The best part of my education program is its emphasis on real-world project collaboration.
Hello! My name is Anika Tahsin Rifat, and this is my story as a Spatial Systems & Society (MSc Spatial Engineering) student at ITC, University of Twente.
I come from Bangladesh - a country rich in resilience, innovation, and dynamic landscapes, where people manage resources and adapt sustainably through natural resource-based livelihoods. Growing up in this context inspired my academic interests and long-term goals. Before joining ITC, I completed my Bachelor's and Master’s in Disaster and Human Security Management at the Bangladesh University of Professionals. In my professional role, I have worked with BRAC-Bangladesh as a Regional Manager of Microfinance. Working closely with grassroots communities during this tenure sparked my interest in spatial solutions to bridge community-level insights with data-driven planning. While my previous expertise lies in planning and governance, ITC has opened doors for me to gain hands-on experience in spatial science and technical engineering, such as Digital Twin modelling, spatial data processing, and advanced GIS applications.
ITC is globally recognised for its strong collaboration in earth observation, geospatial analytics, and sustainable development. Thanks to the ITC Excellence Scholarship and the NL Scholarship, I can pursue my studies and fully engage with the advanced resources and academic environment at ITC. The best part of my education program is its emphasis on real-world project collaboration. In the first quarter, I worked on Food and Water Security in Razavi Khorasan, Iran, where limited water access poses significant challenges for both the government and local people. This project required collaboration with Iranian stakeholders and a comprehensive understanding of how the financial perspective influences spatially-informed decisions. In essence, through Spatial Systems & Society, I am learning how to utilize advanced spatial technologies to design meaningful solutions.
Beyond the academic program, my time at ITC has been transformative and fun. Recently, our program organized several excursions, including an unforgettable visit to the NL Space Campus and the Space Expo. Alongside my core studies, I am currently pursuing an Honours track to develop professional skills. This opportunity has allowed me to build a network beyond the ITC environment and has taught me how to collaborate across cultures and disciplines. I am also proud to serve as a Program Committee member to ensure student voices are meaningfully included in institutional decision-making processes.
Going forward, I am ambitious to apply my expertise in Spatial Systems & Society to improve urban planning and optimize city management to enhance the quality of life for urban communities.