She was certain – studies were not for her. Now she is a doctoral student. When she chose to study at Dalarna University, Marieke Rynoson changed the course of her future and, what is more, the skills and knowledge she has so far acquired through her studies are in high demand.
From northern Germany, Marieke grew up in a family that every summer headed north to Sweden. Huddled in the back seat of the family car, between luggage and her father's parachuting gear, she could hardly have imagined that one day she would call the county of Dalarna in central Sweden her home.
After upper-secondary school, Marieke thought her academic life was behind her: she wanted to work with something concrete, something practical. So it was that she began an apprenticeship as a church painter, a job where her interest in historical buildings came into play and where practical work featured strongly. Her curiosity grew for the renovation of old buildings, which then led her to pursue studies in construction engineering. The next thing to happen is that she meets Rikard, a mason, and moves to Säter, a small town in Dalarna.
At first she wondered what she would do in Sweden and whether she would be able to put her education to good use. She soon found out that Dalarna University at its campus in nearby Borlänge offered a Master’s programme in energy-efficient construction, a perfect match with her previous knowledge as well as her interest in sustainable living.
– It felt like it was meant to be – that I was supposed to end up here just so that I could take this programme, says Marieke.
She soon found out that returning to student life after several years as a working professional was an easier transition than she might have imagined.
– A small university like Dalarna University really suits me: here you get to know everyone. People treat each other like equals, regardless of whether they’re a professor or a student. We get the sense that our teachers really want to see us be successful.
Her university instructor Jonn Are Myhren nods in agreement.
– We study issues related to a sustainable society, an issue that is always relevant. Our students' knowledge must always be up-to-date, and they need to follow developments as they happen. This is where our research contributes a great deal, says Jonn Are, who is director of the Master's Programme in Energy Efficient Built Environment.
Jonn Are and Marieke agree that the development and design of future energy-efficient buildings and homes are together an important social issue, one that many companies have an interest in as well, something that has not gone unnoticed.
– During the programme, we got to make regular visits to companies, which meant students got to meet a number of potential employers. It also meant that all the theory we learned was put into practice. This increased our motivation because it became clear that our skills are in demand, says Marieke.
Marieke Rynoson and Jonn Are Myren are now colleagues. While she looks forward to pursuing her studies in energy-efficient construction, they both look forward to working from the new energy-efficient university campus in central Borlänge, which will be ready for occupancy by autumn 2024.
When Marieke had completed her Master’s, she looked forward to working with the analysis of buildings to see how they could be made more energy efficient. She also wanted to combine her interest in old buildings with her new knowledge and skills in a practical way.
– But then one of my teachers asked me if I’d ever considered doing research. "What, me?" was my spontaneous response. But that's how it all began, she laughs.
Her teacher had noticed Marieke's commitment and interest during her studies and saw an opportunity for her to acquire even deeper knowledge. Over the four years to come, Marieke will study the integration of solar cells in the energy systems of buildings. What happens after that is something Marieke has yet to give any thought to. However, her interest in old buildings – the former church painter that she is – and her knowledge of how energy efficiency can be created are aspects that she hopes she can apply to her own house one day.
– My studies opened up opportunities I didn't even know I had, she says. Here I am now – somebody who didn’t plan to study at all, and now it's my job – to study! Life can always take you down surprising new paths.