Hallo Leute!

My name is Yağmur Yıldız, and I am about to take you on a journey through my recent internship experience at 52°North as part of my Master’s program at the University of Münster.

But first, let’s rewind a bit. My story begins during my Geomatics Engineering Bachelor studies in Turkey when I ventured to Germany for an Erasmus Internship. This adventure would spark a decision to continue my academic journey in Germany. I started my Master’s Degree in Geoinformatics and Spatial Data Science at the University of Münster in April 2022.

As part of my Master’s program, I had a six-month internship at 52°North from April to October 2023. How did I find this opportunity, you ask? Well, it all started in my Spatial Data Infrastructure course when Markus Konkol delivered an inspiring guest lecture on open reproducible research. Intrigued by what I had learned during the guest lecture, I further explored 52°North’s initiatives and contributions. I was amazed by their commitment to environmental sustainability and open-source solutions. I knew I had to be a part of it and I decided to apply for an internship. I reached out to Ben Gräler to discuss potential projects, and soon enough, I found myself starting my  internship.

During my internship, I gained practical experience using a wide range of software tools and technologies, which I put into practice while contributing to the I-CISK project. This included using Python, R, Docker, GeoServer, Geonode, and React. My tasks involved acquiring and analyzing meteorological data using software packages and APIs, exploring and developing customized visualizations in close cooperation with stakeholders, and integrating these visualizations into a climate service platform. My experience with GeoNode includes creating GeoStories and interactive web maps and customizing them using styled layer descriptors (SLD) in GeoServer. I worked on creating a Shiny app showing meteorological data. I gained valuable skills in geospatial data management, data visualization, web application development, and collaborative software development.

 

But it wasn’t just about the tech. My time at 52°North provided me with a deeper level of involvement in the projects and a strong sense of appreciation for my work. I appreciated the team spirit and the support. My colleagues were always approachable and willing to help with any questions I had. I look forward to continue my work as a student assistant and to write my master’s thesis with them.

And before I wrap up, the technologies I’ve mentioned might seem a bit daunting at first. However, let me assure you that you don’t need to be an expert right from the start. Just like me, you’ll have the chance to learn and grow during your time here. So, don’t hold back! If you’re intrigued and passionate, seize the opportunity and apply for this experience.