Yasmani Alba Reyes
Cuba

"An opportunity to enhance my technical expertise in innovative wastewater treatment, contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly practices. This transformative experience aligns with my long-term goals in environmental engineering and wastewater treatment technology."

Yasmani Alba Reyes is a researcher from Cuba. He participated in the online course Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology for Wastewater Treatment.

What was your motivation for enrolling in this course/program?
I was primarily motivated to enroll in the Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology course to deepen my knowledge in a subject closely related to my research and professional interests in wastewater treatment systems. This course presented an opportunity to enhance my technical expertise and stay updated with the latest advancements in AGS technology, which are becoming increasingly relevant in sustainable wastewater management. I aimed to improve my career prospects by acquiring specialized skills that are highly valued in both academic and industrial sectors focused on environmental engineering. The flexibility to follow the course remotely allowed me to balance my professional commitments while accessing high-quality training from a leading institution. Additionally, I was driven by a desire for personal development and the opportunity to integrate innovative AGS solutions into my ongoing research projects, ultimately contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment practices.

How did/will this course impact your career or life?
The Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology course has had a significant impact on both my professional and personal development. The course provided me with in-depth knowledge of AGS processes, including their design, operation, and optimization, which are directly applicable to my current research and professional tasks in wastewater treatment systems.

I found the practical insights and case studies particularly valuable, as they bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. This training has not only enhanced my technical expertise in a critical and emerging field but also strengthened my ability to contribute to innovative solutions in sustainable water management projects. Furthermore, the course has opened new opportunities for collaboration and career advancement by equipping me with specialized skills that are highly valued in academia and industry. Overall, it has been a transformative experience that aligns with my long-term goals in environmental engineering and wastewater treatment technology.

How was your experience of learning online?
My experience of learning online was overall highly positive and enriching, despite facing significant challenges. During the course period, my country experienced widespread disruptions to electricity and internet connectivity. These unforeseen circumstances made it particularly challenging to keep up with the course materials and participate in real-time interactions.

However, the quality of the content, the clarity of the materials, and the well-structured delivery of the lectures played a crucial role in maintaining my engagement and progress. The assignments were thoughtfully designed, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, which greatly reinforced my understanding of the AGS technology. Additionally, the support from lecturers and the opportunity to interact with other learners created a collaborative and motivating environment, even in a virtual setting.

Despite the challenges, I found the flexibility of the online format extremely valuable, as it allowed me to continue accessing resources and progressing through the course at my own pace whenever conditions permitted. Overall, this experience not only enhanced my technical expertise but also strengthened my resilience and determination to overcome external challenges in pursuit of knowledge.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking of taking a similar course?
If you're considering taking a course on Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology or a similar course, my advice would be: stay organized and plan ahead; engage actively with instructors and fellow participants by asking questions or participating in discussions; focus on practical application by paying close attention to case studies and practical examples provided during the course; and make the most of the resources and materials provided in the course, such as supplementary readings and recommended tools.