2012

Kristina Bakkær Simonsen

Political Science student, Department of Political Science and Government, Aarhus University

Kristina Bakkær Simonsen completed her Bachelor’s degree in political science in summer 2012 with exceptionally high marks which placed her among the very best students in her class. While she was studying, Kristina Bakkær Simonsen also worked as a student instructor in sociology.

Her teaching displayed a deep understanding of the field, and she excelled at getting her fellow students engaged in her classes.

She willingly took the lead in the student teacher group’s academic and didactic discussions. On the merits of her achievements, Kristina Bakkær Simonsen has been admitted to continue her studies at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe: the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Peter Moe Astrup

PHD student, Department of Culture and Society, The Prehistori c Archaeology Programme, Aarhus University

Peter Moe Astrup began his PhD degree in prehistoric archaeology in 2011 with a project on the coastlines and coastal environment of the Early Stone Age. In his work, Peter Moe Astrup combines approaches and methods from both the natural sciences and anthropology and ethnography.

He has attracted particular notice for his original contributions to maritime archaeology; he has developed new methodologies and original approaches to addressing central issues. He was a driving force behind the new maritime archaeological study at Hjarnø, which is on the Danish Agency for Culture’s top ten list of the most important finds in 2010.

Peter Moe Astrup has also taken part in a considerable number of important excavations, and he has worked as student instructor and student worker in connection with several projects at his department. Peter Moe Astrup is also active in several international research networks, including the interdisciplinary network SPLASHCOS, which is funded by the European Union.

Nina Bjerre Andersen

Medical student, The medical degree programme, Aarhus University

Medical student Nina Bjerre Andersen completed her Bachelor’s degree in medicine with exceptionally good marks.

In addition to her studies, Nina Bjerre Andersen has been extremely involved in all aspects of the degree programme as a student instructor, deputy chair of the board of studies, and member of a number of important committees, including the AU Forum for Education, where she contributes to the university’s development with her constructive criticism.

Nina Bjerre Andersen has also been involved in medical students’ social activities, particularly as director of the popular medical revue. She is currently working on her research year project, entitled Something that most of us do anyway: personal reflection in medical students. In this connection, she has established a research collaboration with Cardiff University.

Oleg Sitsel

PHD student, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics – PUMPKIN, Aarhus University

In August 2010, Oleg Sitsel, who has a Bachelor’s degree from the Tallinn University of Technology, was admitted to a PhD programme at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Oleg Sitsel’s primary focus is the atomic structure and function of proteins that transfer heavy metals across cell membranes. This extremely challenging PhD project requires a long time frame, excellent qualifications, great courage and strong motivation.

In a short time, Oleg Sitsel has achieved fine results. He demonstrates unusual insight, diligence and ability. Oleg Sitsel is a truly fine example of “brain gain” and the increased internationalisation of doctoral education at Aarhus University