Carlos Granada: "I want to make a positive impact wherever I am."
In ‘Stream of consciousness’, we give the floor to someone from the UAntwerp community. Today it is Carlos Granada’s turn. Granada completed the summer school on Urban Logistics. After that, he moved from Colombia to Belgium and he is now doing a PhD at UAntwerp.
What drives you?
Serving others drives me. I want to make a positive impact wherever I am, and I believe that if my skills can help someone else, it’s worth collaborating and doing my best.
What is your motto?
Go with the flow!
Which professor impressed you the most?
During my bachelor programme, I took a postgraduate in Transport Planning, and the professor (Carlos A. Gonzales-Calderon, Universidad Nacional de Colombia) introduced me to the topic of urban logistics. This was an entirely new perspective for me as a civil engineer. He encouraged me to attend the summer school on Urban Logistics (SSUL) to improve my knowledge. That summer school in 2023 was life-changing: I found a PhD position that perfectly matched my background and interests, fell in love with Antwerp (especially in summer!), applied for the PhD and started it in February 2024. It was a significant change for me, coming all the way from Colombia, my home country. Now, two years later, I am in the second year of my PhD and I helped organize the same summer school that changed my life, working alongside my supervisor, Joris Beckers, and an excellent team. Together, we inspire others in the field of urban logistics.
Do you have any advice for future students?
Be curious and proactive. Pursue what truly interests you, and you will feel like you are never working. Success will follow naturally.
What is your favourite memory of your student days?
Meeting my best friends, who are still by my side even though we are miles apart. It’s the best excuse to travel the world to see them.
What is the most important lesson you learned at university?
Failure teaches you more than doing everything perfectly. Learn from your mistakes and stay critical of your actions to keep improving.
What does UAntwerp mean to you today?
It is my dream workplace. I am grateful to be in such a supportive environment that helps me grow in my research career, surrounded by inspiring professors, colleagues, excellent infrastructure and helpful administrative staff.
How did your environment react to your career choice?
I grew up in a very supportive family, and both my mum and dad were proud when I got the PhD position. At first, they were a bit confused about why I would ‘keep studying’ for another four years, especially after completing a five-year bachelor and a two-year master in Colombia – while I was already working in the mobility sector. I explained to them that a PhD is not just studying; it’s about research, developing critical thinking and learning the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to a field. Now, they understand that I am not only studying but also working on research that excites me, and they are very proud. Visiting Antwerp was a beautiful excuse for them to see Europe for the first time.
My girlfriend in Colombia supported me throughout my master and PhD application process, and together, we made plans to be in Antwerp. We have now been living together for almost a year, and she just finished her master at AMS and will begin her career here. It is comforting to have her support, while experiencing the challenges and joys of a PhD and being far away from my home country.
How does your job give you satisfaction?
Seeing that my ideas spark debate and interest, with the potential to impact the status quo in urban logistics in a positive way.
What would you still like to accomplish?
I would like to see some of the ideas I am working on implemented in the real world, creating tangible benefits for society.
City or countryside?
City, for now.
Cycling or going for a walk?
Cycling.
Fiction or non-fiction?
Science fiction.