Juan Sebastian Bolívar Vasco received an ITACET Foundation scholarship for the year 2019-2020, enabling him to undertake his studies at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. Having completed his studies he wrote us the following letter to let us know how he was getting on:

Dear ITACET Foundation,

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for your generous ITACET Scholarship to study the second level Specializing Master in “Tunnel Engineering” at the Politecnico di Milano. This prestigious scholarship has helped me earn skills in Tunnel Engineering in one of the most important universities of civil engineering in Europe. I am deeply appreciative of your support!

In February, I finished the master, obtaining the maximum final grade: 110/110. The master course has provided me with multidisciplinary skills, by defining a complete and articulated framework with operational capabilities in tunnel design, underground constructions and project management. At the Politecnico di Milano, I have had the opportunity to learn from excellent academic professors and professionals, operating both at a national and an international level.

In addition, I had the amazing opportunity to do my internship in the Arup Milan Office, developing my Master Thesis in Design and Numerical Analysis of Tunnels in Anisotropic Formations, with the supervision of Professor Claudio di Prisco. I am currently Geotechnical and Tunnel Engineer in Arup Milan Office, working in wonderful tunnel projects in all the continents.

Today, different countries in the world, including my country Colombia, are undergoing important underground infrastructure development: Highways, railways, metros, urban structures and hydropower stations have a significant number of tunnels. One of my missions will be to develop and promote, technically and scientifically, the building of tunnels and underground space in Colombia and in the world.

Finally, I would like to thank you for the excellent work of the ITACET foundation, because studying a masters in tunnels is an opportunity for students and professionals to generate a better awareness of the advantages of using underground space.

Sincerely yours,

Juan Sebastian Bolívar Vasco

The ITACET Foundation congratulates Juan Sebastian on his excellent Master's results and wishes him the very best for his future. We think he'll go far!