Bridging knowledge and innovation

At Aquaporin, Rebecca Learie has taken on a student worker role. A bachelor's student in Chemical and Bioengineering, Rebecca is both learning and contributing to an environment she describes as a melting pot of nationalities, much like her upbringing in Brussels, where she attended a European school.

Rebecca's work at Aquaporin focuses on testing and fine-tuning membranes to ensure their functionality, quality, and performance. This hands-on experience has given her insight into the company's core technology.

Collaboration across departments

What makes her role unique is her interaction with different departments. Collaborating with teams in Research and development, Quality Control, and Operations has given her a broad understanding of how the company functions.

"Connecting with different departments has given me a holistic view of the company," Rebecca shares, and continues:

"It's an opportunity to see how all the moving parts come together to work towards a common goal."

This cross-disciplinary exposure is valuable for someone starting a career in Chemical and Bioengineering. It has strengthened her technical knowledge while also providing insight into project management and execution in a commercial setting.

Each day presents new challenges that help reinforce her foundational skills, while pushing her to think critically and work collaboratively.

"I have been able to apply what I've learnt in lectures to real-world scenarios here," she reflects, "but even more so, I have discovered the importance of cross-functional teamwork in achieving complex goals."

Feeling at home

Rebecca also appreciates the international environment at Aquaporin. Having grown up in Brussels and attended a European School, she is used to diverse settings - something that is making her feel right at home.

"Working in such a diverse workplace feels natural and enriching," Rebecca says.

"It takes me back to my school days in Brussels, surrounded by people from all over Europe. Here, that same dynamic brings new perspectives, ideas and a sense of unity around a shared mission."

For Rebecca, this role is more than just a student job. It is an opportunity to apply technical knowledge in a real-world setting, while gaining experience in a collaborative, innovative environment.

As she continues her studies, she is developing the skills and perspective needed to pursue a career in the field. Her experience at Aquaporin highlights how companies can support young talent by providing practical experience and exposure to a global workplace.