26/10/2026
MEET OUR ALUMNI ⭐ In our series ‘Meet Our Alumni’ we introduce one of our alumni to you. They tell us all about their time as a student in Groningen, their current job, and how they found a job as an alumnus of the University of Groningen! Today, we asked Cristina Pop a few questions about her time at the UG and about his current jobs in sustainability.
📚 What study(s) did you pursue at the University of Groningen?
I completed the Science Education and Communication master’s programme.
💭 What do you remember most about your time studying in Groningen?
The bike rides: getting to Zernike in the morning’s busy bike traffic; struggling through strong winds, rain and cold; and in warmer weather, enjoying a bike ride in the sun and light breeze, with flowers everywhere.
💻 Where are you working now and what is your position?
Once I graduated, I started Scientifically Visual, my freelance project where I do illustration and graphic design for communicating science. I create products such as publication figures, research posters, PhD thesis covers and websites. I help research groups, scientists, and educators share their science in an engaging and clear way.
🔍 How did you approach finding a job? Did the University of Groningen also help you with this?
At the beginning it was difficult because I needed to juggle several part time jobs as I got my business: I work as a research assistant at the UG and I am also writing for UKrant as a freelance journalist. Both my research and writing jobs are a nice addition to my design work, keeping me engaged, and connected to University life. Now, a year after graduating, I have more design projects coming my way. The research position is coming to an end, which will give me more time to focus on growing my business, and reporting on the research at the University.
💡What would be your advice for recent graduates?
Be patient and keep trying. Not everything will fall into place immediately. In my case, I received a lot of support from my professors, who were able to connect me when relevant opportunities came up. So stay connected, ask people for help, and talk about what you want to achieve!
