Liber Lives: Natalina Popat

Natalina Popat is a third-year undergraduate student at Balliol College, studying Spanish and Italian. She is currently undertaking a placement at Recycleye, a technology company that uses advanced machine learning, computer vision and automation to revolutionise waste sorting on a global level.

We caught up with Natalina to hear about her Liber Fellowship?experience.

What made you want to join Recycleye?

I was interested in joining Recycleye to learn more about emerging technologies. I'm passionate about solving environmental change and I believe that AI could provide a solution to many of the long-term challenges our planet faces today.?

What day-to-day tasks/activities are you currently undertaking at Recycleye?

Currently., I'm helping the start-up prepare for expansion. This includes research on international?regulations, geographical challenges and market sizing.?

Can you highlight two key take aways/’lessons’ you’ve learnt so far, either from the workshops or from your venture?

Two of the most important lessons I’ve learnt so far from my personal coach, Erika, are how to navigate the workspace during challenging times, and how to develop my self-confidence to become more assertive.

What’s been your favourite element of Liber?

My favourite element of Liber so far has been the personal coaching sessions. Erika has been so supportive and changed difficult moments of self-doubt into structured logical steps forward with a side of humour. She’s helped me feel more focused on my next steps forward as well as recognising behaviours in my past which had previously hindered me.?

Why do you think Fellowships like this are so important and what value do they add?

I think Fellowships like this are extremely important because they provide students with greater self-confidence through a programme curated to explore leadership skills. It’s a great introduction to the working world as you still have access to support and guidance from the university during your internship with a start-up.

Interested in taking part in Liber '23? Keep up-to-date with all the latest information and confirmed dates via the Entrepreneurship Centre's social media.