Careers in Environmental Science: Meet Stefan Pfaller

Today, as a Research Engineer at Sweden’s Reference Laboratory for Air Quality - Measurements, Pfaller combines fieldwork with technical data analysis to address air quality challenges. He attributes much of his professional readiness to his time at Stockholm University, where he developed essential skills like independent thinking, data interpretation, and scientific rigour. The university’s international research collaborations and mentorship opportunities enriched his studies and provided a network that supported his smooth transition into a professional role.

For students considering a similar path, Pfaller encourages embracing the program’s flexibility and making the thesis project truly personal. Also, he found that building relationships with the teachers was key to his own journey and can make a significant difference for future students.

Stay tuned for more stories in this series, as we continue to spotlight our alumni leading the charge in environmental science.

Interview with Stefan Pfaller

MSc program and year of graduation: MSc in Environmental Science (ABC)/2023

Current position and employer: Research Engineer for Sweden’s Reference Laboratory for Air Quality - Measurements

Can you describe your overall experience in the MSc program in Environmental Science at Stockholm University?

If I had to describe my experience in one word it would be fluid/smooth. The master program was structured in such a way that during the initial stage you get a strong foundation for the overarching topics that the department works with. This is reflected in how courses are often taught by multiple professors for a week or two at a time for their area of expertise before handing the class off to the next professor. As the program goes on, topics reappear as the classes build on the initial foundation that was set. This being paired with more field- and lab-work made it easy to recognize the progress that we had made since we were now applying what we had learned instinctively. As a result, half way through the second semester I already had a strong idea of the kind of thesis project I would want to do. So, with the professors being very approachable, for me it was a matter of a few conversations to find the one that fit correctly for me. And since it was a full year thesis, the rest of my masters was ready and planned. 

During that time is when your supervisor can become a sort of mentor helping you not just with your studies but also with what you could potentially do after the masters is finished. So, the effects can definitely last further on after the program is over/longer than just the duration of the program.

How did the program prepare you for your current career path? How fast after graduation did you find employment?

I graduated in (early) June and had my current job lined up by (late) November. The program helped me both with the skills and the outlook to know what it is that I wanted in my career. For me I knew that I wanted to have a balance of some fieldwork as well as some data analysis since having only one and none of the other isn’t what I would want. Over the course of the program, I was challenged in both of those areas. Whatever the path is that I would have wanted to go down, the program develops the skills you would need no matter the field you go into. Independent thinking, backing up your arguments and interpretation of the data are critical skills that were focused on as they are the cornerstones of scientific thinking. These are also the elements that will differentiate good from great students during their thesis and thesis defense.

What were some of the most impactful projects or research you worked on during your studies?

The most impactful research projects that I worked on was my master thesis. Naturally, with it being half of my degree, it was very important but it also made me realize that both there is plenty of room for doing both research as well as more technical engineering side of the work where you evaluate instruments or methods. It was one of the main factors for why I picked the job that I did. If it would have been solely an office job doing analysis behind a desk, as interesting as it would have been, it wouldn’t have been the right thing for me.

Additionally, the week-long experiments during the lab work course were a very enjoyable way to continue developing collaborative skills with those in my group. Making sure that everyone had a chance to try sides of the experiments meant that we could each help the others in our areas of strength. 

Why did you choose to study in Sweden and how did studying in Stockholm enrich your educational experience?

I had initially narrowed my search down to the Scandinavian countries due to the strength and importance of environmental awareness here. I then finalized my search on Sweden since this is where I was born and because I had heard many great things about the culture here. The advantage that Stockholm university brought me over other universities is that you are on the front-line of science working with the experts at the top of the field. The research that you are involved in is often part of the leading research groups with many international connections that are perfect for networking and establishing a career, whether in academia, environmental monitoring, policy-making, etc.

What advice would you give to potential students considering an MSc program in Environmental Science at Stockholm University?

Make the most of your time at the university by expressing your wishes with the respective people. There is plenty of room to “customize” your experience, notably during the second year when you select the courses and thesis that you will be doing. And to some extent it can be possible for this happen while you are in the middle of it. Making the thesis your own by focusing on the element of the topic that you are most interested in is crucial. An essential part of being able to do this is by getting to know your professors and building good rapport with them. That will make communication far easier especially when it comes to clear feedback since you’ll be able to address the exact things you wish to discuss. 

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