always something to do here. This is a beautiful, dynamic city with a lovely atmosphere. I am en route to becoming Fika’s biggest fan, and I also love Stockholm’s pubs and karaoke!

How would you describe your time at KTH so far?

My time at KTH has just started, but it has been amazing. Undoubtedly, THS (KTH student union) organises the best International Reception I've seen at any university.

The range of events is incredible, and it's guaranteed you'll make friends and have fun. KTH also has several clubs and chapters (COSSE belongs to the Physics Chapter), and although I haven't had the chance to get involved yet, they sound like a great way to have a fantastic time here in Stockholm.

What do you want to do after graduating?

After graduating, I plan to continue my academic journey by pursuing a PhD. I am incredibly passionate about research because it's an opportunity to meaningfully give back to society. I love solving complex problems and constantly learning new things.

Ideally, my PhD will be in Molecular Simulation, where I'd focus on developing new, enhanced methodologies. That said, I haven't closed the door to a research-based role in the industry. It would be gratifying to see the results of my work have a more direct and immediate impact.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?

To any student considering COSSE and KTH for their master’s studies, I say go for it! If you are passionate about computational mathematics, this programme will give you the best possible preparation for your next step, whether in academia or the industry.

In the meantime, you will have the incredible experience of living in two of the best cities in Europe, surrounded by a fantastic cohort of students. You’ll be sharing a unique journey that will undoubtedly expand your horizons.