Our creative Monday started with a visit to the breathtaking Senate Garden, where we were delighted to see vibrant and white peacocks roaming freely. Afterward, we picked up some unique souvenirs before heading to the Kunsthalle Museum.
At the museum, we were fascinated to learn about its striking architectural design. Due to the poor condition of the original materials, the team had to construct a new building inside the old one—ingeniously repurposing elements from the original structure to ensure sustainability while preserving its historical significance. We also explored the museum’s sophisticated climate control system, which meticulously regulates temperature and humidity to protect the artwork; each condition is closely monitored and reported.
A major highlight was the New York–themed exhibition, filled with imaginative installations: a miniature forest inside a yellow NYC taxi, a tree trunk constructed from New York Times newspapers, and a digital forest formed from images of tree-themed tattoos. Each piece creatively captured the intersection of nature and urban life.
We wrapped up the day with a networking event hosted by proud Pitt alumni, where we shared our research, passions, and fun facts with executives from leading companies like CEZ. This experience deepened my confidence in engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and building meaningful global connections—especially early in my career.
I’m especially grateful for our supportive faculty and staff, who encouraged us to introduce ourselves and seek out new opportunities. Their guidance truly made us feel at home, even thousands of miles away.
Swanson School of Engineering 