“ Hi, I’m Avinash !! I am born in Hyderabad, India, where I pursued my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. In 2013, I moved to Germany for higher education (master’s in metallurgical engineering). I graduated from RWTH Aachen University, Germany and did the ERASMUS (exchange program) from ETH Zürich, Switzerland. During my master’s course, I travelled to different European countries and worked at various industries & research centres, which gave me broader perspective on cultures, ethics, governance and many more. Currently, I’m doing PhD in the Institute for Non-ferrous Metallurgy and Purest Materials at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany and in verge of completing it in 2022. Apart from my professional career, I’m passionate towards protecting the environment and teach young generation about the effects of unsustainable recycling methodologies and being responsible in consumption. I would like to use my expertise and address some of these environmental issues caused by informal, inadequate, and irresponsible recycling practices (e.g. in e-waste sector). Therefore, to make the impact, I joined the EMPOWER program and it has been a great success. I love to travel and hang-out with friends when I have free time. – Thank you „