Elvia's secondment at University of Waterloo - Ontario, Canada

I am Elvia Rufo, ESR14 in the PRORISK project. As part of my secondments I had the opportunity to undertake a research stay at the University of Waterloo (Ontario, Canada) last fall. From October to February I worked with Dr. Roy Brouwer and the Water Economics Research Group (WERG) in the Water Institute.

During my four-month stay, one of my main objectives was to carry out the methodology and data processing of my second article, with the support of Dr. Roy Brouwer. We collaborated closely on research regarding people's values and perceptions of the adverse effects of skin sensitizing chemicals on human health. In this time, I also had the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions and share my research with other researchers from different disciplines who were part of the WERG.

I was also fortunate to connect with a fun group of young researchers who were staying at the University of Waterloo during the same time. Interacting with these fellow researchers enriched my experience and fostered a strong sense of collaboration, as we engaged in stimulating discussions, shared valuable insights, and supported one another in our day to day.

In addition, my stay in Waterloo allowed me to immerse myself in the Canadian culture and meet wonderful people from different parts of the world. Exploring the charming cities of Kitchener and Waterloo together, we not only shared research insights but also enjoyed the diverse cuisine and engaging activities the area had to offer: from Ethiopian cuisine to Portuguese bakeries, and the biggest Oktoberfest outside of Germany!

During my time in Waterloo, I was lucky to be able to explore the captivating Canadian landscapes, which were especially charming during the fall season. These natural surroundings provided the perfect setting for our research stay, even during the cold winter.

At the Water Institute, I had the opportunity to participate in the engaging Water Talk sessions, where researchers from various disciplines came together to exchange ideas and insights. Interacting with fellow researchers and experts from different fields broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of interdisciplinary water research.

Working closely with the WERG and spending time with a wonderful group of young researchers I met along the way was a great experience. The connections we built and the supportive environment we fostered during our time together have had a positive influence on my research journey.

I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Roy Brouwer for his guidance, expertise, and support throughout my stay. I am also thankful to the Water Institute and the University of Waterloo for providing a supportive research environment and encouraging collaborations and discussions. Additionally, I extend my thanks to the fellow researchers at the University of Waterloo who enriched my experience with their company and the experiences we shared. Lastly, I am grateful for the support from the EU Commission under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action – European Training Network (Project No.: 859891) during my secondment.