Christopher Wollin

Motivation
February 2004

Several visits to my mother‘s family in Peru and my stay in Washington DC awakened my interest in the various cultures and social constellations of the world. Hence my long term desire to study abroad. Since I have never been to Africa before, the opportunity to study my major in Kenya tempts me above all other possibilities.

Besides the exotic environment that I am eager to discover, the University of Nairobi offers a broad spectrum of disciplines within theoretical physics and also advanced courses on its fundamentals, which would also complement my course at the  Technical University of Berlin, allowing for a smooth transition between the two universities.
Despite the experience of former exchange students that it can be difficult to get accustomed to the course structure, which is closely ajared to the North American method of teaching and deviates from the one of a usual German university, I am confident that I will acquire good results: I am very anxious to deepen my understanding of modern physics and I am sure that by the time I return to Berlin I will have developed in this discipline. And as the German academic system is currently undergoing controversial reforms, the experience of another academic system would enable me to follow our own discussion on the reform far more objectivly.

Next to my theoretical studies, I hope to get involved with the solar-energy-project. I believe there is scarcely a better alternative to meet the global energy demand in long term than the widespread use of solar cells. I am often bemused by the hesitating global politics of the past to promote this technology. There appears to be little realization, that fossil fuels are a finite resource and that the consequences of their consumption for our environment are not yet completely understood. This is very frightning to me and therefore I would like to work on and promote a policy change on this subject. A few weeks ago, during the information evening, I understood that there are several means of doing this:

I would like to learn about the research projects of the University of Nairobi on semiconductor physics and through this obtain a better understanding of the function of solar cells. Supplementary to the studies of the physical details I also would like to broaden my general education. The UoN offers courses on Renewable Energies within the department of Environmental Sciences. Although I am not sure about the concrete contents of this course, I hope to learn more about the different concepts of sustainable energy production and their practical implementation. During the information evening we were also informed that one of the present exchange students is working besides his studies at AFREPREN, an organisation outside the university that deals with related problems regarding Africa. I would relish the opportunity to build upon his work and obtain an insight into the task of creating a political and economic basis for the use of renewable - especially solar - energy.

From this point of view, studies in the capital of Kenya not only offer the opportunity to visit an excellent university, but will also allow a closer insight on international politics regarding the sustainable development of our world by, for instance, visiting the headquarters of the United Nations Environmental Programme. If I get the chance to study at the University of Nairobi, I would also make an effort to do an internship at this institution before or after the semester.

In my opinion  the positive development of mankind will depend upon the will to exchange knowledge on key technologies, to share resources as well as to accept different cultures. In my future career I hope to advocate these principles and work on their realization. I consider my study of physics as a key to understanding technological progress and to advancing analytical thought. In short: my studies in physics are a driving passion. On the other hand I am also very interested in finding answers to questions regarding the future of our global political and economic organisation. Therefore a study visit to the University of Nairobi would be a big step to fullfil my ambitions, as I could continue my major studies, experience a foreign culture and learn more about international relations.

Christopher Wollin, February 2004